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.
