The town of Ennis has long been known for its hospitality and at the center of it for well over 100 years, has been the Old Ground Hotel. Opened as a hotel in 1895, the property was formerly a private dwelling but had a long and tumultuous history from the late 1890s. Just before the War of Independence that led to the infamous ‘Easter Rising,’ Sinn Fein and the IRA used the building as their headquarters. It was here in 1917 that Eamon de Valera was chosen to contest the East Clare Seat as MP – de Valera would later go on to be the President of Ireland in 1959. Much of the hotel’s contents were burned during the Irish War of Independence in 1921 but gradually restored and rebuilt over time. The hotel also had many famous visitors back in its early days of operation. Charles Lindbergh, the famed pilot, stayed at the property while scouting for locations to open a transatlantic route and Pan-Am passengers used a room in the hotel called the ‘Blue Lounge’ as a resting point before boarding at Shannon.
The ivy-clad exterior of the building provides a great sense of importance and arrival while inside, the public areas in the Old Ground are like walking back in time. Beautiful artworks adorn the walls from famous Irish and International artists, and there are some beautiful antiques dotted around the property such as the restored c1840’s Grandfather Clock which proudly sits at reception. The open fires, comfortable sofa’s and beautiful lighting make your arrival into the Old Ground a memorable one.
There are four different room types at the property ranging from Classic, Deluxe, King & Junior Suites through to Superior Suites. Every guest room affords residents complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite television and air con on request. Many of the rooms have original architectural features such as sash windows and protruding wooden beams that give added character, and requests for specific rooms can be made at check-in. All of the guest rooms at the Old Ground are tastefully decorated with traditional furniture, luxury bed throws and are finished in beautiful pastel shades of duck egg and soft beige in particular. The King and Junior Suites afford golfers the best space, with a dedicated sitting area and two double beds in the room, they are ideal as a twin option. King Suites have bay windows with a beautiful aspect towards the cathedral and vast floor space, ideal for any golf vacation.
Finally, the Brendan O’Regan and O’Connell Suites are the epitome of luxury and grandeur at The Old Ground Hotel. The view of the cathedral through the original sash windows, the tall ceilings, and the characterful wooden beams add a great ambiance to these suites. They are decorated with subdued pastel tones and extremely comfortable furniture; perfect accommodations for individuals or couples.
There are three different dining areas in the hotel. The ‘Town Hall Bistro’ is the original Ennis town hall building. From morning coffee through to evening meals, the bistro serves great locally inspired dishes. In the ‘Poet’s Corner Bar’ you will get to experience what we would describe as tasty bar staples! Hearty soups, great sandwiches, wholesome pies, and great seafood dishes are available daily, with great Guinness not too far from hand. The bar is entirely wooden clad, with high chairs surrounding it, making it a charming atmosphere. Intimate little snugs and alcoves are nestled in corners, ideal for those looking some privacy or quiet time. The bar has regular Irish music year-round with a trad session every weekend. Finally, in the ‘Brendan O’Regan Restaurant,’ the cuisine is more formal. Home to hotel residents breakfast service, the remainder of the day is given over to fine dining. The emphasis is very much on locally produced and inspired dishes made from seasonal vegetables and meat, fish and game with regional provenance.
The Old Ground and the town of Ennis is a perfect base for golf in Lahinch or Doonbeg, both of which are only a thirty-minute drive from the hotel. The character of the Old Ground makes it a firm favorite of guests of the Consummate Pro, and we highly recommend it to our guests on a golf trip to Ireland.