Travel Review: Grand Central Hotel, Bundoran: The perfect getaway for anyone

Bundoran, County Donegal with its beautiful beach, funfair and adventure park, is best described as a town of simple, old-fashioned fun.

As we set off last Saturday morning for the seaside destination, which is loved by generations, I was feeling very optimistic. After the wet weather we had experienced, the sun was beginning to shine through. Somehow I resisted the urge not to sing Cliff Richard’s ‘We’re all going on our summer holidays’, (much to my partner’s relief).

I hadn’t been to Bundoran since I was a child so I was curious to see what the popular Irish holiday destination was now like. As I reflected back on my last trip, memories of drinking Cidona and eating Tayto cheese and onion on a picnic table overlooking the beach came rushing back.

It was a pleasant journey over to Omagh and down through the lake lands of Fermanagh before finally making our way coastwards.

When we arrived in Bundoran mid-afternoon, we were greeted by blue skies, warm sunshine and that fresh sea breeze air that takes your breath away.

The promenade was a hive of activity, the funfair was already in full swing and the town’s beach was thronging with families and couples soaking up the sun or bathing in the majestic, blue water. In that second, I felt like a child arriving on my holidays and just like a child, I was eager to dip my toes in the Wild Atlantic Way but first we had an appointment at the local sea weed baths.

Bundoran Seaweeds Baths provide an ‘all-natural, salt water, truly organic experience’ using freshly harvested seaweed. The fresh, handpicked seaweed contains vital nutrients, which are released during bathing to revitalise, nourish and soothe skin, or so I am told.

Initially, I was a little unsure about getting into a bath filled with slimy, green seaweed but the friendly staff reassured me that I would enjoy the experience. After a 20 minute session in a steam pod to open the pores, I climbed into the lavish cast-iron bath and immersed myself into the seaweed laden water. At first it felt very strange but it wasn’t long before I could feel the oils soak into my skin and I began to unwind.  As a special treat, we were also given a homemade seaweed facemask which I eagerly applied. I was disappointed when our 60 minute session was up but cheered with the instant results. Not only did I feel completely relaxed, I felt like a new person. My skin felt totally revived.  The staff were right, I enjoyed every minute of the experience. It is definitely is a must try for anyone who is planning a visit to Bundoran.

Our next stop was to check into our accommodation, The Grand Central Hotel, which is exactly that.  It is located right in the heart of Bundoran beside the many bars and cafés and just a minutes’ walk from the beach, promenade, funfair and amusements. An ideal place to stay for families, couples - young and old - as well of groups of friends.  The hotel doesn’t have its own private customer parking but the town’s main carpark is only a stone’s throw away from the hotel and at just €3 for the day, it’s worth every cent.  You can rest assured your car is safe and close at hand.

On our arrival to the hotel, the pleasant staff were more than welcoming and only too willing to offer advice and helpful tips on the places to visit.

Our spacious and bright room was on the 5^th floor which had views over the promenade and stunning coastline. After dropping our belongings off, we made our way back downstairs to the bar for a light lunch.  The bar was bright and airy and had a great buzz and as you might expect, the Sunday Game was on which delighted my partner.

To tide us over to dinner, we ordered bruschetta bites which were topped with goat’s cheese, brie wedges and chicken wings. We didn’t have to wait long before we were gleefully tucking in. The chicken wings were tender and flavoursome, the bruschetta was like little bites of heaven and the brie, was perfectly crispy and gloriously cheesy. My only complaint was that we had decided to share. Our lunch was washed down by a glass of ice-cold Bulmers (the fermented version of Cidona).

After the match, we took ourselves out to explore.  As we walked across the beach and along the promenade, past the trupenny pool, the views were stunning. As we gazed out towards the Atlantic Ocean, which sparkled and danced in the evening sun, we could have been anywhere.

After a competitive round of mini-golf, we made it back to the hotel in time for a quick change before our dinner reservation. It was the same menu as lunchtime but we didn’t mind as there was plenty of options to suit all tastes.

This time I opted for the fish cakes followed by the ricotta and spinach tortellini. His good self decided on seafood chowder and hake served with chorizo stew.  Our waitress chatted away happily to us, making us feel at home right away.   Our starters arrived promptly and disappeared just as promptly. My fish cakes, with a hint of chilli and lime dressing were light and delicious. I wasn’t brave enough to try the chowder but I was reassured it was equally as good.

As before, the attentive staff wasted no time in delivering our well-presented main courses to the table. My ricotta was just the right size and cooked perfectly. I savoured each and every bite.  My fiancé’s hake, with its golden crispy skin, was falling apart but the accompanying chorizo stew was simply divine. This dish would not look out of place in any fine dining establishment.

We opted for a sophisticated cocktail instead of dessert, a raspberry fizz for me and an espresso Martini for himself. Once again the staff did not disappoint.

The atmosphere in the bar/ restaurant got a little livelier when a local singer set up.

When we eventually turned in for the night, I had no problem falling asleep in the spacious, comfortable bed. The next morning, I pleasantly awoke to the sound of the sea.

At breakfast, staff were once again only too eager to satisfy guests.  There was a wide selection of fruit and cereals and cooked breakfast, to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

When it came to checkout time, I was genuinely sad to say goodbye but short as it was, we had a fantastic time. The Grand Central Hotel really is the perfect getaway for anyone, and I mean anyone, who fancies a welcoming break by the sea.

I hope to return in the not too distant future, I don’t know when but this time I won’t be leaving it as long!

Visit www.grandcentralbundoran.com to view the super offers for your perfect Bundoran break.  T: +353 (0) 71 984 2722    E: info@grandcentralbundoran.com