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Blairscove House & Restaurant

Philippe and Sabine De Mey’s beautiful Georgian property enjoys a stunning waterside location at the head of Dunmanus Bay, and it is a wonderful place to eat – and to stay.

Everything revolves around the courtyard, which has been beautifully restored with cobbled paths, shrubs and flowers, and its 250-year old stone outbuildings have been converted to make four stylish suites or small apartments that are offered for self-catering or B&B.

Each one is totally individual (one large one has an open fire and is particularly appealing for a family, or for longer stays); they are furnished in very different but equally dashing styles - and there is also a self-catering cottage for eight in the grounds.

Rooms 4 (suites); children welcome (under 2s free in parents’ room, cot available free of charge, baby sitting arranged). B&B from €75 pps, ss €30. No dogs.

Restaurant:

Lofty, stone-walled and black-beamed, the restaurant has great character, with a magnificent chandelier as the central feature, and impressive gilt-framed family portraits on the walls.

Fans will be delighted to know that after a short absence, when the restaurant was leased, Philippe and Sabine are once more offering the wonderful food and service that this stylishly atmospheric restaurant is known for: their unique table d’hotete dinner begins with the renowned buffet starter display, which is followed by a wide choice of meat and fish dishes simply cooked on the wood-fired grill.

Local cheeses are still offered, of course, but a (very generous) combination dessert plate has been introduced to replace the once-famous display on the grand piano.

Other than that, returning fans won't find too many changes and Philippe is usually front of house, working alongside a friendly and hospitable team.

And, since April 2009, the new ‘Options’ bistro in the conservatory offers affordable, locally sourced, good food in charming surroundings.

A short seasonal menu is chalked up on a blackboard and, while stylish, it offers a less formal choice than the lofty restaurant, and is especially appealing in daylight.

Seats 85 (private room, 45); children welcome (high chair); reservations required. L Sun only, 12.30-2.30pm; 4-course Sun L €29. Restaurant D Tue-Sat, 6-9.30pm; early bird D €30, 6-7.30pm; set D €58; Options bistro, D Tue-Sat, 6-7.30, à la carte (3-course dinner from about €30); house wine from €19.50, SC discretionary. Closed Sun D (except bank hol weekends), Mon & 7 Jan - 14 Feb. Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

3km (1.5 m) outside Durrus on Crookhaven Road, blue gate on right hand side