Guest Directory at Bracken Court Hotel

 Dear Guest,

Welcome to the Bracken Court Hotel. Thank you for choosing to stay with us and we wish you a pleasant stay.

At the Bracken Court Hotel, we are committed to providing you, our guest, with the highest standards of service and quality. It is our goal to ensure that your stay is an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Our intention is to provide each guest with the level of personal service found only in the finest hotels. To achieve this, we endeavour to anticipate your needs as much as possible with a wide variety of services and our team which is ready to address your most pressing requests.

You will find the services we provide outlined in this directory. However, should any question or problem arise, please call the reception and we will be happy to assist you.

‘Cead Mile Failte’

Sincerely,

_________________

The Moriarty Family

WELCOME

The contemporary four-star Bracken Court Hotel located in the picturesque village of Balbriggan,

North County Dublin has an abundance of old-world charm, exceptional service and a wonderful Irish warmth.

The hotels history can be traced as far back as the 18th century when it was once known as the Hamilton Arms Hotel.

The Bracken Court Hotel combines warm hospitality, comfort and an outstanding reputation for customer care.

The Bracken Court Hotel is the perfect destination from which to explore all that North County Dublin has to offer with so many wonderful sights to see. There is something for everyone in the surrounding area – from historic sites to family attractions and everything in between.

The key ingredient in the Bracken Court Hotel, however, is quite simply, a welcoming attentive

staff that offer guests a dedicated service.

 IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Contact our Front Desk Team by dialling 0 for:

• Duty Manager
• Call in case of emergency, for special requirements or any issues that require immediate attention
• Reception
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Concierge Service
• Food room Service available until 9pm or drinks/beverage services until late – Tray Charge Applies

Dial 999 or 112 for emergency POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE or call our Duty Manager for assistance.

To dial another bedroom, please dial the room number you are looking to call

GENERAL INFORMATION

Jack Doyle’s Bar in the Bracken Court Hotel is a stylish modern bar, with friendly staff that offers the best pint in town. We have an extensive range of draught, bottled and craft beers, accompanied by fine sprits, liquors and broad range of cocktails and international wines.

There is live music every weekend and we are proud to showcase some of the best local talent around. With an extensive bar menu with snacks and meals served daily, you are sure to want to return time and time again.

Our goal is to bring you good food, good drinks, good craic and some good trad sessions too.

The Bracken Grill Steak & Seafood Restaurant features innovative dishes and the seasons best ingredients.

On the menu are bold fresh flavours that compliments the lively atmosphere. Our chefs use only the finest local ingredients to prepare an excellent array of culinary delights, all in our open front kitchen.

Always on the menu, familiar favourites with our dry aged steaks and best in season fresh fish with exceptional desserts that always guarantees a flavoursome dining experience.

HEALTH & SAFETY

We want to make sure that your stay with us is as comfortable and as stress-free as possible.

Accessibility

Our commitment to providing integrated access and inclusive amenities includes a range of facilities and information, prepared for all our guests. Details include:

• Disabled parking available

• Lift access to all floors

• Accessible rest rooms available

We adhere to the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) policy and actively encourage you to provide feedback with your recommendations on how we may be able to further improve our service.

Allergies

If you suffer from any allergies, please let the Duty Manager know so that we can make any necessary special arrangements for you.

Childcare

Please don't leave children unattended in the hotel as responsibility for our 'junior' guests lies with parents and guardians.

Emergency Contact

In case of an emergency, please call Reception immediately. The reception desk is manned 24 hours a day.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxis

The Bracken Court Hotel is happy to recommend G Cabs or Bracken Cabs for your airport transportation, or any other destination within Dublin. The standard fare to the Airport should be around €25 to €35 (approx. 20min). To book please contact reception.

Bus 101

Bus 101 goes straight to Dublin City Center and stops at the Airport (approx. 30 – 40min. to the Airport and 1 hour to the City Center). Bus fare is under €10. Closest bus stop is at Bank of Ireland, just a 2-minute walk from the hotel. For time tables please contact reception.

Train

Train would be the easiest way to get to the Dublin City Center. The train station is close by, approx. 7–10-minute walk. Train fare is approx. €5.00. For time tables please contact reception.

LOCAL & SURROUNDING INFORMATION

Balbriggan and North County Dublin boast tranquil retreats and picturesque seaside villages, alongside vibrant urban and commercial developments. There is a wide selection of woodland and parkland walks, as well as wildlife parks, museums, art galleries, craft shops and tea rooms.

For business or pleasure, culture or leisure, we have an abundance of amenities and attractions on our doorstep in a relaxed environment, just ‘a stone’s throw’ from the city.

Ardgillan Castle and Victorian Gardens

Ardgillan Castle is situated on the elevated coastline between Balbriggan and Skerries and is unique among Dublin's Regional Parks for the magnificent views it enjoys. The park consists of 194 acres of rolling pastureland, mixed woodland and gardens, overlooking the bay of Drogheda. Ardgillan, meaning high wooded area, is a sanctuary for many species of mammals and birds. Ardgillan Castle is a five-minute drive from the Bracken Court Hotel.

