2016 Award Winners OUTSTANDING GUEST EXPERIENCE AWARD 2016

The Mustard Seed, Ballingarry, Co Limerick

What makes a great hospitality experience? Ireland is blessed with a generous sprinkling of those uniquely satisfying places where beautiful and enriching surroundings combine with an owner who is exceptionally gifted in hospitality and conveys that gift to the staff and everything associated with the business.

A slate hanging on the wall of Dan Mullane’s famous country house and restaurant, The Mustard Seed, declares “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you SEE”, a hint of the creative thinking behind its success.

The Mustard Seed is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and we have been regular visitors throughout that period, privileged to watch it grow and develop to become the sumptuous haven of great food and relaxation that it is today.

The wonderful gardens - particularly the extensive and very productive kitchen gardens - have been a constant source of joy and deliciousness, and even the challenge of keeping a country house up to standard in recession (twice!) has never dimmed the perfectionism of its owner, who is one of Ireland’s most dedicated hosts.

On our most recent visit Dan was absent on the night of our arrival, but the warm professionalism of his team ensured that everything ran perfectly and with the same sense of fun, just as if he were there - something that is very difficult to achieve in a small owner-run business and a great credit to him and his team.

This lovely place is on top form and we cannot commend it too highly.