Ghan House

FOODIES SHOULD MAKE A BEELINE for Ghan House. Inspirational cooking has made it a hot ticket, and the setting – with views of Slieve Foy and the Mountains of Mourne – is the cream on the icing of the cake.

Built in 1727, historic Ghan House is surrounded by castellated towers and secret passageways. Interiors with log fires, family antiques and a tick-tock grandfather clock stay true to period with charm and comfort. The first floor drawing room has a decorative roccoco ceiling of garlands and medallion busts.

Bedrooms with pastoral mountain and lough views are furnished with family antiques. While those in the main house score on charm, you may prefer those in the more spruce newer wing.

First-rate cooking has made Ghan House a destination restaurant for townies, foodies and gourmands. Bread is baked daily, and the kitchen’s talents shine through in terrific staples like Carlingford mussels, oysters and lobster. Roll up for the full-on Georgian banquets or eight-course gourmet menu nights (with harpist) for the real works. Candlelight and a little bar add to the mood.

Cooks in the kitchen

Nibble on succulent panache of Gloucester old spot pork and melting, will-o-the- wisp Roquefort cheese soufflé. Want to get into the kitchen? The hotel even runs its own cookery courses and demos with guest chefs.

Hospitable family owners the Carrolls encourage their guests to have a high time of it, but Ghan House is made for chilling, too. You’re close to Carlingford’s medieval heritage and castle not to mention the Mourne Mountains. Golfing and and sea sports on the doorstep will soon be whipping up your appetite.

© Room for Romance