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.

Hit the spot
Minutes from medieval Carlingford, and an hour from Dublin.

Pillow Talk
Slumber in a half-tester bed, in a room with a chaise longue, free-standing bath and views of the lough.

Be savvy
Bedrooms have charm, rather than luxe.

Be smitten
A foodies’ place that’s game for a good time (even off the menu).  

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.


Ghan House was reviewed by Room for Romance

Dining in
Ghan House is all about the dining, and it’s reputation is well founded. Fresh home grown fruit and veg is mixed with the best local ingredients including Cooley lamb and beef, oysters and shellfish. The modern Irish menu changes weekly, but you can be sure it will be worth the trip. 

Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10.30am. Look forward to home-made bread and museli.

Room service
No

Where?
Ghan House restaurant

What’s cooking?
Modern Irish dishes prepared with fresh, home grown garden produce and plenty of skill.

Dress the part
It's relaxed up-country here.

Top table?
A window table with wide-open views over Lough Louth. 

See & Do
Don your hiking boots and go hillwalking in beautiful countryside. If that sounds like too much like hard work, head off to one of the nearby riding centres and let your steed do the leg work for you. The heritage town of Carlingford boasts more historic buildings than any other comparable town in Ireland, so check out the ruined Norman castle, the Mint and crenellated Taff’s Castle. You can also sign up for cookery classes at Ghan House, go fishing on Lough Louth, or try water skiing. 

Diary Dates
Summer, dates vary
Carlingford plays host to the Féile Oméith festival. Look fortward to boat tours on the lough, live music, Irish dancing, arts and crafts and plenty of craic.

GETTING THERE

Location
Greenore Road, Carlingford, Co Louth

Parking
There is free guest parking

Trains
Dundalk, about 20 minutes away

Taxis
EUR 30 from the station

Airport
Dublin – 68km, or Belfast – 66km

Rooms and suites
12 rooms – four in the house and eight in a newly built wing.

Special features
House rooms are decorated with family antiques and have the prettiest views.

Also…
All rooms have free wi-fi. Bathrobes come as standard.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 95 - 125

Open/closed
Open all year, except Christmas and New Year

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11am

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
Welcome

Pets
Dogs can stay in the warm and comfy stable

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
Civil ceremonies can be held here.