Just five minutes’ walk west of Dingle Town, this luxurious purpose-built guesthouse is run by Brian and Helen Heaton - who have both worked in some of Ireland’s finest hotels, and for whom nothing is too much trouble to ensure that guests at their Failte Ireland 4 star property enjoy the very best of Irish hospitality.
On arrival, the high standard of design and finish is immediately obvious and, although it is on the land side of the road, this immaculate house is built on a rise and, from the many rooms with sea views, all you are aware of is the wonderful sea and mountain views across Dingle Bay.
The scale is generous throughout and first impressions are of space and luxury - the lobby is furnished with comfortable couches, antiques and paintings that the couple have gathered over the years and, off it, there is an elegantly appointed drawing room for guests’ use, with a sandstone fireplace and views across the bay.
Most of the twelve rooms have a sea view and all are spacious and individually decorated to a very high standard, with king or super king size beds beautifully dressed with Egyptian cotton sheets and personally selected comforters.
The aim is to create a real home from home for guests, and this is perhaps best seen in the luxurious bathrooms, which are all marbled or feature Villeroy and Boch tiles – and have separate power shower and whirlpool bath.
Attention to detail is seen in everything from the big fluffy bathsheets and quality toiletries to in-room facilities which include not only a hospitality tray, direct dial telephone and wireless broadband, and TV with CD/DVD player (DVDs can be borrowed from Brian’s personal collection), but also filtered bottled water and bath robes.
The couple’s collection of contemporary art features in the dining room, where guests can enjoy the lovely view while taking a leiurely breakfast chosen from a wide ranging menu that includes cereals, homemade muesli, freshly baked bread and scones, yoghurts, fresh and cooked fruit, Irish cheeses and meats, as well as the traditional Irish Breakfast and other hot dishes including porridge (topped with Baileys, Irish Mist or award winning Cooley Distillery Whiskey from County Louth), omelettes and pancakes with maple syrup.
This is indeed a home away from home, and one with a family atmosphere too - Brian’s parents, Nuala and Cameron, run the well-established Heaton’s guesthouse next door and a little gate connects the two.
Rooms 12 (2 junior suites, 3 family, 1 for disabled, 4 ground floor, all no smoking); B&B €65 pps, ss €21. Children welcome (under 2 free in parents' room, cots available free of charge). Lift. Limited room service. Free broadband wi/fi; masseuse. Closed Dec-mid Feb (open few days over New Years day). MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
