Win a Break in Inch House

Inch HouseInch House is a magnificent Georgian house outside Thurles in Co Tipperary that was built in 1720 and managed to survive some of the most turbulent periods in Irish history - but it is current owners, John and Nora Egan, who have made it the handsome, comfortably furnished period house which guests enjoy today.

Reception rooms on either side of a welcoming hallway have period fireplaces with big log fires, and include an unusual William Morris-style drawing room with a tall stained glass window, a magnificent plasterwork ceiling (and adjoining library bar) and a fine dining room, which is used for residents’ breakfasts and is transformed into a restaurant at night.

The five bedrooms have individual character and are furnished with antiques - several have four-poster or half tester beds, and all have garden views (the view from largest, The Green Room, is especially impressive), tea and coffee making (fresh milk from a fridge on the landing) and complimentary Tipperary Water. Information folders highlight the wealth of activities to be enjoyed in the area, including food trails, hillwalking, horse riding and historical visits.

The house is full of interest; but it is the warmth and hospitality of the Egan family - with daughter Mairin now Nora's right hand woman in the house - and the sense of being at the centre of a working family farm that makes this wonderful property such a delight.

Inch House RestaurantThe 50 seater restaurant, which is open to non-residents by reservation, is a lovely dining room with polished wood floors, classic country house decor and tables laid with crisp white linen and fresh flowers, which provide a pleasing setting for dinner, especially when the ambience is softened by firelight and candles.

Dinner menus offer a well-balanced choice of about six dishes on each course, in a fairly traditional style that combines French country cooking and Irish influences, and makes good use of local produce.

A very good breakfast is served in the restaurant, which is bright and cheerful in the morning sun.

Inch House traditional black pudding is widely distributed within Ireland (see website for a list of outlets) and a growing range of other products is also available, including dressings, sauces and chutneys.

The lucky winner of this free competition will receive a short break for two people sharing (subject to availability) in Inch House, to include:

•  2 nights accommodation
•  Breakfast both mornings
•  Dinner on one evening of your choice

Read more about Inch House on their website.

To enter the competition simply tick the answers to the questions below, you must be a logged in member to enter (if you are not a member click here to join, it's free):



Question 1. In which county is Ballymaloe House Hotel located?
Co Mayo
Co Cork
Co Dublin

Question 2. What is the approximate drive time from Cork city to Ballymaloe?
1 hour
2 hours
30 minutes

Question 3. How does Ballymaloe House Hotel describe the ethos of their restaurant?
Farm-to-fork
Tide-to-Table
Nose to-Tail
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