Ashgrove House

We just stayed at Ashgrove House this May after our trip from San Diego, resting up for two days before our tour of Ireland began, and returning on the night before we departed home, as our flight left before our tour returned to Shannon Airport .
The proprietor, Sheila, is an absolute treasure. She looks after her guests like a mother hen, whether in terms of driving to pick you up in nearby Bunratty when it’s raining or fixing wonderful breakfasts, including those «to go» for early AM airport departures.
You will probably be offered tea and fruit during the day, have arrangements made for a cab to pick you up and/​or drop you off at Shannon Airport, which is not too far away (she has her own favorites, with whom she works on a regular basis… ask for Peter). In short, it’s whatever you need to make your stay seamless, and free of the stress of travel.
By the way, if you arrive after a long flight, don’t be surprised if Sheila sends you to bed for a two (not one or three) hour nap.
If it’s a bit cold or damp (Ireland’s summer takes place this Sunday), you may be provided with an Irish coffee.
Sheila is a treasure trove of information on the history and all aspects of Ireland, and all you have to do is ask… whether it has to do with «The Troubles,» the Irish economy, her kids and family… it’s like being invited to someone’s home, without having to deal with the relative (s) you can’t stand.
Her melodious voice wafts through from the kitchen to the dining room, as she makes soda bread or fresh scones.
The rooms are very comfortable, with those toward the front having a view. The mattresses are heated, which is nice. The shower pressure could be a bit stronger, but that’s only a minor inconvenience.
Rooms are cash (Euros) only, but there is no charge for playing with the house terrier, Sydney, who is not allowed on the sofa. Yeah… right.
I could have just said, «I loved it,» but that wouldn’t be doing Sheila and her Ashgrove House justice.
As Sheila put it, «You could stay at the airport, but you wouldn’t get ME!!!»
Indeed.
Richard Luros and Barbara Levin
San Diego