My wife and I visited the Hotel Ibis at Red Cow as part of an Osprey’s rugby trip to see the first-ever Manger’s League Grand Final against Leinster at the RDS Arena in Dublin.
The hotel is positioned off the M50 dual carriageway and, whilst our coach driver drove directly from the port to the lodge without incident, the road layout seemed a little confusing and I was pleased not to have been driving.
The hotel however was ideal for this weekend stay, and was a mere five minute walk from the Luas tram service which ran regularly to and from the city centre. We found that the locals were happy to answer all our questions on where best to disembark and how to pay for the journey (as there did not seem to be any staff at the station). The banter and comradeship we received from our Celtic cousins on the tram was inclusive and amusing – a theme, we are pleased to acknowledge, continued for the whole of our stay.
Check in of our rowdy party, was handled with helpful efficiency and we were quickly dispatched to our rooms. Whilst the hotel may be classed in the budget category, we found our en-suite room to be well maintained, clean and functional. The bed was extremely comfortable and the bedding and towels seemed brand new. The room was also provided with tea making facilities. It would have been nice to have been able to open the window a little more than was allowed, but I also understand that guests staying with children would favour the way the windows were configured.
I was initially concerned when I noticed how close the hotel was to the M50; however the glazed windows, blackout blinds and a sup or two of Guinness ensured a good night’s sleep.
The Irish breakfast was very good on both mornings, with lots of choice and exceptional quality. The evening meal, which was only taken quite late one evening, was also of very high standard.
The desk, bar, restaurant and cleaning staff we encountered during our stay were all first class.
Dublin is one of the friendliest cities my wife and I have ever visited, and we found that the many varied and diverse attractions were all well worth the money.
Our thanks go to Lienster rugby fans, who’s repartee and sociability made our weekend. Thank you so much.
I have no concerns in recommending this hotel, and look forward to visiting when the Osprays or Wales again challenge for yet another championship.
