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Weekend Hotspot – Ardtara Country House Co Derry Ardtara Country House Hotel is the most charming 19th century house, located in the village of Upperlands in South Co Derry. It was built as a family home by linen producer Harry Jackson Clark during the reign of Queen Victoria and now accommodates visitors in the comfort and style of a bygone era - with all modern conveniences. Fast forward to more recent decades Ardtara was meticulously restored in 1990 by owner Northern Irish American & former NITB US executive Maebeth Fenton. Having furnished the prop-
erty with antiques she collected over the years, Ardtara is now a visitor experience offering an opportunity to step back in time and savor many elegant vintage architectural touches such as the dark wood paneling, original fireplaces and high ceilings. In recent years Maebeth sold the property to an Irish American golf enthusiast but following his death Ardtara has been acquired by the Northern Ireland celebrity chef Ian Orr & the Brown’s Restaurant Group. The dining room at Ardtara is also
The XXXDining Experience at Ardtara Country House Upperlands Maghera Co Derry
a talking point decorated with a unique hunting frieze, and illuminated large glass skylight. Our dinner menu included roast pumpkin, herb crumb, centrone olive oil, Ardtara Smoked Trout, Donegal crab, lemon mayonnaise, chervil with Tooma River Reserve Chardonnay, Lamb Shoulder Sausage, sweet and sour radichhio, quinoa, crème fraiche accompanied by a glass of Montarels Cabernet Sauvignon. The Greencastle Cod, cauliflower puree, confit fennel, buttered prawns alongside a Renindeo Pinot Grigio was mouthwatering. The desert courses featured caramelised lemon tart, blackberries, treacle crumb, vanilla with a Hukkapappa Riesling, N Zealand won the day for me! For those wanting to stay over there are luxurious bedrooms, all en-suite but individually styled, offering everything from deluxe king-size beds to panoramic views across the extensive eight acres of grounds and the nearby River Bann with game and coarse fishing including salmon, trout and pike. The bright airy conservatory operating a one wedding policy can also seat 80 people with
a marquee option in the grounds if required and I love the space for breakfast. Ardtara sits on the crossroads of mid Ulster every tourist attraction from Belfast to the coast – and all airports are within a 15-60 minutes drive. The Seamus Heaney homeplace is a new arts hub in neighbouring town land Bellaghy celebrates the life Seamus Heaney Home Place Bellaghy and legacy of this Nobel prize-winning poet. As you drive through the countryside located throughout the island of to reach it, you can understand why Ireland. These charming and stylish Seamus loved this land so dearly hideaways are the perfect choice for and how it inspired so much of a midweek or weekend break and his poetic works. The centre cov- those seeking a romantic getaway. ers two floors with a theatre at its Activities vary from golf, fishing, heart. The ground floor is dedicated spas and cookery schools or just reto the poet’s life and family, and laxing in warm and comfortable surphotographs (donated by the fam- roundings. Seamus Heaney packages ily) are displayed with poems to at Ardtara includes one nights deluxe match. www.seamusheaneyhome. accommodation, with evening meal, com The nearby Giant’s Causeway fully cooked to order Ulster Breakfast Heritage Site is ranked as North- and admission for two people to the ern Ireland’s number one tourist Seamus Heaney home place in nearby attraction. Ardtara is a member of Bellaghy all from £86.00 PPS. You’ll feel the difference the moIreland’s Blue Book a collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Manor ment you arrive. www.irelandsblueHouses, Castles and Restaurants book.com
Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland. He is also Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland.