Ballymascanlon Hotel and Golf Resort

There’s plenty to enjoy on the grounds, and it’s lovely to walk around the gardens. The hotel also has a golf course, restaurants, and a bar, along with a gym with weights and aerobic equipment, a pool, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and outdoor jacuzzi for residents. I think the tennis courts were being resurfaced or paddleball courts installed when I was there at the end of February 2026. I’ve stayed several times. It’s handy for Carlingford, Dundalk, and Drogheda, and we took the train to Dublin from Dundalk. It has everything you’d want from a hotel.

The restaurant food is on another level. Try the lamb or salmon mains, I’d travel up every week just for those. I came from Dublin for a night away, and as always, the place was spotless. Reception and waiting staff were really friendly and helpful, especially Barry in the restaurant, who’s amazing at his job. The pool and all the facilities were clean too.

I hadn’t been here before, though I know it’s well known around Ireland. The hotel sits in lovely grounds and countryside, still not too far from Dundalk. Staff were very friendly, and my room was nice and clean, maybe a little dated. I’d definitely recommend it.

The rest of the hotel is gorgeous and the staff are lovely, but the room was so uncomfortable that we went home early. The carpet was dusty and looked about 30 years old, and the bed and pillows seemed just as old. It was awful.