Only 10 minutes from Shannon airport and in a beautiful rural setting, Carrygerry is a lovely residence dating back to 1793. It overlooks the Shannon and Fergus estuaries and, peacefully surrounded by woodlands, gardens and pastures, seems very distant from an international airport.
Owners Niall and Gillian Ennis have been here since 2003 and the ambience is very pleasant, with spacious, comfortable reception rooms, open fires and an hospitable atmosphere.
The bedrooms are individually decorated and those in the main house are quite spacious, with the best ones having lovely views over the countryside and the Shannon Estuary; they are furnished in elegant period style, and some have the added charm of impressive four-poster beds. The coach yard rooms have recently been refurbished and, although they are a little smaller and simpler, they are appealing and comfortable and the upgrade has brought them into line with the rest of the house,
Breakfast, which is served in the conservatory, offers a great choice (perhaps more limited in winter) with provenance highlighted and is cooked to order. Everything is very tasty and highlights include gorgeous homemade brown bread and house made preserves, which are full of flavour. The ubiquitous white sliced pan may also appear at times - underneath Poached Eggs with fresh tomatoes, for example - but most guests won't mind that at all.
Also, in the coach yard, there is a really charming private room that would be perfect for an intimate wedding or special event. Civil ceremonies and blessings can also be held here - or in the Conservatory Restaurant.
Conservatory Restaurant
The restaurant, which is open to non-residents, is shared between the dining room and a conservatory overlooking gardens at the front of the house.
Set up classically with white cloths, fine glasses and fresh flowers, it's a pleasant spot to enjoy food cooked to order by Niall Ennis. He is a good chef, who changes menus monthly and takes pride in using local ingredients in season, especially herbs and vegetables, and there may be some appealing dishes not often found on other menus - a starter of homemade gravadlax salmon, for example.
Fish cooking is a particular strength - a main course selection of salmon, cod, prawns, scallops and seabass, all in a light cream sauce, has impressed and sized just right despite the range of fish on the plate. Also excellent local meats as, perhaps, in herb & Dijon mustard crusted rack of Clare lamb, and equally enticing vegetarian dishes are offered as well.
Attractive surroundings, real food and genuine hospitality make for an enjoyable outing at Carrygerry - and it offers very good value too, especially as part of the accommodation deal (B&B plus three course dinner).
On departure, don't forget to ask about the Carrygerry range of speciality food products, as they are perfect for small gifts or souvenirs.
