B135: Lough Ree, Grá Mo Chroí

Arriving at Glasson Lakehouse - July 2024

​So, two weeks ago we got away to the “Lake County” of Co. Westmeath, just an hour and a half from Dublin.  We chose the 4-star Glasson Lakehouse as our hotel as it is promoted as being super dog-friendly……and that it certainly is.  It was our second time away with Benji, Charlie’s little doggy. 

​Benji could stay with us in a Dog-Friendly Room on the ground floor with direct access to an outdoor patio area.  Benji was also allowed into the reception, the outside bar and large lobby (for dining). The room came with a super-plush doggy bed with bone chewy and food/water bowls.  The staff were very friendly and welcoming.  Benji loved all of the attention 😂

Located in the townland of Glasson, and on the shore of Lough Ree, the Glasson Lakehouse traces its origins back to 1993, when local farmer Tom Reid and his wife, Breda, decided to convert their 1780 period home into a club house, and establish Glasson Golf & Country Club on its surrounding lands and farmland. In 2019, responsibility for the day-to-day running of the 70-room hotel and golf club passed from its original owners, the Reid family, to the hospitality wing of Paddy McKillen’s business, Press Up Entertainment.
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The drive from Dublin on a Monday midday was lovely.  Getting there was straightforward and we were really blown away by the views as we drove in the long driveway.  The open lobby feels like an Alpine resort, wrapped in wood, with a large fireplace ……which sadly was welcome even though it was July!!  There are several lobby tables suited for having drinks and a large rustic table where we could tie Benji while eating our meals and where we could pick up a free newspaper each morning.  

​Out back, there is an outside bar and BBQ area, a stunningly beautiful golf course with lake views of gorgeous Lough Ree, a huge slide dipping into a new playground for the kiddies, an outdoor pool heated year-round to a comfortable 32C, and three hot tubs steaming beside a sunken terrace.  There’s a lovely garden walk straight downhill to the lakeside Jetty that we walked with Benji. Boat trips (from €40) and kayaks (€20/€10pp) on the lake can be booked at the hotel but unfortunately, we didn’t get the weather this time to enjoy fully.

​Our room #3 was fabulous and came with an extra-large bed and a double bed; both with crisp white linen, goose feather pillows and thick duvets. The room looked rustic with floorboards and warm teal paint colour.   I loved the funky animal and botanical prints and neat touches like the "Munchiebox" (with Tayto, popcorn, chocolate etc.), the minibar cocktail shaker, the teeny Smeg fridge, the Remington curling tongs along with the hairdryer!, the retro record player complete with a couple of LPs, a Marshall speaker (that you can bluetooth pair with your own phone playlist) and lovely fluffy robes and slippers (weirdly, there were very few clothes hangers …. the only small quibble I had). The bathroom was lovely with brass fittings, lovely floor tiles and a great rainfall and handheld power-shower with quality product dispensers.  

​We had a few drinks outdoors at the bar that first evening and Benji loved checking out the other doggies….there was a big black labrador, a couple of miniature dachshunds and a white poodle amongst others.  We ate outside the first night also near the bar but it was chilly so the second night we ate indoors at the large table in the Lobby and that was much more enjoyable.  We also had breakfast in the Lobby each morning.  The food was tasty every time and the service was good everywhere.  Benji even got a bowl of water.   

Above: Benji checking out the other dogs in the outside bar!

Above: Just some of the tasty food and drink we enjoyed

We had intended to do the various walks with Benji in nearby Athlone but unfortunately the weather was atrociously wet and that had to be abandoned.  If you’re luckier than we were with the weather this week’s blog outlines some things to do there with a dog.  As for the hotel, I would highly recommend as it is Pup-tacular and Re-barkable!!  Enjoy! 🐕🐶🐩
 
Things To Do Near Glasson Lakehouse With A Dog, Co. Westmeath

1. Portlick Millennium Forest - Walk along the peninsula of Lough Ree in Portlick Millennium Forest. There are three trails with different levels of difficulty and all trails are dog friendly. Walk through the woods and farmland of the Whinning Peninsula and the old ruins from ancient times. 
   
2. Shannon Banks Nature Trail and Athlone Canal - Beginning at the back of Athlone Castle, this 5 kilometer loop walk guides you along the banks of the River Shannon and the Athlone Canal, taking you on a nature trail. See the flora and fauna, wildlife and fish that live within the hidden heartlands. 
3. Burgess Park Athlone - Located near Athlone town, this short loop walk around the River Shannon is the perfect place for a short walk to stretch the legs. Burgess park also has a memorial garden. Dogs must be on a lead when visiting the park. 
4. Mullingar Dog Park - Westmeath also has its first ever Dog Park, which opened in 2022. Located between the Royal Canal and the Old Rail Trail Greenways, the enclosed three-acre dog park offers a safe and friendly space for your dog to exercise. This is the perfect place for them to enjoy the freedom of being leash free. 

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Bucket List Items Ticked Off in the above Blog 135
​​​​Number 59 - Travel - Hotels

• Glasson Lakehouse, Glasson, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

​Number 60 (b) - Travel - Stay in each of the 32 Counties of Ireland

• Co. Westmeath, Ireland

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​Other Blog Posts
Blog 11 - Sydney, Australia
Blog 12 - Hong Kong, China
Blog 17 - Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai, China
Blog 19 - California, USA
Blog 27 - Scotland
Blog 28 - Barbados
Blog 29 - Canada
Blog 30 - Alaska
Blog 31 - Everglades, Florida

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