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Ardmore Country House Hotel

Pat and Noreen Hoban’s small family-run hotel is quietly located in immaculately maintained gardens near Westport harbour, with views over Clew Bay, and it offers warm hospitality, very comfortable accommodation and good food.

Spacious, individually decorated guest rooms are all furnished to a very high standard; the style is luxurious and the range of facilities - which includes an iron and ironing board and, in many rooms, a separate bath and shower - is impressive.

Guests are given the choice of seaview or back of house rooms, allowing for a less expensive option; this also applies to short breaks offered.

An outstandingly good breakfast includes (amongst other equally tempting items) a choice of freshly squeezed juices in generous glasses, fresh fruit (correctly prepared according to type, eg skinned grapefruit segments), delicious cafetière coffee, a perfectly-cooked, simple version of ‘the full Irish’, and a superb fish plate.

Great details too - freshly baked breads, home-made preserves and prompt service.

[Ardmore was selected for our Best Hotel Breakfast Award in 2005.]

Not suitable for children. No pets. Free broadband wi/fi. Garden, walking.

Rooms 13 (all superior; 2 ground floor; all no smoking). Room service (limited hours); turndown service. B&B €95 pps, ss €35. Closed Jan & Feb.

Restaurant:

Pat and Noreen have been overseeing the restaurant since the late 70's and must be the longest serving management team in fine-dining in the West of Ireland.

The enduring popularity of Ardmore House is testament to the classical style of food cooked by Pat. The restaurant - a well-appointed room with some useful corners for tête-à-têtes and a sea view over the front gardens - is the heart of this house.

Pat’s menus make good reading over an aperitif in the comfortable bar, where nightly specials are listed and explained. Around nine starters are offered, including Kelly's black pudding with apple, panfried prawns, homemade paté or chowder; there is plenty of choice, including local lamb and duck, but locally caught fish and shellfish feature strongly with scallops, lobster, black sole and monkfish among others to the fore - and Pat does his fine ingredients proud.

Warm and friendly service together with accomplished cooking make dining here a very pleasant experience.

The wine list features wines from around the world, a balance of old and new world and includes house wines at €24.50 and 6 half bottles in addition to the main list.

Seats 50; not suitable for children under 12. D 7-9 (daily in summer, Tue-Sat low season); set 3 course D €55; also a la carte. House wine €22.50. Closed Sun (& Mon in low season), all Jan & Feb. Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

1.5 kms from Westport town centre, on the coast road.