Moy House

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.

© Room for Romance