The Briers

We slept well, and the bed was really comfortable. The location is great, and the host was welcoming and gave us good suggestions for food. Room number 9 needs some serious updating, though: the carpet was stained and threadbare, and the decor felt like stepping back into 2007. The shower only worked partly, and breakfast was at minimum standards.

We left a day early. There was nobody around, so we had to phone, and when we got through they weren't helpful. I tried making ice in the machine, but all that came out was brown sludge from the water lines. The beds were uncomfortable, the sheets were stained, and the comforter had several red spots that I couldn't identify. The walls are very thin, so you can hear people easily. Breakfast was self serve with very limited choices. Coffee was the only plus.

The views were the only good thing about a really disappointing Valentine's weekend. The room looked okay at first, but then we noticed water damage across most of one wall in the corner. When we sat down, the bed was broken in the middle. Underneath, we found a snapped wooden plank held by one screw. There were black marks on the walls, cobwebs in several places, and the TV remote was held together with a plaster. The bathroom had no hand soap, and the showerhead was disgusting and moldy. A light was hanging off the wall. When we tried to complain, there was no staff around. The only option was to call a man called Darren, who sounded like he already knew about these problems. We were given a full refund, but this room shouldn't be listed in such terrible condition. The stay was unacceptable and very disappointing.

The place was lovely, and the staff were kind and welcoming. We only stayed the night, but our room looked out over the pasture. It was lovely to leave the window cracked and hear the sheep nearby. On our West/Northwest loop of Ireland, this was one of the two places I really enjoyed. The other was Carnside near the Causeway. We also had a wonderful meal at Villa Vinci nearby, an Italian place that's definitely worth visiting. Make a reservation.