• About
    • About Us
    • Assessment Process
    • Contact Us
    • Quotes & Testimonials
    • Award Winners »
      • Awards Presented
      • Awards Received
    • Info for Owners »
      • Info for Owners
      • Industry Register/Login
  • Awards
  • Eat
  • Drink
  • Stay
  • Buy
  • Learn
  • Producers
  • Articles
  • Blog
  • Recipes
    • By Georgina Campbell
  • Special Offers
  • Competitions
  • Shop
    • Recipe Cards
    • Buy Guidebooks
    • Buy Cookbooks
    • GPS POIs for Garmin
    • « Ireland Apps
      • iPhone App
      • Blackberry App
      • Samsung App
      • Nokia App
      • Ireland for Food Lovers App
    • « Cooking Apps
      • iCook - Recipes & Cooking with Neven
      • APPetiser - Recipes & Cooking with Derry Clarke
      • For the Love of Food – Kevin Dundon
  • More+
    • Gardens
    • Golf
    • Self Catering
    • What's On
    • Tourist Attractions
    • Wedding Venues
Ireland Guide
Ireland Guide

- ireland -

Graphics Version | 
Ireland’s Leading Independent Food & Hospitality Guide
  • LOGIN/SIGNUP
    • My Ireland Guide
    • Industry
Home > Eat & Stay > The Cliff House Hotel

Eat & Stay

Comments(0) Add Comment

The Cliff House Hotel

Hotel / Restaurant

Dislike Like
14 votes (100%)
Print page Send to a friend
Restaurants Offering Consistent Excellence Overall Deluxe Accommodation A selection of establishments outside the standard categories that should enhance the discerning travellers experience of Ireland Has Good Hotel Guide Url 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. Outstanding Location, building or atmosphere Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner

VIEW OUR MENUS

  • La Carte Dinner Menu
  • Tasting Dinner Menu
  • Bar Lunch Menu
  • Bar Dinner Menu

The Cliff House Hotel

Built into steep cliffs beside the pretty village of Ardmore and overlooking Ardmore Bay and the Irish Sea, this boutique hotel has brought a welcome focus to an area of outstanding hospitality and unspoilt natural beauty which has somehow remained a well kept secret until recently. Famed for its sophisticated cuisine, this is a destination for adventurous diners although simpler meals are served in the bar
Small conferences/banqueting (62/40); business centre, secretarial services, video conferencing, free broadband wifi, laptop sized safes in bedrooms. Rooms 39. B&B from about €100pps. 24-hour room service; lift. Children welcome (under 5s free in parents’ room, babysitting arranged, playroom). House Restaurant: seats 60 (private room 40, outdoors 20). D Tue-Sat from 6.30pm, 8-course Tasting menu €115 (wine pairing +, also à la carte. 2/3 course Sun L €29.50/€34.50, 12.30pm-4pm. Children welcome (high chair, children’s menu, baby changing facilities); 3 course children’s Sun L €17.50. Air conditioning. Reservations required. Toilets wheelchair accessible. Bar L 12.30pm-3.30pm, D 6.30-9.30pm. Snack menu 12.30pm-6pm. Restaurant closed Sun & Mon off season. Hotel closed over Christmas. Leisure Centre (swimming pool, fitness room, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room). Spa (treatment rooms, massage); beauty salon. Fishing, golf, equestrian, scuba diving, surfing & water sports all nearby. Dogs permitted on outdoor terraces (staying in outhouse/kennel, no charge). Amex, MasterCard, Visa abbreviations

Built into steep cliffs beside the pretty village of Ardmore and overlooking Ardmore Bay and the Irish Sea, this boutique hotel has brought a new focus to an area of outstanding hospitality and unspoilt natural beauty which has somehow remained a well-kept secret until recently.


The hotel has earned a reputation for its emphasis on service as well as exceptional food and a fresh contemporary style. While not a conventional five star hotel, it offers a different spin on luxury that guests generally find refreshing.


On arrival from the Dungarvan side, the hotel is impossible to miss - pretty with twinkling lights at night – and very easy to find. The drive through the quaint little village is short and, at the door, welcoming staff immediately make you feel  at home.


The entrance into the contemporary reception area is stunning, with a dramatic spiral staircase leading down to the bar and restaurant, striking colours, and the open fire which is always such a welcome feature in Ireland - but the star is the sea, seen through the huge back window. The building has a unique layout, which can make it hard to get your bearings but, under the management of GM Patrick Shields, the cheerful staff are always helpful - and at the ready to rescue anyone who goes missing.


The gorgeous rooms are not huge but all have sea views, and many have a private balcony with table and chairs for al fresco dining. Décor, in several schemes, is bold and modern with wifi, flat screen TV etc as standard, yet with classic touches and an emphasis on comfort; the boldest is in a strong pink, which works well against darkwood furniture, subdued carpet, original artwork and feature bedheads – a ‘cat’s cradle’ of coloured wools strung behind glass, perhaps.


