In a lovely site overlooking the Barrow Valley, Bryan Leech and Martin Marley's charming late Georgian house - which (encouragingly) takes its name from the Irish 'cill greíne', meaning 'sunny hill or wood' - is set in extensive wooded grounds.
It is a serene and restful place with beautiful walks, and one of Ireland's greatest gardens, Altamont, is nearby. Bryan and Martin have a great love of gardens - one of their most interesting projects to date has been has been the development of their monastic herb gardens, and the kitchen garden provides an abundance of good things for Bryan to transform into delicious dinners. His cooking style is creative and contemporary, making full use of local and artisan produce which they showcase with pride.
Six-course menus begin with an amuse bouche and, although there are various influences at work, there's a leaning towards Japan, notably in specialities like their own home-smoked duck and a very beautiful dish of wild Slaney salmon wrapped in nori and wasabi.
Your breakfast next morning will showcase local foods, including cheeses, more traditionally. But it is for the sheer sense of style pervading the house that it is most famous - Bryan and Martin's enjoyment in its restoration and furnishing is abundantly clear: elegant, yes, but with a great sense of fun too.
Dinner can be shared with other guests at a communal table, or served at separate tables; a short, informative wine list is chosen with care - and non-residents are welcome by reservation.
An Aroma Spa offers a range of therapies and massages, for both men and women, including pregnancy treatments, and there is a strong emphasis on rest in all of the special packages offered. These include an appealing 'Rail and Rest' break with complimentary collection and return to Bagenalstown station.
Self-catering accommodation is also available, in two courtyard suites, the gate lodge and a restored cottage.
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