Review – The Killeshin Hotel

Lobby

I had a lovely evening out in the Killeshin Hotel a few weeks ago. The Killeshin Hotel is part of the Só Hotel group and is located in Portlaoise. As with all Só Hotels, there is a gorgeous distinctive décor theme running through the hotel. This recently refurbished venue boasts geometric décor and a fresh and airy feel. The hotel is magazine perfect.

What I loved about his hotel was its warmth which you feel from the moment you walk through the door. It is Irish Hospitality at its finest. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Só Hotels, there are 4 hotels, Charleville Park Hotel, Castletroy Park Hotel, Loughrea Hotel and Killeshin Hotel. They all have 4 stars and are owned by Pat McDonagh, owner of Supermacs! The consistent theme across all hotels is their excellent location in the hearts of their communities and they are in the hearts of the community. They support local initiatives and charities. There is a real loveliness and genuine care for the people that walk through their doors.

Let me take you on a tour of the venue….

Lobby

As previously mentioned, there has been some refurbishment work and the lobby show cases this very well. The wall patterns would make for very cool back drops to your wedding pictures. The red carpet is rolled out upon arrival and your guests are brought to a nice private area for arrival drinks and nibbles.

Arrival Reception

Arrival Drinks

The reception area is very spacious and opens to an outdoor private courtyard where your guests can chill out in the open marquee area. Pending availability, you could avail of an ice cream cart. You can’t beat an ice cream on arrival on a hot summers day! This area is perfect if you want to have some music or entertainment. There is also enough space for a photo booth if you plan on booking one. The drinks reception presentation will impress your guests.

Civil Ceremony

There is a suite available for civil ceremonies and when dressed looks beautiful. The room was dressed with cherry blossoms, lanterns, flower petals and cute signage. There was a very nice feel to the room.

Ballroom

As you will see from the pictures, the ballroom (known as the Walnut Suite) is pristine, bright and full of elegance. The room is surrounded by floor to ceiling mirrors and windows. The bar is also in the room meaning that you won’t be breaking up your wedding party. The Walnut Suite can host up to 200 guests and colours can be adjusted pending your colour scheme. On the day that I visited, the chair cover bows were royal blue and I have to say, it looked really well. I have a thing about table linen (I know very sad!) and the Killeshin hotel had floor length gold table cloths with white laid on top. It looked well and not a table leg in sight. This is a sign of a particular wedding manager! The attention to detail goes right on to the centrepieces. There are two options, one large impressive candelabra and then the fish bowl. The fish bowl was my favourite as you could add flowers in your theme colour to float within it.

Bridal Suite

Bridal Suite

As soon as you walk in, the four-poster bed is the first thing that strikes you. The bed is luxurious and this theme spreads throughout the room. The bathroom has all of luxuries you will need. If you need space to get ready on the morning of your wedding, there is a lounge space which would work well for hair and make-up.

Food & Service

I cannot highlight the importance of this one enough. Before you book any venue, you should always visit the restaurant to see what the food and service is like. You should get a good indicator of the standard of the venue. If your food and service is not good on the day, it is all your guests will talk about. As with all of the Só Hotels I visited, the teams are so so nice and they genuinely care about all of their weddings.

Executive Head Chef Guillaume Lerays

Executive Head Chef Guillaume Lerays is one of Irelands best chefs and is incredibly passionate and takes great pride in every dish that leaves that kitchen. He has great creativity and I love the ‘Oriental Noodle Box’ that is served during an evening reception…very unique!

Cavan and Pauline are the resident wedding coordinators and are super-efficient. Cavan has previously worked in Kinnitty Castle and Pauline looked after weddings in the Kaedeen Hotel. Both have a lovely manner and puts couples at ease straight away. There are no airs or graces, just a sincere service.

Packages

This venue is so reasonably priced with packages starting from €44 per guest. They have recently launched a new package called ‘Só Romantic’. This package is from €49.50 and can be reviewed right here.

Pictures

As you have already read, there are some beautiful backdrops within the hotel but it doesn’t have a garden. However, Emo Garden is approximately 10 miles from the hotel and that is a stunning location.

Speaking of pictures, check out my album from my trip below….

For all wedding enquiries, visit the Killeshin Hotel website.