Ardglass's Hidden Gem: The Anchor Apartments Await!
Ardglass's Anchor Apartments: A Review – Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Okay, folks, let's be real. I'm not exactly a seasoned travel blogger. More like a weary traveler with a penchant for slightly off-kilter adventures. And Ardglass's "Hidden Gem" – the Anchor Apartments – promised a hidden gem, so here we go! This is going to be less polished brochure and more… well, you'll see. Grab a cuppa, 'cause this could take a while…
(Metadata Time! – Don't worry, I'll keep it snappy)
- Title: Anchor Apartments, Ardglass: Honest Review - Hidden Gem or… Nope?
- Keywords: Ardglass, Anchor Apartments, Review, Northern Ireland, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Dining, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Family Friendly, Luxury Stay, Quirky Ireland.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Ardglass’s Anchor Apartments. Discover the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward moments of a recent stay. Accessibility, amenities, and the all-important factor of "will I have a decent cuppa?" considered!
(Alright, Back to Reality)
First impressions? The setting is gorgeous. Ardglass itself is a charmer, a fishing village that feels like stepping back in time. The Anchor Apartments? Tucked away, promising tranquility. And, hey, they were close to the sea, which is eternally a good start. Let's dive into the specifics; I'll try to keep things organized, but no promises…
Accessibility: Level Up or Lay Down?
Okay, this is crucial for a lot of folks, and I'm happy to report… mixed bag. The website claimed to be wheelchair accessible, which is fantastic. The reality? Well, some areas were clearly designed with accessibility in mind. The reception area, elevators (yes, elevators! fancy!), and some of the hallways looked good. However, navigating the entire property on wheels might present some challenges due to the configuration. I was using crutches at the time due to an unfortunate encounter with a rogue paving stone, so I paid particular attention to the steps. One particularly steep flight of stairs led to the spa. The apartment was not fully accessible. It's a shame, there were just a few bits that didn't mesh. (Accessibility Rating: 3.5/5) I’d strongly suggest calling ahead to confirm specific needs and be prepared to be flexible.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges:
Um… crickets. There wasn't a restaurant on site. It was apartments. You could make amazing home cooking using the facilities. There was, however, a few eateries a short distance away. And, as an aside, the proximity to local seafood restaurants earns major points.
Internet Access: WiFi – Free and… Err… Variable?
FREE WIFI in ALL ROOMS! Okay, that's promising. And, to their credit, they were not lying. I had Wi-Fi. Sometimes. The signal strength fluctuated like a yo-yo on steroids. I had to switch to my mobile data at times, which was a bit of a nuisance. Free Wi-Fi in public areas was a godsend. (Internet Rating: 3/5)
Cleanliness and Safety: The "COVID-Conscious" Checklist!
They were taking things seriously, at least on paper. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocols? Hopefully. I did see people spraying and wiping. Hand sanitiser dispensers were everywhere. I felt safe. The room sanitization opt-out was a nice touch (though, frankly, who would choose that?). (Cleanliness/Safety Rating: 4/5)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure!
This is where things get interesting… or maybe disappointing, depending on your mood. The apartments themselves don't have catering, which is a downside. Breakfast in room? Not officially. Room service? None. But, the kitchen in my apartment was well-equipped, so I was able to cook. (There was a Nespresso machine. I love Nespresso machines.)
Nearby, the local pubs and restaurants were your best bet for food and drink. The bar… was a solid bet. The seafood… oh, the seafood. Amazing. Delicious. I inhaled a plate of fish and chips, and didn’t feel guilty. (Dining/Drinking/Snacking Rating: 3.5/5) (Mostly because of the lack of on-site options, but the nearby food almost made up for it.)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Maybe Not!
