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Home > Eat & Stay > Ardtara Country House

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Ardtara Country House

Country House

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5 euro Denotes genuine Irish food culture, ie special Irish food products/companies/producers, and highlights the best places to shop for regional and artisan foods; the selection excludes obvious 'non-Irish' elements regardless of quality, eg ethnic restaurants and specialists in coffee, wine and other drinks, unless relevant to local production or history. Eat & Stay establishments are chosen for their commitment to showcasing local produce and Irish hospitality. Highly Recommended as a Special Place to Stay The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Ardtara Country House

Ardtara is a member of the highly regarded Browns Restaurant Group (of Derry City and Portstewart) with renowned executive chef Ian Orr at the helm, so there is a sense of excitement surrounding the kitchen and restaurant at this lovely country house
Conferences/Banqueting (74). Rooms 9 (1 junior suite, 5 executive, 3 family, 1 shower only, 1 ground floor, 1 wheelchair friendly). B&B from £135-£285 per room. Children welcome (under 2s free in parents’ room, cot available, babysitting arranged). *Short breaks offered. Browns Restaurant: Seats 80. D daily in summer 5pm-9pm. Afternoon Tea Mon-Sat 12.30pm-3.30pm, Reservations recommended. Children welcome. Toilets wheelchair accessible. Bar meals also available. Tennis, golf practice tee. No pets. Garden, woodland walk. Equestrian, fishing (fly & coarse), golf and hunting all nearby. WiFi. Open daily in peak season, closed Mon & Tue off-season. Amex, MasterCard, Visa abbreviations

Former home to the Clark linen-milling family, Ardtara is now an attractive, elegantly decorated Victorian country house. It has long been a member of the prestigious Blue Book (Irish Country Houses & Restaurants Association) and it has a warm atmosphere and a well-earned reputation for genuine hospitality


Since 2014 the property has been part of the highly regarded Browns Restaurant Group (of Derry City, Letterkenny and Porstewart), so there is a sense of excitement surrounding the kitchen and restaurant (see below). Continuity was assured, however, as a long-serving team remained in place to oversee the accommodation and the house in general.


While not especially large, it is a fine house with well-proportioned reception rooms including a proper bar which has access to the conservatory and garden. Antique furnishings and fresh flowers everywhere give it a homely ambience, and it can also have a sense of occasion which lends itself very well to small weddings and other family occasions.


Large, luxuriously furnished bedrooms enjoy views of the garden and surrounding countryside and have king size beds, working fireplaces and LCD TV and DVDs, while bathrooms combine the practicality of power showers with period details, some including free-standing baths and fireplaces.


Breakfast has always been a high point, so allow time to enjoy it. It's set up in the atmospheric restaurant and offers  a wide choice of carefully sourced food, with the bread a special source of pride and all of the hot dishes cooked to order. Everything is delicious and the famous Thompson Family teas from Belfast and locally roasted Upperlands coffee make the perfect accompaniments..                                                                                                                


Ardtara is a destination in itself, but it would also make an excellent base for exploring this beautiful and unspoilt area.


Browns Restaurant at Ardtara Country House:


Ardtara’s kitchen is led by Chef Patron Ian Orr, who was our Chef of the Year 2013 and is recognised throughout Ireland as a leading talent.


This was the first country house restaurant in the Browns Group, which has two excellent restaurants in Derry City (Browns Bonds Hill and Browns in Town), and another more recently opened at Portstewart Golf Club (Eighteen Ninety Four). All are testament to Ian's high standards and organisational skills - he is committed to showcasing the local foods of the region and has assembled an outstanding team in each location.


While meals may also be served in the conservatory or bar, the dining room is very special - it was previously a snooker room and still has the full Victorian skylight and original hunting frieze, making an unusual setting for fine dining. Although traditional and with an air of formality, in keeping with the style of the house, the service is warm, friendly and attentive.


The 'best of local' provides the basis for skilful cooking by Ian Orr and his team, including produce grown in the gardens at Ardtara.


Wines are supplied, as before, by the highly regarded wine merchant James Nicholson.

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  • Activities
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  • Restaurant/Dining/Pub
  • Equestrian (nearby)
  • Fishing (coarse nearby)
  • Fishing (Fly Fishing nearby)
  • Forest / Woodland with trails nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Hunting/Shooting (nearby)
  • Tennis
  • Walking (established walks)
  • Walking - Hillwalking (recommended routes or guides available)
  • Breaks - Off Season
  • Breaks - Short
  • Breaks - Special Interest
  • Broadband WI/FI
  • Broadband WI/FI (No Charge)
  • Business Hotel
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  • Location - Peaceful
  • Meeting Rooms
  • No Smoking Establishment
  • Open New Year
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  • Romantic Venue
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  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • Contemporary Irish
  • Atmospheric
  • Breakfast Venue
  • Business Meal
  • Coeliac Friendly
  • Early Bird / Value Menu Available
  • Extensive Wine List
  • Formal
  • Informal
  • Romantic
  • Sunday Dining
  • Vegetarian Friendly (always at least 1 starter & 1 main course)
  • Vegetarian Menu
Last Updated: 29-11-2022
Author: Georgina Campbell
Click here if you are the owner or marketing manager
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Address

Ardtara Country House
8 Gorteade Road, Upperlands , Maghera Co Londonderry , BT46 5SA
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Directions About Upperlands Trip Planning Tools
M2 from from Belfast to A6. A29 to Maghera. B75 to Kilrea.
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