At the heart of Frank and Mary Slattery’s sensitively extended Victorian house just off the Ring of Kerry lies a hunting lodge once owned by a Lord Brocket (of the famed Brocket Hall country estate in Hertfordshire) - and he chose well, as it is very attractive and handsomely set in fine gardens with the lake and mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
The property was bought by by Frank and Mary in 1996, and they now run it with their daughter Claire. The house is welcoming and well-maintained, with very friendly and helpful staff (Frank himself may carry the luggage to your room), and a relaxed atmosphere, especially in a series of charming sitting rooms where you can chat beside the fire or have a drink before dinner. This is a place where you can lose yourself for hours with a book, or playing chess, cards or board games in the games room, or boating out on the lake - which is just at the end of the garden.
The best of the large, airy individually decorated bedrooms have lake views, while others have a pleasant outlook over the beautiful gardens. Some have their own patios, and all are furnished with antiques, and have generous, well-designed bathrooms with bath and shower - an impressive Presidential Suite has a sitting room with panoramic views across the lake to the Magillicuddy Reeks, two separate dressing rooms and jacuzzi bath.
The extensive gardens are of great interest too - a map is available, and personalised tours can be arranged.
There are not so many 'proper country houses' like this any more, and this is a lovely serene place to stay – a perfect escape from the modern world.
Lakeside Restaurant:
Beautifully situated overlooking the lake, the restaurant is a fine room with well-spaced, elegantly appointed tables and a relaxed atmosphere. With a piano playing softly, a great sense of hospitality and the promise of delicious food to come, this is a very pleasing place to be - and it is open to the public as well as resident guests, which makes for a livelier atmosphere.
Head Chef Patricia Teahan has been part of the team on and off since 2002 and, having returned from gaining experience in top restaurants in Ireland and abroad to become head chef in 2009, she has been central to the development of Carrig House as a food lovers destination. Her well-designed menus offer a balanced selection based on seasonal local foods but, although the many tempting choices include some unusual dishes (a starter of smoked eel & potato terrine, for example, or a main course of lemon & chilli sesame pork cutlet), it is hard to resist the prime local specialities, including mountain lamb and fresh Kerry seafood - and the specials offered each evening will normally include extra fish and seafood choices too, depending on availability.
Vegetarian choices are also interesting (a tian of cous cous, perhaps, with delicious summer vegetables), but It will pay to plan ahead for dessert, as this accomplished kitchen team is sure to end your meal on a high.
There’s a very nice wine list too (and helpful advice offered) and, after dinner, it’s lovely to be able to have your coffee ,or tea in a comfy sofa at the fireside - or perhaps to have a stroll around the gardens before bed.
