City North Hotel by dasher
The Four Star City North Hotel is quietly set back from the hassle of city life, yet convenient to city living, being located just 15 minutes north of Dublin Airport along the M1 Dublin-Belfast motorway at junction 7, City North Hotel is easy to find. I had travelled to the City North Hotel on Friday, 24th June, 2011 to attend performances by the irredeemable Jerry Fish and the Mud Bug Club, and the main act of the evening the sensational Irish guitarist and vocalist Damien Dempsey, born in Donaghmede on Dublin's Northside in 1975, Damien Dempsey is the voice of that underclass and the quintessential Irish singer songwriter.
Upon arrival at the City North Hotel I noted the spacious FREE car parking which is well landscaped with an array of shrubbery and young trees. The tasteful landscaping allows the City North Hotel to sit easily into the natural local environment.
The reception area of the North City Hotel is modern with clean lines and minimalist décor; the main walls were adorned with the work of known artists’ Ian Fleming and Mary O Rourke. The featured piano in the reception adds a light classic mood of tradition and hospitality and I was informed that on Saturday evenings relaxing melodies are played by Peter Devine the popular cocktail pianist. The receptionists while busy were pleasant, professional and courteous to the many guests arriving for their short breaks and overnight stays.
Having been given clear directions to the concert venue and being invited to retire to the The Tara Lounge at the City North Hotel to enjoy something to eat or drink, I was quickly seated and viewing the menu. The Tara Lounge is directly accessed from reception, and while upon my visit it was busy it has a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service.
The Tara Lounge is set in a modern bar atmosphere where young and old, families and couples, groups and individuals sit comfortably to enjoy fine food and drinks. The Tara Lounge menu offers a wide range of fine food and value for money prices. On Friday 24/6/2011 a Special 10oz Irish Beef burger with side orders was also on offer at a reasonable price of 10 Euro.
The wine list is favourable with a decent French Red costing 20.45, Croix des Cabernet Sauvignon, Vin de Pays d’Oc, a fruity cascade of deep red, with hints of blackberries and spicy overtones. This is a full-bodied wine with a structure that is soft yet intense, just what was needed before engaging with Jerry Fish and his many inter-audience activities. A full and satisfactory wine list is available.
Disappointment with the Tara Lounge came at two points; firstly there was no water on the tables, which is a given practicality in most eateries in 2011. Secondly, was timing, while my order for the Americano style 10oz Sirloin Steak was taken promptly and politely, forty-five-minutes after having my order taken I found myself engaged in conversation with customers at surrounding tables who had been waiting for up to an hour for their orders. These were not complicated dishes with some customers having only ordered the Burger that was on Special.
While front of house staff seemed to be plentiful in number, one could not help wonder if the kitchen had been left short, with a Faulty Towers type episode unwinding in back of house. However, all was not lost, when my meal was delivered it was presented to the highest standards. This was a good cut of locally produced steak, which was succulent and very, very, tasty. This steak was cooked to Pierre White standard and was garnished with fresh salad and homemade chunky chips. The meal was worth the wait and was a feast on scrumptiously cooked fresh local produce. The Table d'Hote menu is available all day and through the evening until 9.30pm.
I was informed that there is a daily carvery 12-3pm and 12-5pm on Sundays, that carvery caters for all dietary requirements and daily specials including a vegetarian option. The Tara Lounge also offers afternoon cream tea at a reasonable and value for money 25 Euro per couple.
The City North Hotel has live entertainment each weekend, FREE 24 Hour coach transfer service and FREE parking for the duration of your holiday. It hosts a fully fitted Fitness suite, kid’s games room, beauty treatment and massage suite.
Lazy Sunday is a speciality at the City North Hotel, where relaxation, catching up with friends and the Sunday papers is central to the ambiance; the City North Hotel presents relaxing live music playing in the hotel lobby each Sunday. From double bass & piano, to harpist or soulful samba rhythms, enjoy the experience any Sunday from 1.30pm, patrons told me that Sunday is a must at the City North Hotel.
Having enjoyed my hearty meal, I entered the function room where I was treated to a crescendo of musical delights with Jerry Fish followed by the legendary Damien Dempsey.
While the City North Hotel may be Four Star it gets the maximum ***** 5 Stars from dasher.
Tel: 01 690 6666 E-mail: info@citynorthhotel.com
The 4 star City North Hotel is within easy reach of Killeen Castle in Meath - home of the 2011 Solheim Cup.
Enjoy genuine value hotel packages for music concerts, rugby and soccer matches, festivals and events throughout the year when staying at ****City North Hotel. The price for overnight in a deluxe guestroom with return coach transfer (to any of the venues listed above in Dublin) is €45 pps ALL YEAR ROUND.
Tel: 01 690 6666 E-mail: info@citynorthhotel.com