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Overview
This family-run hotel is set in the picture-postcard Co Clare village of Bunratty, which is a stone’s throw from the iconic and world-famous visitor attraction of Bunratty Castle. The Bunratty Manor is a Boutique Hotel owned and run by the Wallace family. The Bunratty Manor was built by John Costello whose family have strong local connections to thoroughbred horse breeding in the local area which inspired the 3-horse logo on the front of the property. Visitors to the Manor can absorb the local horse breeding, racing and hunting tradition which is on view in the hotel bar and public areas through a photographic and memorabilia display. The Bunratty Manor was purchased by Noel and Fiona Wallace in 2002 bringing a hospitality and personal service provenance that continues to be a hallmark of the business today. This family business is now in the hands of the next generation of Wallace hoteliers, operated by siblings Maureen and David Wallace helping to bring this family business to the next level of excellence, with continuing guidance and direction provided by founders Noel and Fiona. There is a country house elegance about this business that is evident from the moment you walk through the front door; this is complemented by a personal & professional service and a fine dining standard of food in a friendly and welcoming setting.
Read MoreDining
The Bunratty Manor restaurant is named after Noel Wallace the co-founder of the hotel who established the food and service ethos of this business.
Today, this business foundation has grown and evolved through the stewardship of the Wallace siblings who bring international hotel keeping and a professional Shannon College of Hotel Management experience to this thriving business. If it is breakfast, Sunday lunch, restaurant dinner or a private event the food experience will not disappoint.
The day we visited, David Wallace was the manager on duty and he was very much the hands-on ‘mine host’ extending that friendly welcome and putting first-time customers at ease and acknowledging returning guests by name.
The restaurant at the Bunratty Manor ‘Noel’s at the Manor’ has a reputation for food excellence, professional service and attention to detail. The hero and selling point of this Boutique Hotel is the exceptional food and service experience. This restaurant is a hidden gem and a ‘go to’ destination for visitors from Co. Clare and the surrounding area.
Through Executive Chef Gary McGorrian, the business commitment to locally sourced fresh produce is in safe hands. The menu offer is sprinkled with standout local and Irish ingredients and the policy of name-checking the suppliers to the business is an acknowledgement of Bunratty Manor’s recognition that they are an important stakeholder in the success of the business, this is to be commended.
Chef Gary and the kitchen team prepared a master class food tasting off the dinner menu, displaying the best of fresh local ingredients, seasonality and innovation. When we visited, our server brought a surprise taster to start the dining experience of an Amuse-Bouche which included 2 items, a bite-size beef tartar sandwich in a small leaf-shaped parmesan tuile and a quail egg (scotch egg style) coated in black pudding crumb. It set the tone of what was to come.
The chef cooked a delicate starter of fresh prawns and crab claws in garlic butter presented in a mini copper pan with toasted sourdough on the side. For the main course the chef cooked us dry-aged Hereford Ribeye to perfection and as a surprise, the chef made it a ‘surf & turf’ experience by adding 3 jumping fresh baby scallops landed in nearby Doonbeg.
The homemade desserts on offer bookended the dining experience with a showstopper display of pastry and dessert skills.
The chef and his team displayed a confident service with quality skills, cooking techniques and innovation on display. The front of house was matched with polished and knowledgeable service skills.
Rooms & Facilities
Bunratty Manor Hotel has a lovely accommodation offering that complements their amazing restaurant. This boutique accommodation features all the delightful comforts you can expect from a relaxing getaway.
The Bunratty Manor Hotel has 20 ensuite bedrooms. All rooms have been recently updated and visitors can expect to enjoy their stay. The rooms are finished to a high standard and are full of character. The selection of rooms available includes double, triple and family rooms.
Each room includes all the extras that visitors would need to enjoy their stay such as, wifi, phone and tv access along with coffee making facilities.
Bathrooms are kitted out for comfort and relaxation if you feel like taking a soothing bath after a busy day of exploring the Banner County. The bathrooms are also finished to a high standard including underfloor heating and a spacious and powerful shower facility.
Sustainability
Bunratty Manor is a keen promoter of using local ingredients, which feature prominently on their menus.
Furthermore, they recognise the integral role local farmers and suppliers have in the success of their food & drink offering, therefore proudly name check them on their menus. This also gives diners are real sense of place and authentic taste of the region.
Nearby Experiences
Experiences- Accommodation
- Dining
- Cook & Shop
- Meet the Makers
