TRAVEL: All roads lead to Mullingar

SOMETIMES it’s the little things that make all the difference.

I have noticed, for instance, that Wi-Fi coverage in some hotel bedrooms can be patchy, to put it mildly, leading to endless frustration and multiple trips to the ground floor to get better coverage.

You won’t have that problem at the Mullingar Park Hotel as the staff seem to have a particular eye for detail when it comes to looking after their guests’ needs. 

Indeed, once our youngsters had enthusiastically confirmed that their various devices were all connected to the internet, we were able to turn our attention to the more pressing matter of our accommodation. I’m happy to report that both of our inter-connecting rooms were very well appointed, with all the trimmings you’d expect of a quality four-star hotel – large, comfortable beds with oversized pillows, multi-channel TV, tea/coffee making facilities, luxury ensuite bathroom etc. There are 95 guest bedrooms in total, each one as tastefully furnished and decorated as the next.

Before dinner, we spent some family time together in the Azure Leisure Club, which boasts a 20-metre pool, with separate children’s area, a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool. Renowned as one of Westmeath’s leading fitness centres, there is also a state-of-the-art gym, although we weren’t feeling energetic enough to avail of the facilities during our recent visit. If you feel like pampering yourself, the Azure Beauty Rooms offer a wide range of treatments for both men and women.

We were faced with a choice of dining options at the hotel but opted to eat in the child-friendly Horseshoe Bar. The children’s menu was imaginative and varied, even offering junior steak portions for the little carnivores in our family. One of our children is on a strict gluten-free diet and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful in ensuring that her requirements were met.

For our next visit to the Mullingar Park Hotel, we have promised ourselves dinner at the award-winning Terrace Restaurant, which is also home to a popular buffet lunch.

It’s worth noting that the hotel is one of the most sought after wedding venues in the country and has a range of banqueting suites to suit parties of all sizes. One of the most impressive features of the Mullingar Park Hotel is the Courtyard Lounge, overlooking the landscaped gardens, which is the perfect venue for pre-reception drinks and refreshments. You can see all this for yourself when the hotel hosts its wedding fair on January 17, from 2-6pm.

Mullingar may not immediately spring to mind when choosing a short break destination. More’s the pity, as this thriving Westmeath town and surrounding Lakelands region has plenty to offer, be it for a family holiday or a romantic getaway for two. The town’s commercial heart still beats loudly, despite years of recession. But Mullingar has bounced back from these difficult times and continues to be an important economic hub for the Midlands. 

Last year, Mullingar was presented with a Purple Flag, which is the highest award for a vibrant and safe evening and night-time economy in Europe. And it’s easy to see why – the town is positively buzzing with lively pubs, a great choice of restaurants and entertainment venues.  Let’s not forget, of course, that this is the birthplace of the late showband legend Joe Dolan, whose statue stands proudly in the town centre.

Culture vultures will find lots to love about this historic market town and can follow the signposted Mullingar Town Trail. Guided tours of the town also start from Market Square. Nearby Belvedere House, Gardens and Park is another popular destination, attracting over 160,000 visitors a year.

The lakes provide a stunning backdrop to the town, making Mullingar comparable with any of Ireland’s top scenic destinations. Needless to say, the lakes and rivers also offer ample opportunities for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The river angler can fish along the Inny, Brosna and Deel and open season runs between March and September. Add horse riding, golf and pet farms to the mix and you get a true sense of what the Mullingar area has to offer.

And here’s the clincher: Mullingar is less than one hour’s drive from Dublin, meaning you can enjoy a well-earned break without having to spend most of the time in your car. It makes the prospect of a weekend away all the more inviting, knowing that you will arrive relaxed and go home refreshed. The Mullingar Park Hotel is located just off the N4 Dublin to Sligo road, on the outskirts of the town.

For full details of things to do or to check out the special offers available at the Mullingar Park Hotel, visit www.mullingarparkhotel.com. Bed and breakfast rates start from €70 per person sharing with dinner available for a very reasonable €35. There is also a special midweek offer of bed and breakfast with a sumptuous dinner from €89 per person sharing.

You can contact the Mullingar Park Hotel on 044-9337500.