Boutique Hostel Mountmellick
I had the pleasure of staying at Mountmellick Forum a couple of months ago and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough! …the Forum is more like a quaint Boutique hotel than a hostel, well worth a visit.
The Forum Hostel now occupies the old Presbyterian church, which had fallen into disrepair since it was vacated by the congregation some years ago. The premises was purchased by former townsman Eugene Conroy who approached the Laois Partnership for support to aid the development of the protected property with the aim of promoting local tourism.
On the opening evening Eugene presented a history of the renovation project to a large audience of friends, family, local dignitaries, business people and representatives from local community groups. The evening was enhanced by a stunning performance of traditional and modern Irish dance by young people from the Leona school of dancing. Refreshments were provided by Ena’s at the Mill Restaurant.
The evening was attended by Ann Goodwin (CEO), Peter O Neill (Chairperson) and Mark Clancy (Project Manager) from Laois Partnership which part funded and provided the initiative and also provided support and assistance during the development of the protected structure.
As well as providing accommodation, the hostel management aim to provide pre arranged tours to attract tourist to the local area and promote places of special interest and areas of natural beauty.
The Forum – Mountmellick, which is Failte Approved can accommodate 22-people in Hotel standard accommodation. The former Church now provides a large communal dining and sitting room area with a high quality commercial standard kitchen to provide self catering facility. The Hostel can be booked per bed or can be hired completely for family reunions. To date, the Forum has hosted visitors from the US, UK, Belgium, France and from around Ireland. The guest feedback has been very positive and the Hostel is currently achieving positive ratings on travel review sites such as Trip Advisor. There is ample private car parking at the rear of the Hostel.
For details contact [email protected] or 00353 57 8697557