IRISH BREAKFAST AWARDS 2008 B&B BREAKFAST OF THE YEAR 2008

Marble Hall

First time visitors have no idea of the delights that lie ahead as they arrive at Shelagh Conway’s wonderful B&B, which is discreetly situated in a redbrick Georgian terrace. This warm and welcoming place quickly works its charm – Shelagh herself is always on hand to look after guests, and her immaculate house is a gem.

The large period bedrooms are bright and comfortable, and double doors from a guest sitting room open onto a lovely breakfast room with round and oval tables, and antique lace cloths; here, although there are only three rooms, Shelagh sets up a sideboard of delicious things including fresh fruits – pineapple, perhaps – compôtes of fresh and dried fruits, muesli, cereals and yogurt, home baked bread and honey, which guests can help themselves to while she is preparing delicious hot dishes including Cashel Blue pancakes with crispy bacon and grilled mushrooms as well as a perfectly cooked and well-presented version of the traditional Irish breakfast.

This is Irish hospitality at its best – and very hard to leave.