Hogan's Bar, Ballina in Ballina

16/07/2025: We stayed three nights in a lovely large suite, located in the original part of the hotel. The room was great. The hotel and the state experience is a bit odd. In the summer months, the lovely interior restaurant area is not available at dinner, and instead dining is in a huge tent — suitable for large weddings and other big events, we suppose, but not what we were looking for or wanted. The four large TV screens showing golf and football were more appropriate for a large outdoor pub than a fine dining restaurant. The dining itself was quite good, and the portions certainly generous. The young staff was doing its best, but one has the feeling that they are not sufficiently trained or properly supervised. The place apparently caters to small group tours, and we saw a number come and go over three days during our times at breakfast. But apart from that, when we were there in mid June 2025, the place seemed rather surprisingly vacant. One very positive memory: the falconry tour we took on our last day. That, and the beautiful suite, made this visit worthwhile. If we were to return, we would avoid the summer months (and the hugs tent) — and enjoy the interior dining room at dinner.

04/07/2025: Love love loved the Hawk Walk! Daniel and Patty spoiled us! We asked all the question, each took a turn holding the falcon and walking the hawk. It was a great time!