Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – Kilmahon House www.kilmahonhouse.com
Perhaps you like the idea of staying in one of those grand mansions set in parkland with a crystal-bound dining table and sparkling conversation to match? Or how about a simple cottage, right by the sea surrounded by wild roses with a hearty Irish supper and a trip to the nearest pub? The legendary Alastair Sawday guides to “special places “a traveler’s bible for those who seek luxury & difference is the definitive guide
n Kilmahon House, Co Cork.
to assist your planning. This popular travel bible for thousands around the world has welcomed Kilmahon House in Co Cork as its newest Irish member. Owners Mary & Jeremy Martin offer a truly elegant Georgian country house accommodation experience at Shanagarry, East Co Cork and its addition into this elite publication will showcase Kilmahon to a whole new audience. The property built in 1780, is a fully restored Georgian Country House and to call it a B+ B is an understatement due to the passion and flare of its owners. This charming couple both former House of Fraser executives
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purchased the property on impulse from a local pottery impresario in 2004 and commenced a refurbishment programme six months later. The house had fallen into a state of disrepair with many parts structurally unsound with evidence of its Georgian heritage all but gone. The house has been rebuilt from within, its stone walls now benefiting from modern structural and insulating materials in tandem with decorative work and features. Mary’s interior design experience coming from a high profile retail career is evident throughout and her ability to merge the period aspects of the property with a modern day twist is remarkable. As you can imagine we slept well that night surrounded by fluffy white duvets and it was a treat to bathe the following morning in a traditional bathtub as big as a mini swimming pool in our ample ensuite. The breakfast spread was more than the two of us could handle with plenty of cereals, home baked goodies including breads, scones and fruit loaf followed by porridge finishing with Jeremy’s scram-
bled eggs with smoked salmon. Kilmahon House is ideally situated as a base for touring East Cork’s many attractions and activities. It is only a short walk to Ballymaloe Cookery School and the blue flag beaches of Garryvoe. Local activities include golfing at Fota & Waterock, fishing, horse riding, and guided walking. photography and remember art classes n Kilmahon Hous can be arranged e Suite, Co Co rk. through Mary & Jeremy directly. My fafor vourite dining options in the the pleasure of the area include Ahearn’s Sea- company of Jeremy & Mary. food Youghal and in Midleton To celebrate they are offerat the Farmgate which is also ing the “Sawday” experience home to the Jameson Herit- package from just €140 B+B age Distillery offering guided per room per night or a four daily tours. Cobh Cathedral for the price of three night and Titanic trail along with autumn bounce package. KilFota House, Arboretum and mahon will be offering pure Wildlife Park are also close indulgence with none of the by and a must see. Kilmahon guilt as you can walk it all off House is available for luxury in the stunning surrounds of private rentals and exclusive East Cork with scenic paths house parties and I would taking you through an area highly recommend staying of outstanding natural coasthere not only for its 5 star line beauty including the faplus appeal & food but also mous Ballycotton cliffs or the
nearby blue flag awarded Garryvoe beach. After a busy Christmas we all love escaping for a long relaxing weekend and treating ourselves to mouthwatering breakfasts, afternoon tea and sweets www. kilmahonhouse.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