2018 Award Winners COUNTRY HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2018

Virginia Park Lodge, Virginia, Co Cavan

You can’t beat a country house for a refreshing short break or to provide a atmospheric setting for special occasions - and this unusual place is a destination like no other.

Beautifully located overlooking Lough Ramor, this eighteenth century sporting lodge has a charming combination of informality and grandeur, which has endeared it to many - including a famous local man, the chef Richard Corrigan and his wife Maria who celebrated their marriage here in 1991.

Having had a grá for it ever since, Richard bought the property in 2013 and lost no time in renovating the house and establishing productive gardens, which are now also supplying his London restaurants.

A desirable private venue for weddings, corporate events and sporting weekends, it also opens for pop up meals and themed weekends (book online) and makes an elegant and atmospheric setting for Richard Corrigan's famously direct seasonal, ingredients-led cooking.

Accommodation (good beds, lovely VOYA toiletries) includes some rooms in the old house, with lake views, and some luxurious Woodland Huts.

A wonderful place.