Generous bathrooms take up perhaps a tad too much of the available space but, with free standing bath and separate shower seen against soft natural light from a frosted glass window on the bedroom side and a combination of natural slate and iridescent mosaic tiling, they are impressive - and, while a little short on practical shelf space, have loads of fluffy white towels, robes, slippers and lovely toiletries to pamper.


And, when it comes to pampering, they're no slouches here, with The Well spa offering a stunningly positioned outdoor infinity pool - and a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym, all overlooking the bay. And, better still perhaps, there are steps down to a natural rock pool.


A seriously good (and speedily served) breakfast is served in the restaurant. The comparison between evening and morning experiences in this sea view room could not be more striking. At night, it's all about stretching the kitchen’s culinary muscles to their limits and formal service, while morning brings simplicity and a short menu of good things - the freshest of juices, the welcome familiarity of a well-sourced Full Irish, freshly brewed tea and coffees, freshly baked breads and homemade preserves - and the pleasure of enjoying them in the company of a lovely view of the bay. It makes for a quietly memorable experience.


*Accommodation is also offered nearby, at the luxuriously appointed Cliff Beach House.


* Events and meetings – details on inquiry.


The House Restaurant


The attractive bar and restaurant are on the floor below reception, overlooking Ardmore Bay and opening onto an extensive terrace.


In summer 2020, executive chef Ian Doyle moved from Stockholm's Oaxen Krog to take over from Martijn Kajuiter, the opening Executive Chef at the Cliff House. With Ian came head chef Adam Kavanagh, who has worked with him before, and a new young kitchen team - marking a change of style at this famous dining destination.


While seasonality remains king here, and the skilfully executed menus depend absolutely on the availability of fresh local ingredients, simplicity is now the aim: “Very local, seasonal and simple, with no more than three or four ingredients on the plate - a celebration of Irish producers.”


All round, this is sure to be an exceptional dining experience, and it offers remarkable value - as does the wine list.  


 *Less formal meals are served in the bar; these may be included in packages offered, so check that you have the dining option of your choice when booking.

Less
Read More
  • Activities
  • Facilities/Features
  • Restaurant/Dining/Pub
  • Boat Trips
  • Cycling
  • Equestrian (nearby)
  • Fishing (coarse nearby)
  • Fishing (Fly Fishing nearby)
  • Fishing (Sea Angling nearby)
  • Fitness Room
  • Forest / Woodland with trails nearby
  • Garden Visits (nearby)
  • Golf nearby
  • Horse Racing nearby
  • Hunting/Shooting (nearby)
  • Jacuzzi
  • Leisure Centre (Gym & Pool)
  • Meditation
  • Mountain Biking nearby
  • Quad Biking nearyby
  • Sauna
  • Scuba Diving (nearby)
  • Spa (Other)
  • Steam Room
  • Surfing nearby
  • Swimming Pool (Indoor)
  • Walking (established walks)
  • Walking - Hillwalking (recommended routes or guides available)
  • Water Sports
  • Wine Courses
  • Yoga
  • Banqueting
  • Beauty - Hairdressing
  • Beauty - Massage
  • Beauty - Salon
  • Beauty - Treatments
  • Breaks - Off Season
  • Breaks - Short
  • Breaks - Special Interest
  • Broadband WI/FI
  • Broadband WI/FI (No Charge)
  • Children's Baby Sitting Arranged
  • Children's Playroom
  • Conference Venue
  • Dogs - good walking nearby (offlead)
  • Dogs permitted - no charge
  • Dogs permitted - staying in outhouse / kennel
  • Family Friendly
  • Ground Floor Bedrooms (accessible for less able)
  • Location - Beach on site
  • Location - By the sea
  • Location - Peaceful
  • Location - Scenic
  • Location - Waterside
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Open New Year
  • Outdoor Dining Avail. (summer)
  • Private Parties
  • Romantic Venue
  • Self Catering Also Avail
  • Smoking Area
  • Smoking Area Covered
  • Smoking Area Heated
  • Smoking Area Seated
  • Wedding Venue
  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • Contemporary Irish
  • Seafood
  • Al Fresco
  • Atmospheric
  • Attractive Views
  • Breakfast Venue
  • Business Meal
  • Buzzy Atmosphere
  • Cocktails
  • Coeliac Friendly
  • Contemporary Bar
  • Cool Venue
  • Daytime/Coffee
  • Extensive Wine List
  • Formal
  • Informal
  • MSG Free
  • Organic Produce used (mainly)
  • Party Venue
  • Romantic
  • Sunday Dining
  • Vegetarian Friendly (always at least 1 starter & 1 main course)
  • Vegetarian Menu
2009 Award Winners Newcomer of the Year 2009
Last Updated: 10-12-2020
Author: Georgina Campbell
Click here if you are the owner or marketing manager

Might also like

Eat & Stay

The Old Imperial Hotel

Youghal, Co. Cork

Hotel

A convenient and moderately-priced place to stay, this charming old hotel in the centre of Youghal is within walking distance of everything in the town. Sympathetic renovations have been completed in recent years, giving new life to the old building without loss of chara ...

