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Ballykealey Manor Hotel

Seat of the Lecky family for three centuries, the present house was designed by Thomas A Cobden, built in the 1830s as a wedding present. Gothic arches and Tudor chimney stacks add unique character, and the house is set in well-maintained grounds and promising first impressions are well founded.

The hotel passed into new ownership in 2007 but the previous owners completely refurbished the hotel when they took over some years ago and new rooms recently added do not detract from the original house.

Bold decorative touches in the entrance hall set a confident tone that is carried through into spacious reception rooms, furnished in an elegant mixture of contemporary style and period features, combining comfort with a friendly atmosphere.

Individually designed bedrooms are luxuriously furnished, decorated in keeping with the character of the house and have all the expected amenities.

Conferences/banqueting (20-260). Wheelchair access; Rooms 12 (1 junior suite, 4 shower only, 2 non-smoking). ; children welcome (under 6 free in parents' room, cot available without charge). Pets by arrangement. B&B about €70pps, ss about €20; no SC. Closed 24 Dec.

The Oak Room:

This aptly-named restaurant is in what was previously the drawing room and library, and retains many original features including 10 foot solid oak dividing doors, hand-carved oak bookcases and fine cornices and mouldings - which, together with a welcome open fire on chilly days, makes a handsome setting for enjoyable food.

Menus offer a good range of popular dishes, the cooking is good and service professional - a sound combination that makes this a favourite dining spot for both residents and non-resident guests.

Oak Room : Promisingly well-appointed white-clothed tables and linen napkins look well against dark wood panelling in this elegant restaurant, which has a very pleasant outlook across the gardens to mature trees. Interesting menus - which may be offered at your table or in the confirm impressions that the priorities here lie in the kitchen. While not over-extensive, choices on well-balanced menus range from the classic (tournedos ?Rossini? for example) to some dishes including exotic ingredients for the more adventurous diner. Service, while friendly, may not match the professionalism in the kitchen but an hospitable atmosphere, creative cooking and good value for money should ensure an enjoyable meal. Seats 32 (private room 32). D daily, 7-9.30; L Sun only 12.30-3.30. D A la carte, Set Sun L. House wines €18. A la carte bar menu available 12.30-9.30. Closed 24 Dec. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

16km (10 m) from Carlow on the N80