Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Weekend Hotspot – Ghan House Carlingford CARLINGFORD Co Louth located halfway between Belfast and Dublin is a small and medieval village situated in the north-east of Ireland where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. It was founded at the beginning of the thirteenth century by Hugh de Lacy (the younger son of the Hugh de Lacy who constructed Trim Castle). He began by constructing a strong castle on an outcrop of rock that overlooked the
Lough, and soon afterwards a settlement began to flourish in the shadow of the fortress. The regions inability to develop a heavy industry allowed its charm and archaeological artifacts to remain relatively intact. The area was opened up to tourism in the 1870s by the Dundalk, Newry and Greenore railway, which passed through Carlingford but closed in 1951. Nowadays if you arrive by car from Ulster or surrounding counties you exit the M1
■ The Dining Room at Ghan House Carlingford
motorway for a pleasant drive that takes you into the village from the east. The glimpses of the lough become increasingly appealing as you near Carlingford and the charisma of the place gives an impression of local pride. With tourism as the main source of employment the region is ideal for hill walkers, golfers, sailing, fishing & other water sports. The annual Carlingford Oyster Festival usually held in late summer attracts thousands of visitors from all corners. Ghan House a luxury Georgian guesthouse is by far the best place to stay. The property enjoys magnificent views of the lough, mountains or Slieve Foy from the restaurant and all the bedrooms. Some guests prefer a room in the quirky old house, others the peace and quiet of the new annexes’. Built by William Stannus a politician from Dublin who was of Scottish descent Ghan House is surrounded by castellated walls and a guard
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com tower. The first floor contains the drawing room which has a decorative ceiling of rococo plaster work of flower garlands and medallion busts reputed to be of Stannus ladies. The basement contains two underground passageways (now blocked) that led to the Heritage Centre and the bakers (now chemist). All double and twin rooms have bath and shower ■ Ghan House Ca rlingford Co Lo en-suite and family uth from Irela nd’s Blue Book antiques. The restaurant menu specialises in local seafood and Cooley ish hideaways are the lamb & beef. Mussels and perfect choice for a midweek ing all from €110.00 oysters are farmed on the or weekend break and those per person sharing. Joyce & Paul Carroll will make you lough, a stone’s throw from seeking a romantic getaway. Activities vary from golf, feel genuinely welcome, and the walled grounds. Lobster from the rocky shoreline at fishing, spas and cookery provide delicious dinners. nearby Ballagan also fea- schools or just relaxing in You’ll feel the difference the warm and comfortable sur- moment you arrive. www. tures seasonally. irelandsbluebook.com Ghan House is one of the roundings. Robert Walshe is a travel Residential packages at newest members of Ireland’s Blue Book a collection of Ghan House includes one broadcaster with Q Radio in Irish Country House Hotels, nights mid-week deluxe ac- Northern Ireland and Travel Manor Houses, Castles and commodation, with evening Editor for River Media newsRestaurants located through- meal in private dining and a paper titles across the island fully cooked to order Irish of Ireland. www.robertwout the island of Ireland. These charming and styl- Breakfast the following morn- alshe.com