Balbriggan Beach

Balbriggan is a traditional fishing harbour, beside which is a lovely beach overlooked by a Martello Tower. The beach and surrounding area retain much of the old-world charm.

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange and Knowth)

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre interprets the Neolithic monuments of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The extensive exhibition includes a full-scale replica of the chamber at Newgrange as well as a full model of one of the smaller tombs at Knowth. All admission to Newgrange & Knowth is through the visitor centre, there is no direct access to these monuments. Visitors are brought from the visitor centre to the monuments by shuttle bus. Please note that this is a very busy site, and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months. The Bracken Court Hotel is located less than 30km from this fantastic attraction which is a must see during your stay with us.

Boyne Valley Touring Route

County Meath is known as the "Royal County" and derives its name from the 2nd century AD as a territory for the High Kings. The abundance of historic monuments within this area testifies to the ancient importance of this region and some of the most important historic sites and monuments in Ireland dot the landscape here. Our Reception Team will be delighted to advise you on the best choice of route to suit you as you explore this wonderful region of Ireland

Skerries Mills

A little bit closer to home, you will find the charming town of Skerries, home to the Skerries Mills. Skerries Mills is a unique collection of two windmills and a watermill with associated mill pond, mill races, wetlands and is an ideal place to visit on a day trip. Visitors begin their guided tour of the site in the four-storey watermill building; they can try their skills at grinding; observe the waterwheel at work and walk through the corn field to visit one of the windmills. The watermill also houses the Watermill Café, Award Winning Craft Shop and exhibition space which can be accessed independently

Funtasia (Drogheda)

Just 20 minutes’ drive from the Bracken Court Hotel is the ultimate treat for your little ones... the Funtasia Waterpark in Drogheda. Our Reception Team will be delighted to help you with directions and opening times. Further information about the parks is available at www.funtasia.ie.

Newgrange Farm

If the weather is fine, why not treat the whole family to a visit to Newgrange Farm? Just 25 minutes drive from the hotel, Newgrange Farm is a 333-acre farm situated in the beautiful and historic Boyne Valley and surrounds the famous National Monument of Newgrange. This is a genuine family owned and run working farm / educational facility, where adults and children can try the "hands on" experience of bottle feeding, feeding, holding, petting, and seeing all the usual farm animals and poultry, and much, much more.

DUBLIN ATTRACTIONS

Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of the St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin and is Ireland’s No. 1 international visitor attraction. Since opening in November 2000, Guinness Storehouse has attracted over 9 million visitors from every corner of the globe.

The Storehouse is laid out over seven floors surrounding a glass atrium taking the shape of a pint of Guinness. On the ground floor the massive exhibit introduces you to the four ingredients; water, barley, hops and yeast, all of which combine together to make a pint of Guinness. Visitors are also introduced to the fifth and vital ingredient, Arthur Guinness himself.

As the visitor moves up through the building, they next encounter an exhibition on the history of Guinness advertising, including viewings of many of the well-known TV ads from down the years.

Jameson Distillery

Set in the heart of Dublin, The Old Jameson Distillery captures the imagination and the spirit of Ireland.

A visit to the old Jameson distillery is an unforgettable experience that will transport you back in time to the days when one of Ireland’s greatest entrepreneurs, John Jameson, first made the whiskey that is our legacy today.

Re-live the story of John Jameson & Son through the history, the atmosphere and above all the taste. You will discover the time-honoured secret of how three simple ingredients - water, barley and yeast - are transformed into the smooth golden spirit that has always been and continues to be Jameson Irish Whiskey. After the Tour, all visitors are rewarded with a Jameson signature drink and lucky volunteers are selected to participate in a tutored whiskey comparison and earn a much-coveted personalized Whiskey Taster Certificate

Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle is the heart of historic Dublin. In fact, the city gets its name from the Black

Pool - 'Dubh Linn' which was on the site of the present Castle Garden.

The Castle stands on the ridge on a strategic site at the junction of the River Liffey and its tributary the Poddle, where the original fortification may have been an early Gaelic Ring Fort. Later a Viking Fortress stood on this site - a portion of which is on view to visitors at the 'Undercroft'.

The south range houses the magnificent State Apartments that were built as the residential quarters of the vice regal court. They are now the venue for Ireland's Presidencies of the European Community, Presidential Inaugurations and State Functions.

The State Apartments, Undercroft and Chapel Royal are open to visitors. On occasions, the State Apartments may be closed for State Purposes.

Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is Ireland’s No. 1 family visitor attraction. Visitors can explore the African Plains, which has doubled the size of the Zoo and is home to giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, lions and chimpanzees. Discover World of Cats, World of Primates, Fringes of the Arctic and City Farm and be sure to take a trip on the Nakuru Safari in the African Plains! For a unique, fun and wild experience just a few minutes from the city Centre, visit Dublin Zoo!

