Just five minutes’ walk west of Dingle Town, this luxurious purpose-built guesthouse is run by Brian and Helen Heaton - who have both worked in some of Ireland’s finest hotels, and for whom nothing is too much trouble to ensure that their guests enjoy the very best of Irish hospitality.
On arrival, the high standard of design and finish is immediately obvious and, although it is on the land side of the road, this immaculate house is built on a rise and, from the many rooms with sea views, all you are aware of is the wonderful sea and mountain views across Dingle Bay.
The scale is generous and first impressions are of space and luxury - the lobby is furnished with comfortable couches, antiques and paintings that the couple have gathered over the years; alongside, there is an elegantly appointed drawing room for guests’ use, with a sandstone fireplace and views across the bay.
Most of the twelve rooms have a sea view and all are spacious and individually decorated to a very high standard.The aim is to create a real home from home for guests, and attention to detail is seen in everything they do.
The king or super king size beds are beautifully dressed with Egyptian cotton sheets and personally selected comforter, while the en-suite bathrooms have separate power shower and whirlpool bath, big fluffy bath sheets and quality toiletries. In-room facilities include not only a hospitality tray, direct dial telephone and wireless broadband, and TV with CD/DVD player (DVDs can be borrowed from Brian’s personal collection), but also filtered bottled water and bath robes.
The couple’s collection of contemporary art features in the dining room, where guests can enjoy the lovely view while taking a leisurely breakfast chosen from a wide ranging menu that includes cereals, homemade muesli, freshly baked bread and scones, yoghurts, fresh and cooked fruit, Irish cheeses and meats, as well as the traditional Irish Breakfast and other hot dishes including porridge (topped with Baileys, Irish Mist or award winning Cooley Distillery Whiskey from County Louth), omelettes and pancakes with maple syrup.
This is indeed a home away from home, and one with a family atmosphere too - Brian’s mother, Nuala, and his late father, Cameron, established Heaton’s guesthouse next door. It is now run by his broither, David, and a little gate connects the two.
