The amazing Slieve Russel comes out tops

BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR

You, I’m sure, have all heard of the “Pink Pound”, well, there is another term spreading its wings, and that is the “Silver Pound”.

The Silver Pound gang are the pensioners who want to flash their pension and have a little getaway to keep their bones warm in this horrible winter.  So for many Irish seniors, a few nights in a good hotel – with great food, a peaceful setting, and maybe a swim or a walk in the grounds – is the perfect short break.

The good news is that many of Ireland’s finer hotels actively court “golden years”, “over‑50s” or “active retired” guests with very attractive packages. But I don’t think you get as good a value as you do at Slieve Russel.

This article walks you through how to find those deals, what to look for in the small print, and why one particular hotel – the Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club in Co. Cavan – stands out as exceptional value.

Know What “Senior” Hotel Deals Usually Include

Most senior or “golden years” offers in Irish hotels tend to follow a similar pattern. Instead of just quoting a room‑only or B&B price, they usually bundle in:

• Dinner each evening – typically a two‑ or three‑course meal in the main restaurant
• Full Irish breakfast every morning
• Use of leisure facilities – pool, sauna, steam room or spa relaxation areas where available
• Free parking and Wi‑Fi as standard
• Midweek dates – Sunday to Thursday, when hotels are quieter and can offer better value

These packages are designed for couples or friends who want to settle in and enjoy the hotel’s comforts without worrying about where to eat every evening or how much each meal will cost.

When you compare offers, always check:

• Is dinner included every night, or just once during the stay?
• Is it a fixed menu or a credit toward the à la carte menu?
• Are there any extras like tea/coffee and scones on arrival, or a glass of wine with dinner?

The real value is almost always in these inclusions, not just the per‑night room rate.

Travel at the Right Time: Midweek and Shoulder Seasons

To get the best value in Ireland’s finer hotels, timing is everything:

• Midweek stays (Sun–Thu) are almost always cheaper than Friday and Saturday nights, especially in popular destinations.
• Off‑peak months (typically November–March, outside Christmas/New Year and school holidays) often bring excellent senior packages.
• Short “golden years” breaks of 2–4 nights are particularly good value, because hotels can predict their occupancy and price accordingly.

If your schedule is flexible – as it often is in retirement – you can let the deals dictate your dates rather than trying to force a bargain on the busiest weekends.

Where to Look for Senior Deals
To find the best senior hotel offers, don’t rely only on general booking sites. Instead, go where hotels actually promote their golden years packages.

a) Directly on Hotel Websites

Many four‑star Irish hotels now have a dedicated section labelled:

• “Golden Years Breaks”
• “Over 50s / Over 55s”
• “Active Retired Packages”
• “Older & Wiser Offers”

These pages usually show:

• Length of stay (e.g. 2‑Night Midweek Golden Years Break)
• What’s included (B&B, dinner, leisure club, tea/coffee on arrival, etc.)
• Any age requirement (e.g. lead guest 50+ or 55+)

Booking directly with the hotel often:

• Gives best available rate on that package
• Makes it easier to request ground‑floor rooms, walk‑in showers or nearby rooms for friends travelling together
• Allows you to pick up the phone and clarify any details

b) Specialist Senior & Golden Years Sites

Irish‑based senior travel sites and “over‑55s” holiday platforms specialise in:

• Collecting senior‑friendly hotel deals nationwide
• Highlighting particularly good value midweek packages
• Offering sample itineraries that suit a relaxed pace – scenic drives, gentle walks, garden visits and heritage sites

These can be a great way to compare a few different counties or to discover hotels outside the standard tourist trail that are actively courting senior guests.

What Makes a Hotel Truly Senior‑Friendly?

Price matters – but for senior breaks, comfort and ease are just as important. When you’re weighing up deals, look beyond the headline rate and ask:

1. Is the property easy to get around?
   • Lifts to all floors
   • Good lighting and clear signage
   • Comfortable seating in lounges and bars
2. What’s the setting like?
   • Quiet countryside or noisy town centre?
   • Are there level walks or garden paths on‑site or nearby?
   • Is there a lake, park, or village to stroll to without needing the car?
3. Leisure and relaxation
   • Is there a pool with easy access steps or rails?
   • A spa or relaxation area for rainy days?
   • Cosy lounges for reading, chatting and afternoon coffee?
4. Dining options
   • Good reputation for food, with some lighter choices on the menu
   • Early dining times if you prefer not to eat late
   • Possibility of tea/coffee on arrival, or a “tea and scones” add‑on
5. Service and atmosphere
   • Reviews that mention friendly staff and a relaxed pace
   • A mix of guests, where seniors are clearly welcomed and catered for

A deal that’s €20 cheaper per night isn’t a bargain if the hotel is noisy, cramped, or awkward to move around.

