Picture yourself sipping hot port in front of a roaring fire as you gaze out over the calm shores of Lough Corrib, dining on the finest of local ingredients foraged by renowned chef Jonathan Keane, or relaxing in the outdoor hot tub.
This is the enchanting experience that awaits the visitor to Lisloughrey Lodge in Cong, Co Mayo, a country house that is emerging as one of the west’s unmissable hidden gems.
Less than 45 minutes drive from Galway city, Lisloughrey combines charming period features with luxurious modern touches for a getaway you won’t forget.
After marvelling at the views, you will be welcomed by friendly staff who, more than any other feature, lend the place its down to earth warmth and character. Led by general manager Niall Kerrins, the hospitality and exceptional service of the team has also seen Lisloughrey gaining popularity as a wedding venue.
Guests can choose from 50 beautifully furnished rooms, including the individually designed courtyard deluxe rooms located around the internal courtyard, or for a real taste of luxury choose a duplex suite spread over two floors. These luxurious rooms feature underfloor heating, comfy sofas, super kingsize beds with goose down duvets, along with splashes of colour and quirky design touches.
Foodies will love Lisloughrey Lodge too, with the Quay Bar menu offering local specials such as rigatoni pasta featuring Cong pesto of nettles and acorns, Lisloughrey Lodge chowder, or organic Connemara-smoked salmon. Wilde’s Restaurant produces exceptional food in a modern Irish style featuring fresh local ingredients - the signature Connemara lamb shoulder cooked in Coca Cola with dillisk sausage, roast garlic, and coriander mash is a must-try.
Both the bar and restaurant enjoy fabulous views over Lough Corrib with its colourful boats, huts, and trees sweeping down to the lakeshore - we visited in autumn when the reds and oranges of the foliage were particularly stunning.
To make the most of your stay, why not visit the nearby dramatic Killary Harbour, a 12km-long fjord that produces one of the best selections of fresh seafood on the country, from mussels to oysters. Check out some of the local seafood farms for unrivalled hospitality and demonstrations of what is involved in getting these delicious local delicacies from the depths of the fjord to your plate.
Back at the Lodge, guests can take advantage of the Wii room, the cinema room, and The Vault pool room, as well as local activities including archery, fishing, horse riding, falconry, and clay pigeon shooting. And of course, you can step back in time in the village of Cong, steeped in The Quiet Man history and bursting with quaint pubs, shops, museums, and west of Ireland character.
For December, Lisloughrey Lodge is offering a Dinner Delight package of two nights bed and breakfast with dinner on one evening at €280 for two people sharing.
For further information or bookings, call Lisloughrey Lodge at (094 ) 9545400 or see www.lisloughreylodge.com
