So this past weekend saw a mixture of events, with a trip down to
Portlaoise and a last minute dash to the hairdressers!
After a few busy weeks and some car trouble, we decided a long
overdue adventure was in order. And after becoming somewhat of a hotel snob in
recent years, I thought I'd just book a cheap deal and get out of dodge for a bit.
After recently relishing that Hotels.com
have a loyalty reward programme I
had a look on their site to find a deal. What could be more satisfying than
finding a bargain night away, and gaining free rooms nights at the same time!
I found a great deal for the Maldron Hotel in Portlaoise for €58! It’s a 3 star hotel that probably is only
lacking the fourth because of the location and the food. It was an hour’s drive from Dublin
and we arrived at
2.30pm to check in, however our room wasn’t ready (check in was
supposed to be 2pm).
This was fine as we wanted to get some lunch, so we popped into their adjoining
restaurant Stir. When we walked in we grabbed a seat and waited to be served
before realising it must be help yourself. We looked at the menu on display by
the counter and both chose the Chicken Caesar Wrap, only to be told after
finally gaining the chefs attention that they only had carvery. Slightly
confused I advised him that wasn’t listed on the menu – he didn’t respond
(there was a gaudy sign hanging above the restaurant when we pulled up to the
hotel stating ‘Carvery €8.95’, but I didn’t think this was all they would
have). Starving at this point I said we would both take the roast beef. He
loaded two huge portions on the plates for €8.95 each.
The food was only OK, so we finished up had a beer, watched the
rugby and went to check in. We got our room quickly and went up to leave our
bags. The room was basic but spotless, happy enough with our accommodation for
the night we decided to go exploring.
We drove into the town, it seemed nice enough. We stumbled across
an ancient burial ridge dating back to the 17th century. The Ridge of
Maryborough was formed by an esker during the Ice age, then used as a road
before becoming the burial ground of Maryborough.
No matter where I go I get excited when I find a Local Newspaper hub
or radio station, so it was only fitting that on our wander we found the office
of the Laois Nationalist. It was closed unfortunately so I didn’t get to go in.
Along our way we also found a gorgeous cafe, Chocolate Brown they do amazing cupcakes!
Before long it was time to head back to the hotel and we took a well earned dip in the pool before soaking in the Jacuzzi and chilling in the Steam room.
We didn’t fancy going back into town, so we just went back to Stir to try the evening menu. What can I say it went from bad to
worse. Not overly hungry we shared a starter of chicken wings which were only
Ok. For main I had the Italian Tagliatelle with chicken, which was pretty
tasteless though edible. A chicken burger arrived for my partner instead of the
supreme of chicken which was ordered and was only OK. We decided to share a
Lemon Meringue pie after spying someone at the next table with one. It arrived
and looked delightful. I took a bite and wasn’t quite sure what I was tasting
to be honest. So to narrow it down I tasted the ‘meringue’ first, which tasted
like polystyrene, The curd tasted off and the biscuit base was stale. I spent
over 35 minutes trying to gain the waitresses attention, while she polished
spoons in the corner. When she arrived I filled her in and they generously gave
us a free round of drinks for the trouble.
After this we were both feeling ready for bed when a group of men
and women – who seemed to be having a reunion of some sorts – called to us and
asked us to stay for a sing-song. Having grown up with many a sing song in my
aunties and uncles home I was only too delighted to stick around.
There was singing, a fiddle and a flute, funny masks and
eventually some spoon playing from a championship spoon and fiddle player and
their families. They were so warm and welcoming which made for a incredible
evening. The hospitality in Portlaoise was amazing.
We eventually rolled into bed about 5 and had a late check out
which was perfect. We rolled out of bed the next morning in search of breakfast
and ended up in the Rafters Cafe
in Laois shopping centre. It looked gorgeous, the soup was amazing but the
Chicken, Brie and Cranberry wrap was awful. I wouldn’t be rushing back.
Last Thursday evening with the weekend looming and my roots
needing some major TLC, I set about a major search for a last minute
appointment to get my highlights done. SalonAddict.ie is always great for finding last minute appointments, and great
deals. I found a great little salon in town, perfect for on the way home from
work called CharmingHair Salon, on Burgh Quay – a full head of
mesh highlights and blow-dry for €75.
A lovely girl called Monica looked after me and did a gorgeous
job, absolute bargain.
The front of the salon is quite cramped, but modern, while the
back - where I was seated - and the toilet are very tired looking. I had to move
chairs a couple of times, but other than that I couldn't fault the place! Great
service, perfect location, bargain price.
Which leads me onto my next fabulous find, the Umberto
Gianni Glam Hair back comb in a bottle!
I got this in my Christmas sticking as a filler and have been dying to try it
out. I brought it along on Saturday, along with my curling wand and tailcomb.
I literally just curled and sprayed and this gave me a 1920’s inspired finger
wave in my fringe and a curly do which lasted into Monday! I absolutely love
this spray and can’t wait to use it again!
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