The Eccles Hotel dominates the entrance to Glengarriff and presides over Bantry Bay.
It is surrounded by the most majestic scenery, but it was the views out over the Bay that immediately grabbed our attention.
First impressions tell me that this is a hotel with charm. The Victorian facade with its wrought-iron verandas give yesteryear vibes. Steeped in history, this iconic hotel has been welcoming guests for more than 250 years, under a variety of names, finally becoming the Eccles Hotel in the late 1800s. I love that it has been host to many famous people, including WB Yeats and GB Shaw.
This is no standard, modern, ‘chain hotel’. I feel I am stepping back in time as I cross the threshold. The lobby is bright, but has an old-world ambience, with comfortable armchairs, chandeliers and old paintings.
Bedrooms are small enough and quirky (unless you are in The Yeats Suite) but perfectly adequate. More important for me was the lovely view right over the Bay. Our bed was extremely comfortable and the rooms have what one would normally expect from a 4-star hotel: robes, water, coffee and tea-making facilities. The bathroom was modern with an excellent shower (no 19th century plumbing here).
TOP CLASS FOOD
Now here was where the Eccles really excelled. The breakfasts were truly divine. A lovely buffet with fresh fruits, yogurts, homemade breads, pastries etc and made-to-order Eggs Benedict, full Irish fry, waffles and so on set us up for the day ahead.
The chef Eddie Atwell has a reputation for using locally sourced produce and brought his experience working abroad in a Michelin Star Restaurant to Glengarriff. Dinners were delicious and beautifully presented.
SUPER STAFF
The staff set the tone of a hotel. From the moment we were welcomed by Sinead to the moment we left and were wished a safe journey by Mary, we felt cherished. Equally friendly and helpful were the restaurant staff and I wish I could remember their names. One lady has been working there for forty years and her grandchildren now work with her.
HOTEL SPA
Oh, that hot tub and sauna looking out over Bantry Bay was just what the doctor ordered.
Then it was a facial for me and a massage for Graham, ending with a little nap in the Relaxation Room. The lovely Aoife looked after us beautifully using Voya products.
WEDDINGS AT THE ECCLES HOTEL
It is also a wedding destination, with people coming from all over the country and also from America to have their reception in The Eccles Hotel. There was great excitement as we watched a bride and groom arrive with their families and friends the day before we left. GG (Gorgeous Graham) just happened to meet Mags the wedding co-ordinator and he went to check out the ballroom.
Maybe he is planning his next wedding? He will probably murder me for including this!
GLENGARRIFF
If you do go to Glengarriff, you have to visit Garinish Island which features a walled Italian Garden, a Martello tower and a Grecian temple.
And you must indulge in coffee and scones in the cafe when waiting for the return ferry.
We also went walking in the magical Glengarriff Oak Woods on another evening with our friend Helen, who lives nearby. Seriously, it was like entering an enchanted forest. It was all the more special, because I had recently read Cauvery Madhaven’s latest book, ‘The Inheritance’, which I loved.
The woods are central to the plot and it was there that O’ Sullivan Beare and his followers had hidden for months and where hundreds had perished. The book blends history and fiction seamlessly.
There is certainly plenty to do in and around the village without ever venturing further afield.
We did explore a little further on The Beara Peninsula when we were there, but that will have to wait until another post.
And if you are heading to West Cork and are are looking for a unique hotel for some rest and relaxation, friendly, welcoming staff, excellent food and beautiful views, then check out The Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff. If you are on Instagram, I will have some more photos and stories up soon.
Thanks for reading.
Hilda x
*My stay at The Eccles Hotel was gifted but I was under no obligation to write a review.
