Mount Edward Lodge

When I booked this place I was looking forward to stay here because the description is very well written and I was expecting a great host. I was really disappointed. Shame because the place is nice, not far from Sligo and easy to get to (with a car). I got a bad vibe straight away when we phoned her to let her know we might be slightly late as we misjudged the timings of the journey (we were travelling from Northern Ireland). We were apologetic but she was obviously unhappy and said “you were supposed to be here by 8pm, this time I WILL ALLOW 9pm”… the email confirmation states you can check in until 9pm, so what was that about? We arrived before 9pm anyway and when my friend went to check in she said the host was pleasant so I was reassured. The morning after was a different thing. The room and bathroom weren’t spotless clean, my friend found hair in the bed and the WiFi wasn’t working. My friend had to type in both name and password to find it and for me (with 2 phones, one European and one UK) didn’t work at all. We mentioned about the WiFi the morning after and the host was not helpful, she said it wasn’t her problem but an issue with my device(s). Okay. Still, her tone wasn’t friendly or pleasant. Breakfast was great, the only great thing. My pancakes were really tasty and my friend’s full Irish was very good too. She tried to ask the host about the white pudding but she didn’t seem interested in talking to us. My friend left the bacon as it was very salty (not everyone likes salty, it’s not a big deal) and the host seemed offended by it. We had the feeling that she was expecting everything to be rated as perfect, not interested in different feedback. When I looked myself out (after breakfast) I rang the bell and I tried to apologise but she turned her back on me and went back to her rooms slamming the door. Rude. WARNING: if you are a smoker Do Not Go There. I am a smoker but obviously I know and respect that I can’t smoke inside; I smoked before going in and as I didn’t want to throw the cigarette butt on the ground I put it in my pocket and then threw it in the bin (isn’t it what bins are for? Litter?). After check out, while travelling, I received an email from the host accusing me of breaking house rules for smoking inside because she found the cigarette butt in the bin. That is just outrageous. You can ask, first of all and second you don’t go accusing people if you don’t know. I replied explaining the situation and my friend also emailed her. Need I say we didn’t get a reply or an apology?

My husband and I stayed at Mount Edward Lodge last week, the lodge was spotless with large bedroom with mountain and sea view. Maureen was so friendly and helpful, she was just like a friend. She spent time chatting to guests especially at breakfast. The breakfast was excellent with a very wide range to choose from. The sitting room was beautifully decorated and very relaxing.

As everyone else says, the views from here are amazing. They're just words until you see it for yourself. Maureen's breakfast is a step above what you usually find, made to order and not left to sit making the puddings all hard. There are so many different things to do in Sligo, and Maureen provides you with a binder showing how far and what to expect for all of these, from restaurants to megalithic ruins. Often forgotten - the bathroom - is of note. The toilets flush without problem (something you may encounter elsewhere) and qtips and makeup remover pads were provided. The rooms are cozy without being too small, and we spent an evening watching the sunset over the ocean. I wish we had more time here.

A refreshing change. Maureen and the Mount Edward Lodge are the Ireland of hospitality, common sense and fresh eggs (if the hens and ducks are laying) from out the back. A sound night's sleep on a comfortable bed, great location with views out to Inishmurray and even Donegal, and around 4km from Grange with pubs (both foodie and more traditional). Great bathroom ensuite, and a 'lounge' to lounge around in amid cheerful family photos and a pile of books about Sligo and the wider west. Maureen has a raft of stories and observations about the area.

Maureen was extremely rude and unhelpful. She tried to overcharge my friend for her room over and above the price quoted on the internet. My room had a nice view, but sadly had hole in the floor under the carpet. My friends room was at the back of the house where the hens were feeding and as a result had quite a nasty smell. Additionally it was close to the back door, so people passing looked straight into her room. We asked for a room change because of this but Maureen’s attitude was “ take it or leave it “ There are so many wonderful bed and breakfasts in Ireland but sadly this is not one of them.

We were so happy to see Maureen after a long day and she welcomed us warmly and got us settled in. Recommended a great place for dinner and when we came back, we enjoyed a nightcap with the chickens and a view of the ocean on the picnic table in her front garden. Stunning conservatory for breakfast, it was over the top wonderful! Thank you Maureen, we'll be back for sure!