Ballybunion has long been a popular seaside resort, welcoming visitors from near and far since the 19th century. And, since 1994, many have chosen to stay at Teach de Broc, a luxuriously appointed modern guesthouse and restaurant located alongside Ballybunion Golf Course.
Owners Aoife and Seamus Broc built Teach de Broc with comfort in mind: the 14 rooms are exceptionally spacious, beautifully-decorated and packed with a range of little luxuries, including fluffy bathrobes, bottled water and delicious chocolate pralines from a local French patisserie.
Downstairs, the impressive Strollers Bistro awaits. Breakfast is served here and is open to non-residents, and the evening restaurant has become a dining destination. Local seafood and meats, together with homegrown vegetables in season, provide the ingredients for Head Chef Stephen Farell and his team to create menus offering a wide range of range of pleasing choices, including vegetarian options and traditional Irish dishes imaginatively updated for an international clientèle. Offering excellent food in a relaxed ambience - and with background piano playing during dinner. followed by livelier favourites later - it is deservedly popular with local diners and visitors to the area, as well as resident guests.
You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy a stay at Teach de Broc but, given the location alongside Ballybunion Golf Club, it will be no surprise to find that many of the rooms are occupied by golfers keen to take advantage of the superb links golf, challenging sand dunes and stunning views across the Atlantic.
Teach de Broc is so close to the course that some rooms overlook the driving range, so dedicated players can wake up to the sound of clubs swooshing through the air and balls thwacking across the sand.
After a long day out in the fresh air, the bar and lounge provides a cosy space to enjoy a snifter of whiskey from their ample stores, or a warming cup of tea or coffee from the handy self-serve station. Personal service and comfort have always been key to Aoife and Seamus Broc and - especially now that their sons Dermot and Cian have joined the team as managers - Teach de Broc won’t disappoint visitors looking for relaxation, good food, convivial ciompany, sea air - and, perhaps, an invigorating round of golf.