Right, the spa. Ah, the spa. (Takes deep breath). Picture this: a small, rather tucked-away room, with the promise of relaxation. Okay, it wasn't exactly a "Spa" as such. There was NO pool with a view. Or even any pool. No steamroom, no sauna, no foot bath. (Things to Do/Relax Rating: 2.5/5)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Luxuries (and the Missing Ones)
Elevator? Yes. Daily housekeeping? Yes. Luggage storage? Yes. But… the gift shop didn't exist, the concierge wasn't exactly a font of knowledge. Food delivery? From local restaurants, you could order. There was an ironing service. The reception was a bit hit and miss with information. (Services/Conveniences Rating: 3/5)
Available in All Rooms: The Bare Essentials (and Some Extras)
Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains (essential for a good night's sleep)? Check. Safe box? Check. But… the mini-bar? Empty. No complimentary water. (Not a deal-breaker, but a nice touch, especially after a long drive.) (In-Room Rating: 4/5)
For the Kids: Family Friendly or… Not So Much?
There were no kid facilities. Not really. (For Kids: 1/5)
(The Long and Rambling Conclusion)
So, the Anchor Apartments. A "Hidden Gem?" Well, it's certainly hidden – and maybe a little rough around the edges. It's not quite luxury. It’s more like a quaint, independently-owned place with a lot of character. There were a few imperfections.
It's not a perfect stay, but it has its moments. The location in Ardglass is fantastic. The staff were friendly, but not necessarily helpful. If you're looking for a quiet getaway, with the convenience of an apartment, it's worth considering, But be prepared for some compromises. Manage your expectations, and you might just have a lovely time.
Final Verdict: 3/5 Stars. Could be better, but the location and charm of Ardglass… make it worth a second glance.
Escape to Paradise: Yoko River Kwai Resort Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your Aunt Mildred's meticulously manicured itinerary. This is my Ardglass adventure, and it's gonna be… well, let's just say unpredictable. We’re talking The Anchor Apartments, Ardglass, a little fishing village in Northern Ireland that, from the photos, looks like something straight out of a picture postcard. Let’s see if reality lives up to the hype.
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Discombobulation (Plus Fish and Chips!)
14:00 - Arrive at The Anchor Apartments: Okay, first impression? Cute. Really cute. Little stone building, right on the harbour. The key situation, however… that was a nightmare. Turns out, the code wasn't working. Then it was and then… nothing. I swear I nearly had a full-blown meltdown in the car. Finally got in, though, and the apartment itself? Cozy. Actually, scratch that, very cozy. Think "nautical chic meets minimalist storage." Still, the view… the view! Straight out to the water. Already, I'm feeling that first wave of "Ahhh, peace" wash over me.
15:00 - The Great Food Hunt: My stomach is currently staging a full-scale protest. The nearest "supermarket" (and I use that term loosely) is a tiny convenience store down the way. I'm talking a fridge full of suspiciously bouncy-looking cheese and a single bruised avocado. Result? A bag of crisps (basically potato chips) and a pack of biscuits (cookies). This is not the gourmet getaway I envisioned.
17:00 - Fish and Chips Rescue: Salvation! Found a chippy (fish and chip shop) just down the street. The smell alone was enough to save my sanity. And the food? Forget everything you think you know about fish and chips. This was epic. Crispy batter, flaky cod, and chips that were fluffy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside. I'm pretty sure I inhaled the entire thing in about five minutes flat. Stuffed, happy, and finally feeling like I’m actually here. Sitting on the harbour wall, watching the boats bob and feeling the sea breeze… bliss.
19:00 - Attempt at Sunset Photography: The sun, being a total show-off, put on a spectacular display. Pictures? Nope. Apparently, my phone's camera has decided to take a personal vendetta against sunsets. Every shot came out blurry and washed out. Rage face. Managed to get one decent shot (after about 20 tries) that captures, in a blurry way, the colours. That will have to do.
20:00 - The Pre-Sleep Snack of Champions: Back to my apartment where the only thing left standing (besides me) are the biscuits. This time, I’m pacing myself, eating them one by one. And wondering if I should stock up on more for tomorrow.
Day 2: Exploring Ardglass and Deep Sea Emotions (aka, the Sea-Sickness Saga)
09:00 - The Great Breakfast Debacle: Decided to be fancy and attempt to make scrambled eggs. Disaster. Burnt eggs, smoky apartment, and a lingering smell of desperation. Just thinking about it is making my stomach clench.
