Ivyleigh House

This lovely early Georgian house is set back from the road only by a tiny neatly box-hedged formal garden, but has a coachyard (with parking), outhouses and a substantial lawned garden at the back.

It is a listed building and the present owners, Dinah and Jerry Campion, have restored it immaculately and furnished it beautifully in a style that successfully blends period elements with bold contemporary strokes, giving it great life.

Two sitting rooms (one with television) are always available to guests and there’s a fine dining room with a large communal table and a smaller one at the window for anyone who prefers to eat separately.

Bedrooms are the essence of comfort, spacious, elegant, with working sash windows and everything absolutely top of the range including real linen. Large shower rooms have power showers and many excellent details, although those who would give anything for a bath to soak in will be disappointed.

But it is perhaps at breakfast that this superb guesthouse is at its best. An extensive menu shows a commitment to using quality local produce that turns out to be even better than anticipated: imaginative, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented.

As well as a full range of fresh juices, fruits, yogurts, cereals and porridge, speciality hot dishes include Cashel Blue cheesecakes - light and delicious, like fritters - served with mushrooms and tomatoes. And through it all Dinah Campion (who must rise at dawn to bake the bread) is charming, efficient and hospitable.

This is one of Ireland’s best guesthouses, and was Leinster winner of our Irish Breakfast Awards in 2002.

No evening meals, but the Campions direct guests to good restaurants nearby.