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 and Cliff Cottage.
* 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.
