Cashel House

CONNEMARA'S RUGGED GREEN LANDSCAPE (and very green it is too) helps make Cashel House something of a west coast Irish idyll. Some 50 pretty acres of secluded woodlands and gardens stocked with colourful and exotic shrubs envelop this peaceful 19th century country house hotel run by hospitable owners the McEvillys.

Cashel House is pretty inside too, with Victorian and European antiques, heirlooms, flowers in profusion (perhaps magnolias, camellias and rare roses just plucked), and a turf fire burning in the grate. Shelves of books and nooks and crannies everywhere are an invitation to curl up in a quiet corner.  Bedrooms continue the gracious mood and throw in even more of those dreamy views, with glimpses of Cashel Bay or the splendid horticulture.

Elegant and comfortable rooms continue the floral motif , with plenty of plump cushions, pictures and home-from-home touches. Split level garden suites offer the max in space, while those on upper floors look straight over the bay.

Woodland walks and a private beach

Woodland walks weave through the pretty gardens, winding upwards to the lookout much loved by President de Gaulle on his many stays here. The grounds stretch down to Cashel House's private beach, where you can spot seagulls, terns and cormorants.

This is one of Nature’s gardens, and Dermot and Kay’s culinary skills make full use of fresh garden produce.  The daily changing menu is served either in the picture-lined dining room or the conservatory, with its prettily framed views. Dreamy? Let’s just say none of this is blarney.

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