Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Weekend Hotspot - Ardtara House - Maghera 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. As well as the Clarks, there was one other local family of note which 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 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 Ardtara Country House Hotel Co Derry 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 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 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
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com 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 Site is ranked as Northern Ireland’s number one tourist at■ Seafood Starte traction. r at Ardtara Ho Mind you if you use are in need of some Dutch courage after climbing N a t i o n a l the rope bridge just two miles Geographic Traveller Magaaway is the historic distillery zine’s 2010 list of Best Places & town of Bushmills famous to Stay in Britain and Ireland for its whiskey offering daily and realising Manager Valerie tours, including, of course, a Pearson’s passion - I can see wee drop or two at the tour’s why! Ardtara House is a leading member of Ireland’s Blue conclusion. For golf enthusiasts you Book a collection of Irish must include the world-class Country House Hotels, Manor Royal Portrush Golf Course Houses, Castles and Restauhome of the recent Irish rants located throughout the island of Ireland. Open. These charming and stylBestowed the Automobile Association’s coveted Most ish hideaways are the perfect Romantic award, the warmth choice for a midweek or weekof home is the overarching end break and those seeking a feeling here—It’s like staying romantic getaway. Activities in a friend’s private estate vary from golf, fishing, spas house. Ardtara was among the and cookery schools or just select few to be included in relaxing in warm and com-
fortable surroundings. Latest stay specials include a one evening four course dinner (on the evening of arrival) from the a la carte menu in the AA Rosette restaurant/dining room, 2 nights bed and full Irish breakfasts from £130 per person sharing for two nights. You’ll feel the difference the moment you arrive. www.irelandsbluebook.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe. com