Hotels: Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare

Residents Lounge, Old Ground Hotel

"Have you everything, pet?"

To be honest, we reckoned they had all gone to that great hotel in the sky. You know who we mean: that kindly lady, of advancing years, who marches around the hotel breakfast room, taking your order, bringing your tea, and who calls you "pet" or "love" or maybe even "dear".

Well, if that is your idea of who you want to look after you first thing in the morning when you are a-travelling, then stay at the spick and span Old Ground Hotel, in Ennis, County Clare. For there, amidst many other kindly staff who seem to be getting a great buzz from their work, you will meet the Breakfast Room lady who calls you "pet", or "love", or "dear"

Junior Suite, Old Ground Hotel

Mind you, there are other reasons to choose the Old Ground. Ever since they created the new 4th and 5th floors last year, they have shown just how to do a hotel room that is classy, comfortable and splendidly commodious without being at all over the top: these are some of the choicest and most comfortable rooms we have stayed in in Ireland in recent times.

And, what's more, there is some nice food to be had in their bistro, The Town Hall, and again it is served by very charming staff in a gorgeous room notable for its extraordinary street windows and some winning works of art. We had some deliciously sweet local lamb that was cooked well and straightforwardly, and whilst vegetables could be more imaginative, this was good bistro cooking with a proper emphasis on direct flavours. We had a great time: we felt looked after, and that's just the way we want to feel, pet.

Old Ground Hotel and Town Hall Bistro, Ennis, Co Clare

Tel: 065 6828127 www.flynnhotels.com