Famous for its mild Gulf Stream climate and lush, almost sub-tropical growth, Glengarriff on the Beara Peninsula is one of the prettiest and most beautifullly located villages along West Cork's Wild Atlantic Way, and it has been a popular tourist destination since Victorian times.
The rather grand-looking Eccles Hotel overlooks the harbour and is most obviously associated with that era, although it actually dates as far back as 1745 and is credited with being the earliest purpose-built hotel in Ireland.
Under the current ownership of Ray Byrne and Eoin Doyle (of Wineport Lodge, Co Westmeath and BrookLodge Hotel, Co Wicklow respectively), it has been a work in progress since 2016 and was awarded Failte Ireland 4* status in 2020. Many original features were revealed and restored during the refurbishments which adds character to the hotel and, of course, rooms also have all the modern comforts - smart en suite bathrooms, VOYA toiletries, robes and slippers, TV, WiFi and tea/coffee facilities.
Accommodation includes an attractive junior suite, some spacious family rooms and wheelchair accessible rooms - and many enjoy striking views of Bantry Bay and Garinish Island, famed for its wonderful gardens. With a welcoming foyer lounge relax in and outdoor terraces for fine weather, it makes a comfortable base from which to explore this beautiful area and - especially since the addition of the spa - it is also an appealing wedding venue.
The Spa at Eccles is a natural wellness environment, offering 'a mind and body rejuvenation experience' based on the superb VOYA organic Irish seaweed-based therapies from Co Sligo. There are three treatment rooms, a deluxe double treatment suite overlooking Bantry Bay and a thermal area and spa terrace which are complimentary for guests' use. Yoga and complimentary bicycles are also available, along with local walking routes to explore and a wide range of outdoor activities, from sea kayaking and seal watching to golfing or nature walks.
During the high season, dinner is available in the Garinish Restaurant, a handsome room with views across Bantry Bay, where an excellent breakfast is also served. A beautifully decorated table offers a splendid buffet selection - a tempting range of freshly baked breads and pastries, quality cereals, and juices, fresh and poached fruits - in addition to a good choice of hot dishes, including organic porridge with honey, the Traditional Irish (featuring the excellent Roscarberry bacon), waffles with syrup, organic smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, and a particularly delicious Eggs Benedict.
The 2018 arrival of chef Eddie Attwell - a Great British Menu star who has a well-established following in Ireland - and his team caused a frisson of excitement in the food world. Eddie is a keenly seasonal chef, well known for his love of home grown, local and foraged foods and that sense of immediacy informs all of his menus so, together with several other outstanding restaurants in West Cork, the good food served here makes this area one of the country's culinary hotspots.
One of Eddie's first jobs after joining the team at Eccles was to install a polytunnel to grow his own fresh seasonal crops, and he also seeks out local suppliers who deliver the best of West Cork produce daily. His carefully prepared meals are served with a smile, both in the restaurant and The Harbour Bar, which is the heart of the hotel.
Meals are served in The Harbour Bar from 12 noon and the excellent food here includes a deservedly popular Sunday lunch. Some lovely starters include a Blue Cheese (Young Buck) and Beetroot Salad, a Mixed Fish Salad, and also delicious sharing platters of cheese and meats (mainly from the Ferguson family's famous Gubbeen Farm, near Schull). For mains, confit duck leg, rump of lamb and various fish dishes are all impressive - as, of course, are the ever-popular steaks. And the menu will repay careful attention too, as the accompaniments are always worth noting.
And if you are in the area in the afternoon, it's the perfect place for Afternoon Tea. The classic treat includes a fine selection of dainty sandwiches, savoury and sweet, and you’ll note local suppliers such as Gubbeen, Kenmare Smoked Salmon and Ardsallagh Goats cheese on the list. A glass of Prosecco is offered as an extra (€5) too, although you might prefer the local Beara Gin.
At any time it's an interesting place to stop for a bite to eat in the bar, or at a sunny outdoor table overlooking the bay - and there's always a welcoming fire burning in the large reception area, which gives it particular appeal off season and in inclement weather.