Dublin Zoo is about fun, learning, and of course, conservation. Dublin Zoo works in partnership with zoos worldwide to make a significant contribution to the conservation of the natural diversity of life on earth. The Zoo participates in global breeding programs that help to ensure the continued survival of endangered species. By visiting Dublin Zoo, you are contributing directly to the continued care of the animals.

Croke Park

Founded in 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is Ireland's largest sporting and cultural organization. Croke Park is the home of Ireland's unique national games of hurling and Gaelic football. A visit to the GAA museum at Croke Park facilitates an interactive experience of an integral part of the fabric of Irish life and heritage. Historic exhibits and data backs provide an insight to the past. Touchscreen technology brings you the historic moments, the great games and names. Specially designed interctives allow you to test yourself in the skills of Ireland's most popular games. In addition to the museum you may tour Croke Park, the fourth largest stadium in Europe. The tour offers an in-depth look at one of the most historic and modern sporting arenas in the world and includes the dressing rooms, corporate suites, VIP section, media centre and, of course, pitch side.

The Book of Kells

The Book of Kells dates back to the 9th century and is an exquisite and lavishly decorated copy of the first four gospels in Latin. Even after such a long time, the grandeur and aura of this historical book has not diminished and is considered as one of the major tourist attractions. The book is on a permanent display in the Trinity College Library and evokes much passion among all those who witness this historical spectacle.

Trinity College and Library

Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I on the grounds of an Augustinian priory that was a victim of the dissolution. Trinity College even today dominates the city landscape and the oldest buildings (the brick-built "Rubrics") date from 1700. Most of the impressive buildings were built during the renovation phase of 1759. Trinity College Library is home to more than a million books and priceless manuscripts, the most famous being the "Book of Kells" - long queues may form in summer.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The building is a busy place that serves as a place of worship, a visitor attraction and as a host for many events. A dedicated team of staff, volunteers and members of the Cathedral community are responsible for ensuring this building’s ongoing life and ministry is maintained for future generations to enjoy.

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Jail or Gaol (Inchicore Road, Dublin 8) is one of Europe's most notorious prisons and has been preserved in working order. Eternally cold and bare cells bear mute witness to the harsh prison life faced by inmates. In Irish history Kilmainham Gaol comes only second to the GPO - here the leaders of the 1916 were executed. Today's tours tend to highlight this aspect more than anything else, making the prison more a republican shrine and not a piece of Irish general social history.

Liffey Cruise

Daily sight-seeing cruises on the Liffey. This unique experience gives the visitor an intriguing insight into Dublin folklore and history from the vantage of Anna Livia herself! All sailings depart from and return to Bachelors Walk and are 45 minutes in duration with full commentary on board.

City Bus Tour

The Dublin Tour has been carefully designed to give you the freedom to explore and experience the history and culture of Dublin at your leisure. We visit all the main Dublin attractions along our route, and these include Dublin Zoo and Trinity College (home of the Book of Kells). Our entertaining Dublin tour guides, who are all accredited by Failte Ireland, will show you the city as only a native can. Your 24-hour ticket allows you to hop on and off as often as you wish.

The tour operates daily from 9.30am and can be joined at any of 23 stops, each conveniently located near one of the most popular Dublin attractions. For example, you can join outside Trinity College, leave at the Guinness Storehouse (and sample the product!) and then re-join later. You could even start your Dublin tour in the afternoon and come back to see more the following morning. To enhance your enjoyment, we have arranged discounts for you at a selection of the most popular attractions en route.

For more information 0r discounts please contact reception.

SHOPPING

Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords

Pavilions is north Dublin’s premier shopping centre with over 80 great shops, restaurants and cafes as well as the 11 screen Movies@Swords cinema all under one roof. Open 7 days a week, a shopping trip to Pavilions could not be easier. Conveniently located on the Malahide Road just off the M1 with over 2000 car parking spaces.

Grafton Street

Grafton Street, located between Trinity College and St Stephen's Green is the smarter shopping area with fashionable stores such as Brown Thomas, the department store catering for many designer showcases, both foreign and local. Dublin's leading and most exclusive jewelers, Weirs, is also here, as well as the most popular of the famous Bewley's Cafés.

Henry Street

Henry Street has department stores such as the popular Arnotts, and an assortment of popular clothing and footwear stores. The ILAC shopping centre, the newer Jervis Street Shopping Centre are both here. The well-known outdoor food market of Moore Street is always full of bargains. The nearby O'Connell Street, Dublin's main thoroughfare, is home to the excellent Clery's Department Store and Eason's Booksellers as well as several other shops but not the main shopping area by any means.

St Stephen’s Green Shopping centre

The St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre at the top of Grafton Street (actually the southern end) was the first modern shopping mall constructed in Ireland. It towers above the surrounding buildings but, due to its imaginative architecture evoking Victorian greenhouses, does not create an unfavorable impression. And the interior continues this theme - shops not on the ground floor are in galleries, with a wide-open space in the middle.