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Carrig House Country House & Restaurant

At the heart of Frank and Mary Slattery's sensitively extended Victorian house lies a hunting lodge once owned by Lord Brocket - and he chose well, as it is very attractive and handsomely set in fine gardens with the lake and mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.

The house is welcoming and well-maintained, with friendly staff (Frank himself carries the luggage to your room) and a relaxed atmosphere, notably in a series of sitting rooms where you can chat beside the fire or have a drink before dinner. This is a place where you can lose yourself for hours with a book, or playing chess, cards or board games in the games room, or boating out on the lake.

Some of the large, airy bedrooms have their own patios, and all are furnished with antiques, and have generous, well-designed bathrooms with bath and shower - an impressive Presidential Suite has a sitting room with panoramic views across the lake to the Magillicuddy Reeks, two separate dressing rooms and jacuzzi bath.

The extensive gardens are of great interest - a map is available, and personalised tours can be arranged.

Not suitable for children under 8 except small babies (under 1 free of charge, cot available, baby sitting arranged). Dogs allowed in some areas. Swimming (lake), fishing (ghillie & boat available), walking, garden, croquet.

Rooms 16 (1 suite, 1 junior suite, 3 no smoking) B&B about €80 pps, ss €50. Closed Dec-Feb.

Lakeside Restaurant:

Beautifully situated overlooking the lake, the restaurant is a fine room with well-spaced tables and a relaxed atmosphere. Open to the public as well as resident guests, extensive menus offer a balanced choice, with fresh Kerry seafood and Kerry lamb the main specialities, also a vegetarian option available.

Seats 55 (private room, 15) Outdoor dining for 20. D daily, 7-9. Extensive á la carte. House wine about €25. SC discretionary. Non-residents welcome (booking essential). Establishment closed Dec-Feb. Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Left after 2.5 miles on Killorglin/Glenbeigh Road N70 (Ring of Kerry), then turn sharp right at Caragh Lake School (1.5 miles), half a mile on the left.