My family and I spent one night here in November. The setting is wonderful. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.

We were very disappointed with the service. For a 5 star hotel, we really expected more. There didn’t seem to be anyone in charge on the evening of our stay. Bar staff in Father Browne’s seemed to have little knowledge of the job. Leaving pints sitting on the counter for 15 minutes before bringing them to the table. When you pay that much for a night, it’s the little things that will set you apart from other establishments and unfortunately, it didn’t happen on the night of our stay.

I’d go back with the hope it was an off night.

We decided to celebrate my partner's birthday as the restaurant was recommended highly.
I rang the phone on the website (which is the only one displayed) and weaned to book a table for 7 pm. I was told by a very polite gentleman that they could welcome is at 6:15 or 9 pm only. I booked the table for 6:15 but we were travelling and I knew we may not make it on time, I said we may be late and was asked to call to let the staff know. We were running about 15 minutes late, I thought the restaurant would be fully booked and we may lose the table, I rang the same number 3 times but no one answered. My partner had to drive much faster that I would like , and believe me, the road to the castle is not the safest one at night.
Anyway, we arrived and were welcome , the restaurant was hardly full and we chose a table.
At the beginning the staff were very attentive but as the night went on and more people arrived, we were served the main coarse and they completely forgot about us. We finished our meal at 7:45 waited till 8 pm for someone to come and collect the empty dishes when I waved at the waiter and asked him for the bill, telling him we don't want any candles or " soft touches " as I was promised when booking.
I deliberately observed the restaurant, there were 3 empty tables at my sight, my partner said there were more.
We waited for the bill quite a long time and I had to ask another member of staff. After that the bill came immediately and a girl approached us and asked us if we enjoyed the dinner.
I told her all above and said I was leaving a tip for the kitchen only as the food was very good and very well presented. She put the most insincere " I am so sorry " I have ever seen which annoyed me even more and asked her to stop apologising and justifying and let us leave.
On the way out another member of staff told us the booking slots were determined by a computer and they could not change them, something l find ridiculous if they pride to be a 5 star restaurant.
We love Merlot but we couldn't find any on the wine list which was priced reasonably.
We ordered a different red which was described as "full bodied" but was quite watery with vinegarish taste.
They attempted to offer a night cap but we refused.
I think we were disappointed because we went there with high expectations only to receive a mediocre service.