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Coopershill House

Undoubtedly one of the most delightful and superbly comfortable Georgian houses in Ireland, this sturdy granite mansion was built to withstand the rigours of a Sligo winter but its numerous chimneys suggest there is warmth to be found within the stern grey walls.

Peacocks wander elegantly on the croquet lawns (and roost in the splendid trees around the house at night) making this lovely place, home of the O'Hara family since it was built in 1774, a particularly perfect country house.

Nothing escapes Brian O'Hara's disciplined eye: in immaculate order from top to bottom, the house not only has the original 18th century furniture but also some fascinating features, notably an unusual Victorian free-standing rolltop bath complete with fully integrated cast-iron shower 'cubicle' and original brass rail and fittings, all in full working order.

Luxurious rooms are wonderfully comfortable and have phones and tea/coffee making facilities. Lindy runs the house and kitchen with the seamless hospitality born of long experience, and creates deliciously wholesome, country house home cooking which is served in their lovely dining room (where the family silver is used with magnificent insouciance even at breakfast).

As well as their own neatly maintained vegetable garden, the O'Hara's have a deer farm: pot roast leg of venison with red wine is a house speciality. A surprisingly extensive wine list offers no less than six house wines - and has many treats in store.

Coopershill is well placed for exploring this unspoilt area - and makes a good base for golfers too, with several championship courses, including Rosses Point within easy range.

Free broadband wi/fi. Tennis, cycling, boating, fishing, garden, croquet; snooker room. Children welcome (under 2 free in parents' room; cots available without charge, baby sitting arranged). No pets. Rooms 8 (7 en-suite, 1 shower only, 1 private bathroom, 1 family room, all no smoking). Turndown service. B&B about €129 pps, ss €30. Dining Room Seats 20. D 8.15pm daily (non-residents welcome by reservation); Set D about €57, house wines from €14; sc discretionary.* 10% discount on stays of 3+ days. Closed end Oct-1 Apr. (off-season house parties of 12-16 people welcome.) Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Signposted from N4 at Drumfin crossroads.