10:00 - Exploring Ardglass: This village is charming. Cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and a distinct lack of "tourist trap" vibes. Walked along the harbour, dodging seagulls (those things are vicious), and checked out the ancient ruins of Ardglass Castle. Definitely feeling the history here.
11:30 - The Boat Trip of Doom (a.k.a. The Sea-Sickness Saga): Booked a boat trip out to see the local wildlife, including the grey seals. This was supposed to be the highlight of the trip! The crew was great, full of local stories. But… the sea, bless its choppy little heart, decided to have a bit of a giggle at my expense. Now, I thought I had my sea legs, but apparently, my stomach disagreed. Let's just say, the seals got a good look at my breakfast (burnt scrambled eggs included). The moment it hit felt like the inside of my body was re-arranging to exit from somewhere it really shouldn’t. One of the crew members kept repeating, “You alright there, love?” like he had seen it all before. He probably has. I have never been so happy to be back on solid ground. The worst of it was how embarrassed I was!
14:00 - Post-Sea-Sickness Recovery: Back in the apartment, I threw up again. And again. And again. Took a bath, took some deep breaths, and then slept for two hours.
16:00 - The Great Redemption (or at least, a cup of tea): Needed to get my head together, so went out to a local tea shop. Ah, the simple pleasure of a good cup of tea and a scone with clotted cream. It wasn't a cure, but it helped.
17:30 - The Harbour Visit: Strolling and getting some fresh air. Watching the sea. I felt happy and sad at the same time. The vastness of the sea… the insignificance of a single person. I think the sea sickness made me philosophical.
19:00 - Dinner: Ordered a take-out pizza, feeling too wobbly to go to the shop. I ate it in front of the TV, watching a terrible rom-com. The perfect end.
20:00 - Early to bed: I felt like a zombie.
Day 3: Castle Visits and Packing Woes (and the bittersweet feeling of leaving)
08:00 - Breakfast: Toast and very strong coffee. No eggs this time!
10:00 - Exploring the Castles: Ardglass has a few castles. Time to channel my inner-Medieval-history nerd! Saw the ruins of Ardglass Castle and the little (but perfectly formed) Jordan's Castle. Amazing architecture. Amazing views. Amazing how people lived like that!
13:00 - Lunch: More fish and chips. Because, why not?
14:00 - Pack: Time to pack and leave. This always feels like a chore. Everything is a little creased. The socks are weirdly damp. And I’ve definitely overpacked. But as I packed, I noticed a shell that I took on the beach. I looked at it for a while, and I felt strangely sad.
16:00 - Last Walk: A final, lingering walk along the harbour, soaking up the last of the Ardglass atmosphere. I felt… a little bit sad. The sea and I, we didn’t get along, but I still felt something. Maybe some kind of respect.
17:00 - Departure: Back to life. Back to reality. Did I love Ardglass? Yeah, I think I did. Even the sea sickness couldn’t ruin it. I’d come back. But next time, I’m getting myself some serious sea-sickness medication.
Ardglass's Hidden Gem: The Anchor Apartments Await! (Or, You Know, Maybe...)
Okay, so... *The Anchor Apartments*. Are they actually *good*? Seriously?
Right, so, look. "Good" is a loaded word, isn't it? Like, is a greasy kebab "good"? Absolutely, at 3 AM after a few pints! The Anchor Apartments… well, they’re *characterful*. Let’s start there. I booked it because the photos looked... *charming*. You know, the kind of slightly faded charm, like a really old sailor who's seen a thing or two (and probably smells faintly of the sea, which, let's be honest, is Ardglass in a nutshell).
My first impression? It was *tiny*. Smaller than my actual...well, I won't say. But yeah, small. Think "cozy" from a marketing brochure, but "slightly cramped" in reality. My mate, Liam, (who, bless him, is built like a small shed) almost got stuck in the bathroom. We both burst out laughing when he squeezed out - it really set the tone for the whole trip.
So, "good"? It depends what you're after. If you're seeking a perfectly polished, sterile hotel room... run away now. If you want a place that feels like it's *lived* in, with a view that punches well above its weight class, and a location that puts you right in the heart of Ardglass... then, yeah. Maybe. But definitely have your expectations in check.
