MOY HOUSE
Hard-to-beat country house hideaway in Co. Clare
THERE'S A TOUCH OF WUTHERING HEIGHTS about Moy House. You almost expect to see Heathcliffe striding through the door of this white-walled 18th century country house set on a headland on County Clare’s rugged coast. More likely it will be friendly manager Brid O'Meara, who – along with her hospitable staff – loves their guests to eat, drink and be merry.
We arrived early evening at Moy House to find a turf fire glowing in the hallway and dozens of glimmering tea lights casting a twinkly glow over the polished wood floor, burnished grandfather clock and gilded mirrors. Magical. Walking down the stairs we then found another world – there's a whole floor hidden from the road – with a restaurant and numerous guest rooms looking out on the ocean.
Each of the nine oversized guest rooms is tastefully furnished, with dark wood furniture, warm colours and lashings of space. Many have generous canopied beds, with bathrooms beautifully tricked out in tile and chrome, with fluffy robes and luxury L'Occitane pampering stuff. Some have original Victorian cast iron baths and huge walk-in drench showers.
Hit the Spot
Just outside Lahinch, overlooking the Atlantic.
Bedtime
Try Moy Mor: oodles of space, an original Victorian cast-iron bath, turf burning fireplace and a shower the size of a dinner plate.
Be Savvy
Lahinch is synonymous with golfing: bring your clubs.
Be Smitten
Love on a County Clare clifftop.
Sunsets over Lahinch bay
Tall windows frame mesmerising ocean views, and our cushioned window seat was tailor-made to soak them up. You can watch the sun go down over Lahinch bay and the Cliffs of Moher while savouring a whiskey from the help-yourself honesty bar, or head up the little tower to gaze out at the ever-changing moods of sky and sea.
There's a restful Zen-like feel to the library air and plenty of other spaces to curl up or chill. Moy House is just the place to snuggle up tight on a stormy night, or watch mighty Atlantic rollers crash on the shore below.
This ocean-facing lovers' hideaway is tailor-made for tired-our townies seeking a place to revive, and for bon vivants who love their golf. Lahinch is rated as the St Andrews of Ireland, so it's also the perfect place (as Hugh Grant found when he stayed) to head for the fairways.
We loved Moy Mor – definitely the most romantic room – though the Well room is pretty special too, with a private conservatory commanding wonderful Atlantic views and a natural well alongside the free standing bathtub.
Cooking is a highlight. We tucked into eggs Benedict and crumbly home-made soda bread for breakfast, skipping lunch to enjoy our dinner to the full later. Menus change daily, majoring on locally sourced fish, meat and veggies.
Brid and her team couldn't have been more cossetting or helpful. Nothing was too much trouble., and turndowns brought us little miniatures of Baileys to quaff before bedtime.
Outside, clifftop walks, cycling and the glorious Burren coast await. Golfers will want to make a beeline for the new Greg Norman links at Doonbeg.
Moy House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter
________________________________________________________________
ROMANCE PACKAGE AT MOY HOUSE
You can’t beat a romantic getaway at Moy House, on the coast of County Clare.
The Romance Package includes two nights deluxe accommodation, half a bottle of champagne and hand made chocolates in your room, breakfast each morning and one gourmet candlelit dinner. The cost is EUR 305 – 440 per person (depending on room choice) and the offer is valid until December 2008.
* Quote “Romance Package” in the Message box of our Booking Inquiry form.
We arrived early evening at Moy House to find a turf fire glowing in the hallway and dozens of glimmering tea lights casting a twinkly glow over the polished wood floor, burnished grandfather clock and gilded mirrors. Magical. Walking down the stairs we then found another world – there's a whole floor hidden from the road – with a restaurant and numerous guest rooms looking out on the ocean.
Each of the nine oversized guest rooms is tastefully furnished, with dark wood furniture, warm colours and lashings of space. Many have generous canopied beds, with bathrooms beautifully tricked out in tile and chrome, with fluffy robes and luxury L'Occitane pampering stuff. Some have original Victorian cast iron baths and huge walk-in drench showers.
Hit the Spot
Just outside Lahinch, overlooking the Atlantic.
Bedtime
Try Moy Mor: oodles of space, an original Victorian cast-iron bath, turf burning fireplace and a shower the size of a dinner plate.
Be Savvy
Lahinch is synonymous with golfing: bring your clubs.
Be Smitten
Love on a County Clare clifftop.
Sunsets over Lahinch bay
Tall windows frame mesmerising ocean views, and our cushioned window seat was tailor-made to soak them up. You can watch the sun go down over Lahinch bay and the Cliffs of Moher while savouring a whiskey from the help-yourself honesty bar, or head up the little tower to gaze out at the ever-changing moods of sky and sea.
There's a restful Zen-like feel to the library air and plenty of other spaces to curl up or chill. Moy House is just the place to snuggle up tight on a stormy night, or watch mighty Atlantic rollers crash on the shore below.
This ocean-facing lovers' hideaway is tailor-made for tired-our townies seeking a place to revive, and for bon vivants who love their golf. Lahinch is rated as the St Andrews of Ireland, so it's also the perfect place (as Hugh Grant found when he stayed) to head for the fairways.
We loved Moy Mor – definitely the most romantic room – though the Well room is pretty special too, with a private conservatory commanding wonderful Atlantic views and a natural well alongside the free standing bathtub.
Cooking is a highlight. We tucked into eggs Benedict and crumbly home-made soda bread for breakfast, skipping lunch to enjoy our dinner to the full later. Menus change daily, majoring on locally sourced fish, meat and veggies.
