2018 Award Winners FARMHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2018

Hillcrest Farm, Ahakista, Co Cork

The idea of a farm stay is heaven to many visitors to Ireland, and to families living in cities. Quality farm stays have huge potential in Ireland, as there is great - and growing - international demand for really good accommodation tied in with the experience of staying on a working farm. Yet, surprisingly perhaps, only a relatively small number of farming families have so far taken up the challenge of offering a quality experience to visitors, so it is always a special pleasure when we find it is done well - and, in this case, they have been doing it very well indeed since1980.

Hospitality has always come first at this immaculate, family-friendly farmhouse overlooking Dunmanus Bay (and only five minutes’ walk to the beach and a good pub) where Joe and Agnes Hegarty’s guests - including walkers, who revel in the 88km “Sheep’s Head Way” - are welcomed with a cup of tea and home-baked scones on arrival, as they have been since 1980.

While never forgetting the value of its simplicity as a traditional farm destination, the accommodation is very comfortable and thoughtfully equipped - and, as well as mature gardens for the use of all, ground floor rooms have direct access to a sheltered patio, with parking close by.

Ever practical, Agnes and Joe have planned renovations well in recent years, so that some rooms in the house can be used for self-catering instead of B&B when required - and a separate self catering house is also available all year. Hillcrest House was our Farmhouse of the Year in 2001 and, thanks to the unwavering standards of Joe and Agnes and their family, it is still a great example of simple excellence today.