Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Weekend Hotspot – Ardtara House www.ardtara.com
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. As well as the Clarks, there was one other local family of note which
n Ardtara House, Co. Derry
made a modest living during the early 1700s by finishing and bleaching linen: Charles Thompson became one of America’s Founding Fathers, a Philadelphia revolutionary who penned the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. He spent the first nine years at Gorteade Cottage close to Ardtara. 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 property with antiques she collected over
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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 American golf enthusiast but remains involved with the new owners and looks after all the marketing and promotions for what has to be one of Northern Irelands finest stately homes. There are eight luxurious bedrooms, all are en-suite but each one is individually styled, offering everything from deluxe kingsize 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 dining room is decorated with a unique hunting frieze, and is illuminated by a large glass skylight. The menu here features all of the best and freshest local produce with favourites including Irish Sea Bass, local vegetables and potatoes, home baked breads and a range of Irish, Welsh and other cheeses which are pure country house cooking
that perfectly reflects ‘The legendary taste of Ulster.’ Ardtara can seat 80 people in their large dining area and bright airy conservatory operating a one wedding policy only with a marquee option in the grounds if required. Sitting 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 nearby Giant’s Causeway Heritage n Giants Causew Site is ranked as ay Co Antrim. Northern Ireland’s number one tourist attraction. Mind you if you award, the are in need of some Dutch warmth of home is the overcourage after climbing the arching feeling here—It’s like rope bridge just two miles staying in a friend’s private away is the historic distillery estate house. Ardtara was & town of Bushmills famous among the select few to be for its whiskey offering daily included in National Geotours, including, of course, a graphic Traveller Magazine’s wee drop or two at the tour’s 2010 list of Best Places to Stay conclusion. For golf enthu- in Britain and Ireland and resiasts you must include the alising Manager Valerie Pearworld-class Royal Portrush son’s passion - I can see why! Golf Course home of the re- Latest stay specials include cent Irish Open. Bestowed a one evening four course the Automobile Association’s dinner (on the evening of coveted Most Romantic arrival) from the a la carte
menu in the AA Rosette restaurant/dining room, 2 nights bed and full Irish breakfasts from £235 per night or midweek specials from £225 for 2 nights. For best rates visit www.ardtara.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