Practical Tips for Getting the Best Price

A few simple steps can make a real difference to what you pay:

1. Pick up the phone.
   Once you’ve seen an offer online, call the hotel:
   • Ask if there are unadvertised midweek deals for over‑50s/55s
   • Mention if you’re flexible on dates – hotels often reward that flexibility
   • Check if they’ll match or beat any rate you’ve seen on a third‑party site
2. Ask about added extras instead of just discounts.
   Even if the rate won’t move much, hotels may include:
   • An extra dessert or tea/coffee after dinner
   • Early check‑in or late check‑out
   • A complimentary upgrade if occupancy allows
3. Travel with friends.
   A small group of senior friends booking several rooms midweek is very attractive to hotels:
   • You may be able to secure a better rate or a tailored package
   • It can be easier to organise mini‑activities like a hotel‑hosted quiz, gentle guided walk or taster spa session
4. Be clear about your needs.
   Tell the hotel if you need:
   • A walk‑in shower instead of a bath
   • A room near the lift
   • Ground‑floor access
     You’ll enjoy your stay far more, and good hotels are happy to plan around this.

Why the Slieve Russell Hotel is Outstanding Value for Seniors

Among Ireland’s finer country hotels, the Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club in Co. Cavan (https://www.slieverussell.ie/) stands out as particularly strong value for senior guests.

Here’s why it deserves to top any list of senior hotel deals:

a) Resort‑Style Facilities at a Sensible Price

Slieve Russell offers the kind of facilities you’d expect in a high‑end resort:

• A well‑regarded leisure club with pool, sauna and Jacuzzi
• The Ciúin Spa, with a strong focus on relaxation and gentler treatments
• An 18‑hole golf course and extensive grounds with lakes and landscaped gardens

For seniors, this means you can:

• Swim or sit in the spa area on wet days
• Enjoy short, scenic walks without leaving the estate
• Relax in spacious lounges with views over the golf course and lakes

Crucially, their senior‑style and midweek packages typically bundle accommodation, breakfast and evening meals at very competitive per‑person rates, often comparing favourably with city hotels that offer far less in terms of setting and amenities.

b) Peaceful Countryside Setting with Easy Day Trips

Located in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, Slieve Russell sits on a large, tranquil estate – ideal if you value:

• Peace and quiet
• Safe, level walking routes
• Easy parking right at the hotel

At the same time, it makes a great base for:

• Gentle drives around Cavan’s lakes
• Day trips into the border region (Fermanagh, Leitrim, parts of Donegal and Monaghan)
• Visits to small towns and heritage sites without battling big‑city traffic

This blend of resort comfort and accessible countryside is particularly well suited to senior guests who want to explore a little but come “home” each afternoon to comfort and good food.

c) Senior‑Friendly Packages and Atmosphere

While their exact offers change over time, Slieve Russell has a long track record of:

• Dinner‑inclusive short breaks that appeal strongly to over‑50s and retired guests
• Midweek packages that reward those who can avoid the busiest weekend nights
• An atmosphere where senior couples and groups feel completely at home among the mix of golfers, spa guests and families

Staff are used to:

• Looking after wedding parties and older relatives
• Dealing with special requests for room location and access
• Providing a calm, unhurried style of service that makes seniors feel welcome rather than rushed

Ireland’s Fine Hotels Offer Great Senior Value – and Slieve Russell Leads the Pack

Ireland’s hotel scene is rich with opportunities for seniors to enjoy luxurious, yet affordable short breaks – especially if you:

• Travel midweek and off‑peak
• Seek out dedicated “golden years” or over‑50s packages
• Book direct and talk to the hotel about your specific needs
• Focus on properties with good food, relaxing spaces and easy access

Many four‑star hotels across the country now cater extremely well to older guests, but when you weigh up facilities, setting, atmosphere and price, the Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club in Co. Cavan stands out as one of the very best value choices for senior hotel breaks in Ireland – and a superb place to make the most of your golden years.