Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – Cliff House Ardmore Co Waterford
The Cliff House on the East & West Waterford border is unique amongst Irish hotels. Sitting over ■ Award winning cuisine at Cliff Ardmore Bay and splashHouse Ardmore. ing with natural light, its gardens, terrace and wife (a sister of the Fear Mor, balconies all blend in naturally to the cliffs. The the Head of The Irish College property has been in exist- at Ring near Dungarvan) saw ence since the early 1930’s an opportunity to take adand was a family run hotel vantage of the beginnings of up until its rebuilding and a tourist trade and started re-opening in 2008 under its the hotel business on the present owners. The Hotel premises around 1900. The was originally a private hotel stands on the site of house. It was acquired by a the original of the same Mr Kelly, who was a teacher name, an old building which from Connemara. He and his was demolished to make way
■ Cliff House Ardmore Spa & Pool.
for this brand new, state of the art construction whose architecture makes the most of its cliff side scenery. The spacious entrance lobby compliments the coastal location, with shells, natural stone and slate all used to great effect. Since the hotel is located high into the cliffs, the views of the vast expanse of water is stunning. The interiors draw an extraordinary landscape inwards and the palettes of marine blue, fuchsia, aubergine and sea green blend in perfectly. Each of the 39 rooms balances the colossal view with a crafted coziness manifested in stand-alone bathtubs, linen and glass headboards. The deluxe sea view room with bay windows, ensuite bath and separate shower, mini bar, Wi-Fi and flat screen TV are wonderful or if your credit card allows choose a balcony room with all this, plus king sized bed and spacious outdoor terrace. Before dinner enjoy a drink in the bar, which looks out over a terrace and the waters of the bay beyond, its décor dominated
KEE’S HOTEL LEISURE & WELLNESS CENTRE
(074) 9131018 by large photographs of the original hotel. The intimate restaurant with its simple modern design and fine linenlaid tables, also offers diners stunning views of the bay from the full length windows. The House restaurant has already been awarded a Michelin star for the innovative and inventive cuisine prepared by Dutch head chef, Martijn Kajuiter, ■ Balcony Suite at whose pedigree inCliff House Ar dmore. cludes stints with Marco Pierre White and Michel Roux. Ingredients are sourced with care accommodation, the hotel reflecting the seasons and boasts The Well Spa, a tranthe abundance of regional quil place to unwind and produce with counties Cork indulge in a seaweed treat& Waterford. Simply laid ta- ment, massage. General Manbles are graced with the most ager Adriaan Bartels runs a beautiful Irish linen provid- very slick and professional ing the perfect complement operation at Cliff House – for an exceptional cooking Go there ! The Cliff House experience. Simpler meals a member of the prestigious are served in the bar; these Relais & Chateau is offering may be included in packages the Cliff” Gourmet “package offered, so check that you for those who want to feast have the dining option of on Martijn Kajuiter’s award your choice when booking. winning, Michelin-starred cuiAlongside the luxury of fine sine - and after dinner, roll upfood and restful, luxurious stairs for a long night’s sleep
www.keeshotel.ie
in a sea view room. Complete this memorable gourmet Ardmore experience with a full Irish breakfast the following morning from €285 - €380 for two people. www. cliffhousehotel.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Citybeat & Q Radio Network in Northern Ireland. He is also Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe. com