2023 Award Winners 'SMALL STAY' AWARDS 2023

'SMALL STAY' AWARDS 2023

COUNTRY HOUSE: Ashley Park House Nenagh Co Tipperary

From the moment you turn off the busy Nenagh - Borrisokane road to Ashley Park, you enter a time warp. Margaret (née Mounsey) and David Mackenzie's home is one of those beautiful 18th century houses where all is elegance and comfort. Offering its own special style of family hospitality, every member of the clan has their shoulders to the collective wheel - in reception, in the kitchen, and in the bar – all contributing to the warmth of the Mounsey family welcome. Although mainly known as a wedding venue (and a very good one it is too), at other times it is also a perfect destination for individual travellers to find peace and comfort in splendid surroundings and to marvel at the restoration journey that has occupied the family’s lives for more than three decades. And there’s fine dining too, in a restaurant serving produce from the 72-acre estate often with views of Lough Ourna glistening in the moonlight beyond… Simply magic.

GUESTHOUSE: Blindgate House Kinsale Co Cork

Set quietly in its own gardens high up over the town, yet just a short walk down to its restaurants and bars, Maeve Coakley’s purpose-built guesthouse is perfect for travellers who like to be away from the crowds - and it is very much its own place. Thoughtfully furnished, its elegant modern simplicity is the work of designer Beatrice Blake, who has chosen beautiful Irish fabrics and colours for a look so understated that it doesn't feel 'decorated' at all. Blindgate never stands still, and a recent project has transformed the feel of the ground floor thanks to a delightful outside seating area that has been created in the space once occupied by Leylandii hedging – so clever, and a real asset to this fine property. And Maeve is an engaging host too, known for her tasty breakfasts…

B&B: Seaclusion Luxury Guest Accommodation Waterville Co Kerry

The name says it all - Marie and Bart O’Sullivans' upmarket B&B, SeaClusion, takes full advantage of its scenic location overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay and provides a very comfortable home from home for discerning visitors to this famous little town. With B&Bs currently becoming an endangered species, new openings are especially welcome - and this one is special. Marie and Bart are experienced hospitality professionals and it shows. Immaculately maintained and spacious, with outdoor seating for fine weather and plenty of room to relax indoors on chilly days, the comfort of guests comes first here and there's an emphasis on quality everywhere you look. And then there is breakfast...Bart is a chef, so guests need to bring a good appetite down to the well-appointed breakfast room and allow time to enjoy it.

HIDEAWAY: Currarevagh House Oughterard Co Galway

Beautifully situated amongst woodland and gardens overlooking Lough Corrib, Henry and Lucy Hodgson’s gracious early Victorian manor house has welcomed guests since 1890. Once famous as one of the great fishing houses, the emphasis is now mainly on ‘escape’- and Lucy’s food, which is distinctly modern and has become a key reason that so many guests return. The motto ‘keep it simple, unfussy and ultimately delicious’ informs her daily, seasonally led dinner menus - and breakfast is equally pleasing. As for many others, the pandemic caused a re-think of the way things worked and they decided to create a more intimate experience, with a minimum 2-night stay and dinner on both evenings. With so much offered on-site – a scenic boathouse sauna, boating, fishing, woodland walks, tennis, pool table… as well as nearby, this has worked a treat. But best of all, perhaps, is that some things don’t change at Currarevagh and hospitality runs deep at this lovely west of Ireland hideaway.