Quietly situated on the edge of Clonakiltty, the house at the heart of this family-run hotel dates back 200 years - and it has been run as an hotel by the O'Neill family since the 1940s, which probably explains the easy hospitality that is one of its greatest assets.
It has long been famed as a wedding venue - there’s a permanent marquee in the gardens, also a rose walk, and a gazebo, all of which make lovely settings for the photos - but there is much more than weddings to Fernhill House Hotel, which make it a community favourite as well as a very pleasant place to stay for a short break, or when on business in the area.
Fourth generation proprietor, Michael O'Neill Jnr (a former mayor of Clonakility), has the hospitality gene in spades and his energetic enthusiasm for the hotel is inspiring.
During the pandemic they managed to make all kinds of improvements, including environmental measures and further developments in the lovely gardens. They were designed by the renowned Chelsea Gold Medal winner, Mary Reynolds, and are not only beautiful but - like the rest of the property - include many features that contribute to sustainability too.
Accommodation is very comfortable - some of the attractively furnished modern rooms have lovely garden views, and all have everything that’s needed for a relaxing stay.
Good food has always been a point of pride - Michael Jnr's great grandfather, also Michael, who bought Fernhill House in the 1940s was a farmer and butcher - and the kitchen is Michael O'Neill Snr's domaine. He loves cooking with the best of local seasonal produce, including some from their own kitchen gardens - and they even have their own house tipples, Fernhill Garden Gin and Elderflower Cordial, both of which feature on the cocktail menu.
You can be sure of a good breakfast too, featuring West Cork produce (notably Clonakilty black pudding of course), home baked breads, and hot dishes cooked to order.
But, pleasing as this hotel and its surroundings are, its central USP is the friendly and efficient staff, who give every guest a genuinely warm welcome and the kind of thoughtful hospitality that makes them want to return. All round, it's a really pleasant and very interesting place to visit.