Read more
Eat & Stay

Aherne's Seafood Restaurant & Accommodation

Youghal, Co. Cork

Restaurant with Rooms
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 Serious About Seafood Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner

Now in its third generation of family ownership, Aherne’s of Youghal is outstanding for the warmth of the FitzGibbon family’s hospitality and their enormous enthusiasm for the business which, since 1993, has included some fine accommodation. But it is for its ...

Read more
Eat & Stay

Richmond House

Cappoquin, Co. Waterford

Country House / Restaurant
A selection of establishments outside the standard categories that should enhance the discerning travellers experience of Ireland 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 Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Genuine hospitality, high standards of comfort, caring service and excellent food are all to be found in the Deevy family’s fine 18th century country house and restaurant just outside Cappoquin - no wonder this is a place so many people like to keep as a closely gu ...

Read more
Eat & Stay

Ballymaloe House

Shanagarry, Co. Cork

Country House / Guesthouse / Restaurant
For Cooking & Service Well Above Average A selection of establishments outside the standard categories that should enhance the discerning travellers experience of Ireland Has Good Hotel Guide Url 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 Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Ireland’s most famous country house, Ballymaloe was one of the first to open its doors to guests when Myrtle and her husband, the late Ivan Allen, opened The Yeats Room restaurant in 1964. Accommodation followed in 1967 and since then a unique network of family en ...

Read more
Eat & Stay

Hanora's Cottage

Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford

Guesthouse / Restaurant
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 Outstanding Location, building or atmosphere Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Although the Wall family’s gloriously remote country guesthouse is now a very substantial building, the spirit of the ancestral home around which Hanora’s is built remains a strong presence. This a very special place - equally wonderful for foot-weary walker ...

Read more
Eat & Stay

The Old Convent Gourmet Hideaway

Clogheen, Co. Tipperary

B&B / Restaurant
For Cooking & Service Well Above Average A selection of establishments outside the standard categories that should enhance the discerning travellers experience of Ireland 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 Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Sometimes, what’s really needed is a quiet couple of days pampering in a child-free zone – for some this may mean a spa break but, for those in the know, a visit to Clogheen is the business. Dermot and Christine Gannon’s ‘gourmet hideaway’ ...

Read more

Contact details

+353 24 87800
EMAIL
PLEASE MENTION IRELANDGUIDE.COM WHEN ENQUIRING

Address

The Cliff House Hotel
Ardmore Co Waterford
Show me where this establishment is on the map.
Directions About Ardmore Trip Planning Tools
Prominently located at the end of Ardmore village (N25-R673) via the Middle Road
  • Add to my Favourites +
  • View my Favourites
  • Local Recommendations
  • Hospitality
  • By Distance
    • All
      • Eat
        • Drink
          • Stay
            • Buy
              • Learn
                • Producer
                • By Category
                  • Comments

                  There are currently no comments

                  Leave a comment

                  You must be logged in to leave a comment
                  Not a member? Register for your free membership now!
                  Or leave a comment by logging in with:
                  Sign up with Twitter
                  Georgina Campbell's ireland-guide.com
                  Tweets by @IrelandGuide
                  © Copyright Georgina Campbell Guides 2021
                  • Disclaimer
                  • T & C
                  • Privacy Policy
                  • Site Map
                  • Links
                  • Advertise
                  • Ireland Hotels |
                  • Northern Ireland Hotels |
                  • B&B Ireland |
                  • Accommodation Ireland |
                  • Dublin Airport Hotels |
                  • Dublin Hotels |
                  • Dublin Restaurants |
                  • Belfast Hotels |
                  • Belfast Restaurants |
                  • Cork Hotels |
                  • Cork Restaurants |
                  • Galway Hotels |
                  • Galway Restaurants |
                  • Killarney Hotels |
                  • Killarney Restaurants |
                  • Kilkenny Hotels |
                  • Kilkenny Restaurants |
                  • Limerick Hotels |
                  • Limerick Restaurants |
                  • Sligo Hotels |
                  • Waterford Hotels |
                  • Westport Hotels
                  • My Ireland Guide - Log in
                  • My Favourites
                  • My Itineraries
                  • My Comments
                  • Special Offers
                  • Hire Cars
                  • Ferry Tickets
                  • Competition
                  This website uses cookies to help provide you with a better online experience. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Cookie Policy