Temple Gate Hotel

This hotel offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern hospitality, making it a memorable stay for many guests. Its signature feature is its prime central location in Ennis, providing unparalleled access to the town's attractions, shops, and vibrant atmosphere. Guests consistently highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a convenient and comfortable base for a short getaway, sightseers exploring County Clare, and groups attending events or tours. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the bus depot for a quieter experience, and be aware that while rooms are clean, some may have a more traditional decor.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides convenient free parking directly outside, though some guests note it can be tight or shared with restaurant patrons. The popular Preacher's Bar is a lively spot, praised for its inviting atmosphere and often featuring live music, making it a great place to unwind. The Legends restaurant serves meals, primarily breakfast. The hotel also boasts a spacious banquet hall suitable for events and meetings. While Wi-Fi is available and free, a few guests have reported slow speeds. The lobby and other common areas are frequently admired for their attractive decor and historical ambiance. Some guests have noted that the elevator can be dated or occasionally out of service, and there is a general observation about a limited number of modern electrical outlets in rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spotlessly clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds and quality linens ensuring a restful sleep. However, many reviews indicate that the room decor and furnishings can be dated or basic, with some mentioning small televisions, older-style bathrooms with beige tiles, or stained bathtubs. The bathrooms are typically clean and offer good shower pressure and hot water, though some guests find the high-sided bathtubs challenging to navigate. Noise levels are a mixed experience; while some rooms are quiet, others, particularly those facing the bus depot, can experience street noise or sounds from other rooms, including plumbing. In-room amenities include tea and coffee facilities, but some guests miss items like in-room safes, refrigerators, or a wider selection of toiletries.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining is varied. The bar food at Preacher's Bar generally receives high praise for its quality, taste, and value, with popular items including wings, stew, and fish and chips. Many guests enjoy the restaurant dining experience, particularly for dinner. However, the breakfast quality receives mixed reviews; while some guests find it good, tasty, and varied with both buffet and cooked-to-order items, a significant number describe it as poor, overcooked (especially eggs and sausages), cold, or lacking in food variety, such as fresh fruit or vegan options. Service at breakfast can sometimes be slow. Despite some criticisms, the coffee is often highlighted as delicious, and staff generally make an effort to accommodate dietary needs.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests directly in the heart of Ennis. It offers walking distance access to numerous shops, traditional pubs, restaurants, and local attractions like the Clare Museum and O'Connell Street. The hotel is also conveniently located near public transport, including the bus and train stations, and provides easy access to Shannon Airport and popular regional sights like the Cliffs of Moher. Parking is a significant benefit, with free, on-site facilities available, though some guests note the spaces can be tight or shared. However, there is no electric car charging point available on site.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently commend their attentive service, from the moment of arrival through departure. The check-in process is often described as quick and easy, with staff accommodating early arrivals and special requests like room upgrades. Housekeeping is noted for its thoroughness, ensuring rooms are spotless and well-serviced. The bar staff and restaurant staff are also highly regarded for their excellent service and warm demeanor. Many reviews highlight instances where staff went "the extra mile" to assist guests with car troubles, provide late-night sandwiches, or offer personalized recommendations, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel is housed in a historical building that was once a convent, giving it a unique design and character, particularly evident in its charming common areas and the impressive Great Hall. A recurring point of feedback is the lack of air conditioning in the rooms, which can lead to them being uncomfortably warm, especially during warmer periods. Guests have also noted that the laundry service can be quite expensive compared to other establishments. The hotel frequently accommodates coach tours, which can sometimes lead to busy periods in the restaurant. Despite some rooms being described as dated, the hotel is family-owned and operated, and many guests appreciate the personal touch and warm atmosphere this creates.