CASHEL HOUSE
Classic Irish country house enveloped in gorgeous gardensCONNEMARA'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.
Hit the spot On the Connemara coast, half an hour from Clifden.
Pillow Talk Richly comfortable bedrooms offer glimpses of Cashel Bay or Connemara's rolling hills.
Be savvy This is a place of traditional and relaxed hospitality.
Be smitten Be Cashel and.... carried away.
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.
Cashel House was reviewed by
Room for Romance
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Dining in Cooking at Cashel House is a mix of traditional Irish dishes with world influences. Five-course dinners major on local produce, with plenty of
Connemara spring lamb, best Irish beef and deck-fresh sea bream, oysters and scallops. Veggies from the hotel’s own garden complement dishes such as baked sea bass en papillote with lemon and tarragon, while the white chocolate cheesecake is perfect for rounding off. Wash dinner down with a Château Lynch-Bages from the 100-strong wine list.
Breakfast A copious buffet breakfast featuring homemade muesli is served until 10am.
Room service Available morning and evening.
Where? Cashel House Hotel
What’s cooking? Try locally caught oysters with shallot vinegar, terrine of foie gras with Cumberland sauce and toasted brioche, and garden-fresh strawberries and cream.
Dress the part Wear your classic favourites.
Top table? By the window in the airy garden conservatory.
See & Do This is a place to take in the fresh air, peace and tranquillity. Make the most of Connemara’s wild countryside and hit some walking trails – your hosts will be happy to arrange a guided walk of one of one of the region’s Twelve Pins, which dominate the landscape, while others radiate out along the coast. There’s tennis and golf nearby – play a few rounds at Ballyconnelly’s 18-hole course as – as well as lake, river and deep sea fishing. You can also sail, swim and surf.
Diary Dates August Lovers of all things equine should trot along to Clifden Pony Show. Horse races and shows take place throughout the summer months.
GETTING THERE Location Cashel, Co. Galway
Parking There is free guest parking.
Trains Galway station – 45 miles
Taxis Around EUR 110 from Galway.
Airport Galway – 45 minutes.
Rooms and suites 32 rooms, 13 suites.
Special features Rooms are warmly decorated with homely touches, so you’ll feel like a family guest.
Also… There is a tennis court if you fancy working up a sweat, and a private beach for swimming (strictly in summer!) or sunning.
ESSENTIAL INFO Rates guide EUR 150 - 250
Open/closed Closed January
Check-in 2:30pm
Check-out 11:30am
Minimum night stay? No
Children Well behaved youngsters are welcome.
Pets Welcome
Air conditioning There is no real need for it on the Galway coast!
Wedding license? No – but banquets for up to 85 guests can be held, based on exclusive hire.