The View! They keep banging on about the view! Is it *really* that good?
Okay, *this* is where The Anchor Apartments absolutely nail it. The view… Oh, bloody hell, the view! Honestly, you could just sit there all day and watch the boats bobbing in the harbor. Forget TV, forget your phone, just stare. My own grumpy inner voice shut up for, like, a solid hour looking out the window. Pure bliss.
I'm not exaggerating - it’s stunning, especially at sunrise. I actually *woke up* early one morning (without an alarm!) just to see it. And usually, I’m the kind of person who needs an earthquake to rouse me before 10 am. The view over the harbor and the castle? Seriously, it beats anything I've seen in many overpriced hotels.
Plus, the seagulls provide a constant, slightly annoying, soundtrack. And you know what? I weirdly *missed* them when I left. They were part of it. Don't expect absolute silence. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the view. They're inseparable.
What's the inside like? Give me the nitty-gritty.
Okay, here we go with the nitty-gritty. Let's be upfront: it's not the Ritz. It feels… worn. Loveably, charmingly worn. Think "your granny's spare room, but with sea views".
The kitchen... well, let's just say it's *compact*. You can probably cook a decent meal if you're willing to embrace close proximity to your fellow cooks. Liam tried to make scrambled eggs one morning. It was, shall we say, a *learning experience*. (We're still finding egg remnants, actually. I think they've bonded to the counter now.)
The bathroom? Functional. The shower pressure was… adequate. It reminded me of a gentle drizzle. (I probably should have cleaned it before using it... but didn't. Sue me.) But, importantly, it *was* hot. And you're not there to spend your life indoors, are you?
The decor? Eclectic. A mix of stuff that probably predates the Millennium, but it gives the place character! It's not for the minimalist, that's for sure. If you're worried about threadbare carpets, or the slightly wobbly table… well, you might want to look elsewhere. Your mileage may (and should) very.
Is it suitable for families? With kids?
Hmm. That's a tricky one. I didn't have kids with me. But, I suppose, it depends on *your* kids. Are they the adventurous types who wouldn't mind a bit of a slightly dated charm? Could they handle a bit of a squeeze? (Remember the size thing?)
There's not a lot of space to *run around*. The stairs are quite steep (Liam nearly took a tumble once, my heart nearly stopped!), so little ones would need proper supervision. And, as I said, a bit of messiness. Kids are naturally messy, right? This might just embrace that chaos. On the plus side, the harbour is right there, begging to be explored.
If your kids are used to pristine hotel rooms and endless entertainment, maybe not. If your kids are hardy little adventurers who don't mind getting their hands dirty, then *maybe*. It's a gamble. Seriously consider what you *actually* like about your family and your children before booking.
Ardglass itself... Any tips? What should we do?
Oh, Ardglass! It's a little gem. A *real* gem. But one you gotta excavate from the slightly rough terrain of things that are, frankly, a bit shit.
First, *eat at Pier 36*. Seriously. The seafood is amazing. And the views... well, even better than *The Anchor*'s, but, you see, that's because they paid attention to where the windows were. The restaurant is at the end of the pier. It's a must. Make a reservation!
Walk the harbor! It's beautiful. Look at the yachts (if you're into that sort of thing). Have a pint at a pub. And seriously, take your time. This isn't a place to rush. You'll miss the things that make it special. I ended up chatting to some of the locals in the pub. They're lovely. And they tell great stories.
Don't go expecting a busy, bustling metropolis. This is a place to *slow down*. Embrace a slower pace of life. Forget your worries. And, yes, spend a lot of time looking at the water. See the boats come and go. Ardglass is all about that. It's a place to switch off and just... breathe.
Okay, one last time: Would you recommend it?
Alright, the big question. Would I *recommend* The Anchor Apartments? After all that negativity (and the occasional praise)?
Here's the thing. I'm not going to give you some wishy-washy, non-committal answer. It's a bit like a slightly grumpy old man. It has some flaws. But they're part of its charm. And the view? It's worth itsStay By City
