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.

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

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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.

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

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.

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

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