Nestled in the heart of the Co. Limerick countryside is The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge, a converted 19th century convent. The celebrated and comfortable Echo Lodge is set amid mature trees, herbaceous borders, orchard and kitchen garden. Home to The Mustard Seed restaurant, the busy, buzzy dining room has long been highly acclaimed, attracting lovers of good food and fine wine from around the globe. The Mustard Seed is an oasis of understated luxury.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
We have just returned after a two night stay at The Mustard Seed. With Covid-19 lurking in the background, we weren't sure what to expect, and how restrictions would affect our stay. We needn't have worried !! From the moment we arrived, it was obvious that every member of staff knew precisely what they were doing and how to deliver a wonderful service while still observing the highest levels of Covid-19 guideline adherence. With lots of space in both dining and lounge areas, maintaining a sensible distance from other guests was not a problem. We ate there on both nights and found the food and presentation to be of the highest standard. We had chosen the basic bedroom for our stay. The room was large, bright and beautifully finished - it would be classified as a Superior Room in most hotels. Last, but not least, the staff were wonderful. Every request was met with a genuine smile and they appeared to really enjoy their work and delivered a top class service. We can't wait to return.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Honestly, what's not to love about the Mustard Seed.
An effusive welcome from John Edward and his staff, we were treated to prosecco because it was our wedding anniversary, a lovely touch. Also offered tea and coffee, with selection of cakes on the patio overlooking the front garden.
Our room, number 3, at the front of the house was a magnificent suite, tastefully decorated with antique furniture, including a four post bed, couch and chairs, and ornaments. Extremely relaxing and peaceful. Noise from the house or road is definitely not an issue.
We dined in the restaurant both nights of our stay, and couldn't be happier. Pre-dinner drinks served in the study, while we perused the menu via QR scan. The food was sumptuous. Qual for starter, followed by a fresh sorbet and for main, pork belly, fillet and cheek was a real favourite, and excellent wine selection.
All staff were wonderful, nothing was too much trouble, hard working but always polite and friendly, very much in the mould of John Edward himself, who always took time to chat with his guests.
The grounds around the house are magnificent, with orchards, fresh herbs fruits and vegetables, and oodles of flowers. Lovely and peaceful for a post breakfast stroll before heading off for the day.
On departure, friendly goodbyes and even given a loaf of tasty brown bread.
Can't believe it was eleven years since we were last here, it won't be that long again, but delighted to see the Mustard Seed still maintaining, even exceeding, its previous excellent quality and friendly hospitality. Chapeau!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Having stayed in the Mustard Seed in January and enjoyed a lovely walk and a delicious meal my husband organised five couples to go back to the Mustard Seed. The weather wasn’t great but the welcome was one of warmth and friendly chat a cup of tea or coffee in the drawing room and a cosy bedroom. Dinner was absolutely perfect it had great choice and Everyone had only the best to say about it. The table was a large square which kept everyone within range off all conversation .
The breakfast was good.
