In addition to offering simple joys like warming turf fires and unparalleled views across the Burren landscape, this quietly luxurious country house in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare has earned a reputation in recent years as one of Ireland's top food destinations.
It has been run as a country house hotel by the Haden family since 1976, and is currently owned by Simon Haden and his wife Freddie, who have been proprietors since Simon’s parents retired in 2003 and whose fresh vision is bringing many new visitors to this fascinating area.
Surrounded by trees and gardens, in sharp contrast to the stark lunar landscape of the surrounding Burren, this peaceful place is an oasis of warmth, comfort and hospitality, and can be seen from miles around.
It has a uniquely serene atmosphere, and garden flowers throughout the house reflect the personal style of the owners, who have deftly added light and colour to the period interior, artfully blending antique furniture and paintings with stylish contemporary textiles and interesting modern Irish art.
The accommodation is simply lovely: 21 spacious rooms with unique landscape views are thoughtfully furnished by Freddie with understated, yet luxurious, contemporary style - and deliberately left without the worldly interference of television.
Such immaculate surroundings are not, perhaps, a destination likely to come to mind for people travelling with dogs. But, while the public areas of the hotel are not suitable for pets, ‘particularly loved four-legged friends’ are welcome to stay with their owners in a "doggy" room with its own sheltered outdoor area, an outdoor kennel and an indoor play pen/bed for inclement weather.
In the morning, allow time to linger over an excellent breakfast - a delicious buffet set up with fresh juices and fruits, organic cereals, freshly baked bread, home-made preserves and local produce including Burren Smokehouse organic smoked salmon, Burren Gold organic cheese and Limerick ham; the menu of hot dishes reads very simply - but the secret is in the quality ingredients, which sing with flavour.