This stunning house just outside Lahinch was our Country House of the Year in 2003 and, although many new properties have opened since then, it remains one of Ireland's most appealing (and luxurious) country houses.
It's on a wooded 15 acre site on the river Moy and enjoys a commanding position overlooking Lahinch Bay, with clear coastal views and, although it appears to be quite a small, low building as you approach, its hillside position allows for a lower floor on the sea side - a side entrance below has direct access to the dining room and conservatory, and the lower bedrooms (useful for anyone who might have difficulty with the narrow spiral staircase which joins the two floors internally).
A large drawing room on the entrance level has an open fire and honesty bar, where guests are free to enjoy aperitifs before going down to dine, or to relax after dinner.
Decor, in rich country house tones, uses rugs and beautiful heavy fabrics to great advantage and bedrooms, which all have sea views, are wonderfully spacious and luxuriously appointed, and lovely bathrooms have underfloor heating; one extra-luxurious suite has a private conservatory overlooking the Atlantic.
Bedrooms have recently been refurbished in a gently contemporary style, giving the house a new freshness, and this has also been applied in the dining room (also with a conservatory, allowing lovely views for everyone) where a 4-course residents' dinner and breakfast are served at separate tables - a lovely, stylish place to dine.
There's a short but interesting wine list and, all round, this lovely house offers a unique experience.
* O'Looneys Bar & Restaurant in Lahinch is in common ownership
Rooms 9 (3 shower only, 2 family rooms, 1 suite, 4 ground floor, 1 for disabled, all no smoking); children welcome (cot available at no charge; baby sitting arranged); B&B €92.50-140 pps low-high season, single €140-165. D Mon-Sat 7-8.45pm (residents only, reservations required, restaurant closed Sun), €55. House wine €28.50. Closed Jan-mid Feb. Helipad. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