I think the dinner and the friendly welcome will bring us back again.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Every now and again you find a hidden gem and The Mustard Seed is it. John Edward and staff are the epitomy of professionalism, warmth, hospitality and graciousness with great attentiveness which is never intrusive. This is a place to nurture body and soul with its stunning location, beautiful and lovingly tended gardens with their own vegetables, fruit and flowers. It is a oasis of safety and calm, a tranquil peaceful place with a lovely energy exuding from staff and even from the whole complex. It is magnificent, nurturing, organic, sensitive, and with the most delicious cuisine. They are so compliant with the Covid measures ensuring that everywhere and everything is sanitised and yet again keeping excellent warmth and atmosphere. This was a wonderful treat and I guarantee I'll be back... And bring a few more people. Its the perfect location for a staycation with safety and warm hospitality guaranteed. I'd recommend it without the slightest hesitation. Thank you to John Edward and all your wonderful staff. Good luck with the business in such challenging times. You deserve to excel because your whole range of services is absolutely excellent.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Had a family reunion here on Saturday and stayed overnight. Lovely old world feel to the mustard seed. Blue book standard definately. Its near ballingarry and we approached via croom from Limerick on the motorway. Lovely bedrooms with lots of paintings and old antique furniture. My son and I had a two bed apartment on two floors. Own sitting room. Just fabulous. Opened onto deck at front of building with sun streaming in. Food is fine dining at its best. I had duck and my brother had Boar which were both delicious. We did an overnight stay, bed breakfast 4course evening meal for €149 per person sharing. Fantastic value. Great breakfast in a beautiful breakfast room surrounded by works of art. Thank you to the lovely John and staff. All so professional. Went home with my home made brown bread and chutney from the mustard seed..... Yummmm
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My Japanese business friends and I went for dinner at the Mustard Seed. We were warmly greeted by John and settled in front of the open fire for pre dinner drinks. We choose the Early Bird Menu, which proved to be excellent both for food and value. Most of us ordered wild boar, which I can recommend highly. Service is very good, even to my extra request serving coffee with hot milk on the side.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Service
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have just returned from a two night stay at The Mustard Seed. John edward and his staff went to great lengths to ensure that we would enjoy our break. The atmosphere in the place is amazing. All the staff are dedicated to the task of looking after their guests to the nth degree. Nothing is too much trouble. The food is absolutely gorgeous. Everything is really fresh, and it is prepared to a very high standard. I had the beef dish for dinner, and it was probably one of the best meals I have ever had. The breakfast was also top class. I really enjoyed the fruit breakfast bowl, especially the rhubarb from the kitchen garden. This place has a string of National Awards, and it is easy to see why.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From the moment you step in the front door you can feel the warmth of this establishment. The warm fires in the seating areas are matched by the welcomes of the staff and John Edward himself, who is a charming host and always around. The hotel has an old world country house feel while being modernised to a high level of comfort and decorated in vibrant style. Dinner and breakfast were very enjoyable with local or home grown produce used. We really enjoyed our stay and will be back.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Some rooms have walk in showers and others have showers in the baths so if accessibility an issue...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This country house is one in a million. We arrived on Valentines day for a glorious 3 day stay, We were greeted by John on the lawn with a glass of bubbly, while sipping our bubbles we ran our dog who was as much a welcomed guest as we were! This place is really dog friendly, great grounds for walks and great accommodation, bed and bowl in your living quarters provided for pets. This is the kind of House where you would want to stay in every room, they are all so stunning, the interior decoration is so eclectic you will enjoy just wandering around, so must to see and enjoy. We had the most beautiful meals, game here is a must, especially the Phesant you'll want to try it. The staff are professional, friendly and polite, ask for anything and they will do their best for you. We had Valentines, Birthday and our wedding anniversary here over these three days and we can't thank John Edward and the whole staff for making it a most romantic and memorable time for us. Highly recommend a visit here.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Any room they are all stunning.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We give John Edward and his team top marks for a wonderful 3 night stay. From the moment we arrived until we left this morning the welcoming friendly staff and exceptional service was consistently 100%. Under John Edward’s watchful and respectful leadership the Mustard Seed is a ‘class act’ in terms of a relaxing and comfortable environment in beautiful well kept landscaped grounds and countryside, absolutely delicious food with tasty fresh ingredients from the garden, incredible service and a very comfortable dog friendly mews apartment. Well done to each and every member of the team in these challenging C-19 times. We really appreciate it and thank you all for a very enjoyable and memorable stay. Wishing you continued success. Ann, Austin and Archie (dog)
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Pet friendly room in mews excellent
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI Timohy. Thank you for your enquiry. There is no charge for a dog. The room most suitable for your pet is a superior room on the ground floor with doors leading directly to the outside. Please let me know if I can assist you with a reservation.
There are more places to choose from in the Ballingarry area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
the mustard seed at echo hotel adare
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of MunsterCounty LimerickBallingarry
NUMBER OF ROOMS
18
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
