Ambitious plans will transform four-star Talbot Hotel in Carlow

THE TALBOT Hotel Carlow is looking forward to exciting new changes and developments over the coming weeks with the launch of an imaginative new bar menu and major renovations underway at its bar and leisure centre.

This significant investment is part of ambitious plans for Talbot Hotel Carlow, with every aspect of Carlow town’s longest-running four-star hotel set to benefit.

This week, the Talbot Hotel Carlow launches its revamped Corris Bar menu, a modern, fresh twist on many classics and favourites, designed by executive head chef Nigel Cloney.

The New Year also sees the opening of new changing rooms and facilities at Talbot Fitness Carlow. 

The new facilities include the major renovation of its two large changing rooms, greatly improving members’ experience and comfort. A family room and accessible room have also been fully upgraded to the highest standards. The steam room, fitness studios and reception area will also undergo a major overhaul in 2024.

The renovations throughout the hotel are aimed at enhancing the experience of guests and strengthening the hotel’s pivotal role in the local community.

Talbot Hotel Carlow is also celebrating a number of recent wins including the Best Customer Service Award at the Midlands 103 Awards, being named the number one hotel in Carlow on Tripadvisor Awards and an award at the ‘Great Place to Work 2023 -2024 initiative.

Nigel Cloney has recently been appointed executive head chef, bringing a wealth of experience and also a great knowledge of the Talbot Hotel, having previously worked within the hotel group.

“I’m delighted to be back,” said Nigel. “We are launching our new bar menu on Thursday 7 December and over the next few months changing and improving our food offering across all aspects of the hotel – the bar, the Liberty Tree Restaurant, our functions … watch this space,” adds Nigel.

“We’d like to see the Talbot Hotel Carlow as a food destination not just for overnight guests but for local residents of Carlow, Graiguecullen and beyond,” he said.

Nigel described the new Corries Bar menu as a “a modern bar bistro menu” with a delicious starter options like calamari, seafood chowder and prawns with chorizo and sumptuous mains such as rotisserie half-chicken, fresh hake, braised pork, green curry and baby back ribs. Considerable thought and research has gone into perfecting the vegetarian options, with Nigel reinventing a Wexford favourite rissole with delicious cauliflower and chickpea on a bead of white bean and tomato cassola.

“Our main bar will undergo a huge revamp from 19th February,” explains Nigel. “It will be stripped out completely and renovated, with a reopening date of early April. It’s a significant investment in the property, which is great to see,” said Nigel.

Nigel praised the “great team at the Talbot” of 12 chefs and catering staff, with food available right throughout the day. Breakfast begins from 7am to 10am, light treats and pastries from 10am to noon, carvery from noon to 3pm and a bar bistro from 3pm to 9.15pm. The Liberty Tree Restaurant is also available, with its brand-new bar open on Friday and Saturday evenings. Guests will enjoy this fourth-floor restaurant overlooking the stunning Carlow countryside. Private functions and gatherings for 20 to 100 can also be catered for in the hotel’s meeting rooms and event spaces, along with larger functions and events in the recently-renovated Tyndall Suite and Hanover Suite.

Talbot Fitness Carlow welcomes upwards of 1,600 members and is eagerly looking forward to completing its renovation plans. “Every member gets a personalised gym programme and assessment plan free as part of their membership and access to 25 classes a week,” explained Mark Delaney, leisure centre manager.

“We offer a huge number of classes free to members, including aqua aerobics, spinning, box fit and pilates,” he added.

The Talbot Fitness Swim Academy is also very popular, while private lessons can also be accessed at the leisure centre. A dedicated team of personal trainers and swim instructors is available to members, while classes are also open to non-members.

To learn more about the wonderful facilities at Talbot Fitness Carlow, call 059 9153838.

Staff at the Talbot Hotel Carlow are eagerly looking forward to welcoming both local and visiting guests to experience their significant enhancements.

The award-winning four-star hotel is recognised for its outstanding guest service and customer care and is proud to see such progress being made throughout the hotel, through investment in their substantial refurbishments and in their people.

General manager of the Talbot Hotel Carlow, Daniel McCarthy, is proud of the hotel’s achievements to date, its recent industry wins and the exciting times yet to come.

“We are delighted to Nigel on board as our executive head chef. I think his exception skills, creativity and enthusiasm will take our food offering to the next level,” said Daniel.

“We have a wonderful team here at the Talbot, that was recognised when we were named the number one hotel in Carlow on Tripadvisor, It’s also a mark of the strong emphasis we place on customer service and ensuring every visit to the Talbot Hotel Carlow is an enjoyable and memorable one”.