Carrickdale Hotel & Spa

Our wedding on August 14th at the beautiful Carrickdale Hotel in Co. Louth will stay in our hearts forever. John Griffin and I were getting married back home in Ireland while planning from New York, and David Connell made the whole process feel calm and organised. Time differences, late nights, endless questions, and last-minute changes never seemed to faze him. There were even calls when he wasn’t working and messages answered straight away, so I always knew David had things under control. John and I could relax, be present, and enjoy every moment. My dad was very sick at the time, which made the day emotionally difficult. David understood without needing an explanation and treated us with compassion and respect. He thought of the quiet moments and small details, making sure Dad was comfortable, included, and able to enjoy the day. We’ll never forget that kindness. The day felt seamless, beautiful, emotional, and full of love, thanks in large part to David’s care and dedication. If you’re considering the Carrickdale Hotel for a wedding, you’re getting someone who truly cares, as well as a coordinator. Thank you, David, from the bottom of our hearts. We’ll always be grateful. 🤍 — Donna & John

The leisure centre is top class, with a great pool, sauna, steam room, and outdoor tub. Breakfast was excellent, the staff were very friendly, and the bar food was very good. The bar itself is welcoming and has a bit of life to it. It’s a lovely hotel and good value, especially if you’re travelling to Belfast since it’s close to the motorway. I could hear a little motorway noise in my room, but it didn’t bother me. I’d highly recommend it and will stay again.

We’ve stayed at this hotel several times and never had a problem before, but New Year’s Eve was disappointing. By 7.30pm the main bar, where the entertainment was on, was full, so we couldn’t get near it. We sat in reception behind a group making so much noise that our own group couldn’t talk comfortably. We went back to our room to watch TV and bring in the New Year, which was our preferred option anyway, but then teenagers ran along the fifth floor kicking doors and left us terrified. We eventually called reception. What annoyed me was how extortionate the room price was for what we got. Other places we’ve stayed made sure residents had access to dinner and entertainment. The hotel was very lively and loud that night.

The outdoor hot tub is my favourite, a lovely spot to unwind and take in the views. The kids love the pool, and getting them to leave is the hard part. They also have enough room to play in the spacious bedrooms, and each floor has a water cooler that’s handy for filling their bottles. Breakfast works really well for families, with bowls and cups for younger children. We love dinner in the lounge, especially the honey chicken. The staff are all so friendly and lovely with the kids, making them feel at home. It’s our favourite hotel, and we can’t wait to book again.