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.
Together with Sabine's brother Ronald Klotzer, who is head chef, the De Meys offer the wonderful food and service that this stylishly atmospheric restaurant is known for: their unique table d’hote 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, and a meal here always ends on a high note, with the famous dessert selection - formerly displayed on the grand piano, these sweet temptations are now laid out on a sideboard in the conservatory, allowing diners to linger more discreetly over those difficult choices...
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.
The carefully chosen, mainly European, wine list is quite extensive and includes half a dozen champagnes and sparkling wines, a fair choice of half bottles and some organic wines. There is also a non-alcoholic treat which is not listed - the house elderflower cordial, which is one of the best to be found anywhere in Ireland.
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