Quietly set in lovely gardens, this impressive property dates from the 17th century has a rural feeling, yet it is just five minutes’ walk from the bustling centre of Clonmel.
Built during the Cromwellian period, with Georgian additions in the early 1840s, Raheen House was acquired by the current owners, Elizabeth and John Day, in 1988 and it was a family home until 1996, when they established it as an hotel.
In 2014, the house and gardens underwent an extensive revamp to present the house as it is today.The gardens were redesigned by Bloom Large Garden winner 2016, Alan Rudden, who continues to improve them on a regular basis. With mature trees to the front and contemporary plants throughout, there are winding walkways, grassed lawns and a walled garden leading to a Mediterranean-style open courtyard, perfect for an alfresco drink.
Public rooms are sumptuous and elegant; with open fires and plush furniture they incorporate the elegance of the original house. Guests feel very much at home here, as there is a welcome emphasis on service and attention to detail.
Bedrooms, which are spacious and comfortable, have been beautifully refurbished and each is unique in design and layout. The ground floor Coachhouse rooms open out on to a private terrace. Accommodation is also available in The Lodge, a self-contained house with a kitchenette/ dining area, living room with wood burner, bathroom and two double bedrooms.
Breakfast is served in the elegant Dining Room (imposing paintings and white linen set the tone), which becomes a fine dining restaurant in the evening. A small breakfast buffet on the sideboard offers fresh orange juice, cereals, fresh fruit , fresh fruit salad and yogurts; hot dishes include porridge, the full Irish, poached eggs, omelettes etc and there's homemade soda bread to accompany.
Food is also available at varying times in Darcy’s Restaurant at the Drawing Room (fine dining for groups of up to 40 guests), the Buffalo Bar (informal; bar menu) and the Conservatory Tea Room.
