Home & Away with Robert Walshe
Weekend Hotspot – Longueville House Mallow Co Cork
Longueville House in Mallow Co Cork is very much a family affair run by William O’Callaghan, who is the chef, and his wife Aisling, who manages front of house. The property is perfect for those looking for that elegant Irish country house experience. You can tell that the owners have great pride in what they are delivering here as the gardens are beautifully kept and the house itself absolutely splendid. The property built by the Longfield family in 1720 is Georgian with
Christmas Candles at Longueville House in Mallow Cork.
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ornate Italian-designed ceilings, a marble dining-room mantelpiece, inlaid mahogany doors, newly refurbished cellars and an equally impressive full-height staircase. To the right of the main facade you’ll find an authentic Victorian conservatory of curved ironwork added in 1866 by Richard Turner, the greatest ironmaster and designer of glasshouses of the Victorian era. William mentioned earlier is a descendant of the original owner Donough O’Callaghan who fought alongside the Catholics after the collapse of the 1641 Rebellion. This historical connection is very clearly seen throughout with family heirlooms.
and period furniture. Longueville has country house style bedrooms all ensuite with direct dial telephone, TV and radios. The Presidents’ Restaurant is at the heart of Longueville, and the menu comes straight from the estate. Relais & Chateau trained William O Callaghan one of Ireland’s most gifted chef’s sources all local produce including fresh salmon in season, the famous Longueville lamb and vegetables from their nearby farm and gardens. An extensive list of old and new world wines is also on offer and the Presidents Restaurant is open nightly for residents and visitors. Longueville House Apple Brandy and Cider was first developed by the late Michael O’Callaghan back in 1998. A pioneering spirit he planted 20 acres of Dabinett and Michelin cider apples at the north-west side of the property. This project has now come full circle with the next generation of O Callaghan’s developing an amazing product for export. The apples are harvested from extensive orchards after being crushed and pressed in an oak cider machine on the Longueville farm. Dan Duggan Head Distiller and cider maker has been with the family for 34 years. The O Callaghan family encourages activities all year and popular Longueville highlights include festive theme dinners over
Longueville House Mallow Co Cork Suite.
Christmas and in winter, a dawn chorus celebration in spring and the popular annual mushroom hunt in October. The Blackwater River running through the estate offers salmon and brown trout fishing to guests and horse lovers will find the Duhallow Hunt and the Cork racecourse at Mallow more reason to visit. Longueville House is an ideal base for touring the south-west and nearby Mallow is a busy market town. The remains of Mallow Castle date from the 12th century while the ruins of St Anne’s church are from the late 13th century. My favourite North Cork town Millstreet is an area rich in archaeological heritage. The Museum has a tourist information centre and nearby the country park with 500 acres of amenities offers an arboretum, gardens, lakes, waterfalls, walks, a picnic area, a visitor centre, restaurant and shop. Longueville House is a member of
Ireland’s Blue Book a collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, Castles and Restaurants located throughout the island of Ireland. These charming and stylish hideaways are the perfect choice for a midweek or weekend break and those seeking a romantic getaway. Activities vary from golf, fishing, spas and cookery schools or just relaxing in warm and comfortable surroundings. Residential packages include two nights deluxe accommodation, with evening meal and fully cooked to order Irish Breakfast all from €159.00 PPS including use of the thermal suite. You’ll feel the difference the moment you arrive. www.irelandsbluebook.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com