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Zetland Country House - Connemara

Originally built as a sporting lodge in the early 19th century, Zetland House is on an elevated site, with views over Cashel
Bay and still makes a good base for fishing holidays. This is a charming and hospitable small hotel, with a light and airy atmosphere and an elegance bordering on luxury, in both its spacious antique-furnished public areas and bedrooms which are individually decorated in a relaxed country house style, and include two lovely newer rooms, more recently opened.

The gardens surrounding the house are very lovely too, underlining the peaceful atmosphere of the house. Its unusual name dates from the time when the Shetland Islands were under Norwegian rule and known as the Zetlands - the Earl of Zetland (Lord Viceroy 1888-1890) was a frequent visitor here, hence the name.

Conference/banqueting (30/75). Tennis, cycling, walking, snooker. Children welcome (cot available, €10; baby sitting arranged). Pets permitted by arrangement in certain areas. Garden.

Rooms 20 (6 executive, 2 family, 1 shower only, 3 ground floor, all no smoking) B&B €160pps, ss €45.

Restaurant:

Like the rest of this lovely hotel, the dining room is bright, spacious and elegant. Decorated in soft, pretty shades of pale yellow and peach that contrast well with antique furniture - including a fine sideboard where plates and silver are displayed - the restaurant is in a prime position for enjoying the view and makes a wonderful place to watch the light fading over the mountains and the sea.

A warm welcome and quietly efficient service from staff who are clearly happy in their work greatly enhances the pleasure of dining here. The kitchen makes good use of the vegetables and herbs grown in the hotel garden, along with the best of local produce, notably lobster - and also game in season.

From a menu offering about five equally enticing dishes on each course, a typical meal might be deep fried langoustine wanton with tomato fondue, rocket salad, passionfruit sorbet with szechuan pepper and rack of Connemara of lamb (served, perhaps, with a caraway, cherry tomato &aubergine tart, and rosemary jus); finish with Irish cheeses, or a classic dessert such as chocolate fondant, or home-made ices and sorbets.

Excellent breakfasts are also served in the restaurant - home-made preserves are an especially delicious feature.

Restaurant : Seats 45; non residents welcome by reservation; children welcome. D daily 7-9; gourmet D about €56. *Snack lunches available, 12-2 daily; restaurant SC 12.5%; house wine €29. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

N59 from Galway. Turn left after Recess.