Pat and Noreen Hoban’s small family-run hotel is quietly located in immaculately maintained gardens near Westport harbour, with views over Clew Bay, and it offers warm hospitality, very comfortable accommodation and good food.
Spacious, individually decorated guest rooms are all furnished to hotel standard with a full range of facilities - which includes an iron and ironing board and, in many rooms, a separate bath and shower.
Guests are given the choice of sea view or back of house rooms, allowing for a less expensive option; this also applies to short breaks offered.
An outstandingly good breakfast includes (amongst other equally tempting items) a choice of freshly squeezed juices in generous glasses, fresh fruit (correctly prepared according to type, eg skinned grapefruit segments), delicious cafetière coffee, a perfectly-cooked, simple version of ‘the full Irish’, and a superb fish plate.
Great details too - freshly baked breads, home-made preserves and prompt service. [Ardmore was selected for our Best Hotel Breakfast Award in 2005.]
Restaurant:
Pat and Noreen have been overseeing the restaurant since the late 70's and must be the longest serving management team in fine-dining in the West of Ireland. The enduring popularity of Ardmore House is testament to the classical style of food cooked by Pat.
The restaurant - a well-appointed room with some useful corners for tête-à-têtes and a sea view over the front gardens - is the heart of this house. Pat’s menus make good reading over an aperitif in the comfortable bar, where nightly specials are listed and explained.
A well stocked fish tank indicates the house priorities and starters offered will probably include local oysters, crab, prawns and smoked salmon among the seafood choices, while carnivores will be happy to find Kelly's (of Newport) black pudding with apple, and a good homemade paté.
Main courses offer plenty of choice, including local lamb and duck, but locally caught fish and shellfish feature strongly here too with Clare Island salmon, scallops, lobster, black sole, monkfish among the likely choices. Pat does his fine ingredients proud, and some dishes are offered with a choice of cooking methods and sauces.
Warm and friendly service together with accomplished cooking make dining here a very pleasant experience.
The wine list features wines from around the world, a balance of old and new world and includes house wines at €22.50 (glass, 5.75) and 6 half bottles in addition to the main list.
