Just a short drive northeast of Wexford Town along the coastal route, you'll spot the newest addition to the Irish family-owned Neville Hotels on an elevated site near Curracloe beach. Already well known for their growing portfolio of destination hotels in the South-East and South Dublin area - see below - this handsome new build is a welcome addition to the options in the Sunny South-East and, while it's still a work in progress, it will be interesting to look back on its development later.
The golf course, in particular, will be the highlight of the second phase of the project when it opens on the 75-hectare site in 2026, with 22 holiday lodges as well as Curracloe Links - an 18-hole seaside links golf course designed by Jason Straka and Dana Fry of Fry Straka from Ohio.
Meanwhile, a visit will be interesting and rewarding for a host of reasons, not least the food, which - although initially served only in the bright and airy Willow Bar, with the first-floor Samphire Restaurant reserved for residents and groups - is very much a cut above, as Ravenport is fortunate to have highly-respected local man Phelim Byrne heading up the kitchen. Well known from his time some of the South-East's leading establishments, including a spell as head chef at the renowned Dunbrody Country House Hotel, Phelim is renowned for championing the best of local and Irish artisan produce. Regular suppliers including Atlantis Seafood, Tony Butler Meats, Killowen Farm, Meadowfield Farm, Wexford Home Preserves and Jackfords Gin & Whiskey are celebrated as 'Our Local Heroes' on the menu and the taste is on the plate in dishes that have considerable finesse yet always put flavour first - Wexford beef and fresh fish top the polls but there is plenty else to choose from, including some good sandwiches. Of the light dishes, Warm Goats Cheese (Screen Meadowfield Farm Goats Cheese, onion couverture, filo basket, sundried tomato tartare, aged balsamic reduction, and wild rocket) is a regular that's much more than a sum of its parts, and 'The Willow’ Creamy Wexford Seafood Chowder is ace. Desserts will also showcase local produce if possible - Upside down Wexford Strawberry Cheesecake for example, which is prettily served with Strawberry icecream and wild berry compote - and an Irish Farmhouse cheeseboard that comes with Quince jelly, frozen grapes and homemade chutney.
Rooms - which overlook the surrounding countryside or the courtyard, but do not have sea views - are spacious and well appointed, with all the usual amenities (safe, mini bar, tea/coffee making). There's a choice of a king size bed or a double and single, and most of the en-suites have shower only, so anyone who likes a soak in a bath tub needs to put in a request when booking.
There's plenty to do on site, including a spa and swimming pool to enjoy, but there are masses of places of interest nearby to explore, including: Curracloe Beach, Raven Nature Reserve, Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, The National Heritage Centre, Hook Lighthouse, Wells House, Dunbrody Abbey, Enniscorthy Castle, Kilmokea Gardens, Dunbrody Famine Ship, John F. Kennedy Arboretum and The National 1798 Rebellion Centre.
All round it's a really interesting place and the helpful staff will add an extra something to a visit here - they are clearly proud of what they're helping to happen at Ravenport, and it's infectious.
***Ravenport Resort is a member of the Irish family-owned Neville Hotels, also including: The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire; Druids Glen Resort, Co Wicklow; Kilkenny River Court Hotel, Kilknny; Tower Hotel Waterford.