Brid and her team couldn't have been more cossetting or helpful. Nothing was too much trouble., and turndowns brought us little miniatures of Baileys to quaff before bedtime.
Outside, clifftop walks, cycling and the glorious Burren coast await. Golfers will want to make a beeline for the new Greg Norman links at Doonbeg.
Moy House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter
________________________________________________________________
ROMANCE PACKAGE AT MOY HOUSE
You can’t beat a romantic getaway at Moy House, on the coast of County Clare.
The Romance Package includes two nights deluxe accommodation, half a bottle of champagne and hand made chocolates in your room, breakfast each morning and one gourmet candlelit dinner. The cost is EUR 305 – 440 per person (depending on room choice) and the offer is valid until December 2008.
* Quote “Romance Package” in the Message box of our Booking Inquiry form.
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Dining in
In a welcoming dining room that fuses the classic and contemporary, chef Daniel O’Brien conjures up modern Irish dishes with classic French and world influences. Specialities include a nut crusted St. Tola goat's cheese with pickled beetroot, topped off with a tangy walnut dressing. Enjoy the dramatic ocean views as you dine.
Dining out
For chowders, crab salads and local lobster head to the Barrtra Seafood restaurant just outside Lahinch, where you can admire the Lahinch cliffs. Waves restaurant and Tides bistro are other good bets, and for the best in Irish pub culture in town try O’Looneys.
Where?
Moy House
What’s cooking?
Seared scallops with poached spring onion and orange beurre blanc, followed by assiette of blood orange.
Dress the part
It’s relaxed but well groomed.
Top table?
Take a window seat for the best ocean views.
See & Do
The Cliffs of Moher, ten minutes away, are second to none and pretty breathtaking to climb. You can learn how to smoke salmon while touring the rocky Burren region, check out the Aillwee caves at Ballyvaughan or simply hone your swing at the world class Lahinch and Doonbeg golf courses. You'll find two miles of sandy beaches for sunning and surfing, and the Aran islands are close enough for a fascinating day trip.
Shop
Take home some locally smoked salmon, or check out the Irish label clothes at Design Lodge in Lahinch.
After dark
Watch the sun set over the Atlantic, and curl up with a book from the library or nurse a whiskey around the drawing room's roaring fire.
Dates
July
The South of Ireland Golf Championship tees off at Lahinch on the last weekend of the month.
September
If your darling is not paying you enough attention, you could always try your luck at Lisdoonvarna's famous Matchmaking festival – a riotous affair with local dancing and plenty of late nights.
In a welcoming dining room that fuses the classic and contemporary, chef Daniel O’Brien conjures up modern Irish dishes with classic French and world influences. Specialities include a nut crusted St. Tola goat's cheese with pickled beetroot, topped off with a tangy walnut dressing. Enjoy the dramatic ocean views as you dine.
Dining out
For chowders, crab salads and local lobster head to the Barrtra Seafood restaurant just outside Lahinch, where you can admire the Lahinch cliffs. Waves restaurant and Tides bistro are other good bets, and for the best in Irish pub culture in town try O’Looneys.
Where?
Moy House
What’s cooking?
Seared scallops with poached spring onion and orange beurre blanc, followed by assiette of blood orange.
Dress the part
It’s relaxed but well groomed.
Top table?
Take a window seat for the best ocean views.
See & Do
The Cliffs of Moher, ten minutes away, are second to none and pretty breathtaking to climb. You can learn how to smoke salmon while touring the rocky Burren region, check out the Aillwee caves at Ballyvaughan or simply hone your swing at the world class Lahinch and Doonbeg golf courses. You'll find two miles of sandy beaches for sunning and surfing, and the Aran islands are close enough for a fascinating day trip.
Shop
Take home some locally smoked salmon, or check out the Irish label clothes at Design Lodge in Lahinch.
After dark
Watch the sun set over the Atlantic, and curl up with a book from the library or nurse a whiskey around the drawing room's roaring fire.
Dates
July
The South of Ireland Golf Championship tees off at Lahinch on the last weekend of the month.
September
If your darling is not paying you enough attention, you could always try your luck at Lisdoonvarna's famous Matchmaking festival – a riotous affair with local dancing and plenty of late nights.
GETTING THERE
Location
Lahinch, Co. Clare
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Ennis station – 20 km
Taxis
EUR 70 from the station
Airport
Shannon – 51 km
Rooms and suites
Nine rooms and two suites
Special features
Expect luxurious fabrics, a mix of antique and modern furniture and signature bathrooms – some with cast iron bathtubs.
Also…
There’s a little tower to climb and complimentary internet use in the library.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 235 - 360
Open/closed
Closed January
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
12 midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am – later if you ask nicely. Look forward to eggs Benedict, fresh fruit smoothies and warm pancakes with maple syrup.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Welcome
Pets
Guide dogs only
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English
Wedding license?
Yes – and Moy House can cater for up to 30 guests.
Your contact
Brid O'Meara – general manager
Location
Lahinch, Co. Clare
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Ennis station – 20 km
Taxis
EUR 70 from the station
Airport
Shannon – 51 km
Rooms and suites
Nine rooms and two suites
Special features
Expect luxurious fabrics, a mix of antique and modern furniture and signature bathrooms – some with cast iron bathtubs.
Also…
There’s a little tower to climb and complimentary internet use in the library.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 235 - 360
Open/closed
Closed January
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
12 midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am – later if you ask nicely. Look forward to eggs Benedict, fresh fruit smoothies and warm pancakes with maple syrup.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
Welcome
Pets
Guide dogs only
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English
Wedding license?
Yes – and Moy House can cater for up to 30 guests.
Your contact
Brid O'Meara – general manager
