Search Results for 'Jonathan Keane'

One of Mayo's most iconic hotels, Ashford Castle in Cong, has launched an array of new summer dining options and the luxury retreat is intent on showcasing to its international and local visitors all that is good about the Connemara landscape and its produce.

The village of Cong in County Mayo is famous as the location where much of The Quiet Man was filmed. Although you can retrace the steps of the actors throughout the town, Cong is so much more than just a movie set for tourists. The village is small and intimate with friendly pubs. There are the ruins of the old abbey right in the town to explore, and a path along the river where you can stroll through one of the loveliest woods. Adjacent to the village stands the dramatic and magnificent Ashford Castle. Dating from the 12th century, you are able to stroll around the grounds and get a feeling of what Ireland was like hundreds of years ago. For all the elegance and splendour of the castle, you should consider looking further afield for lunch. Sure, it has speciality teas, champagne, and finger sandwiches, and there may be talk of tasty pastries and cupcakes, but after many decades in the shadows of the grandeur of Ashford Castle, Cong is at last is defining itself and carving out an identity of its own.

It is fair to say, I think, that we have all learned to lower our expectations a little when dining in a hotel. Often we hear the phrase “the food was great” qualified by the appendage “for a wedding”. After all, serving 120 plus plates of beef or salmon all at the same time is an entirely different prospect to cooking two or four plates to order.

The Christmas season kicks off in style for food lovers at the Festive Food Fest in Newport on Friday next, November 21.

I have always had a soft spot for Lisloughrey Lodge, enjoyed many good meals there, and slept soundly in the lavish bedrooms. Previously, a stunning job was done on Lisloughrey, transforming it from old style country house into contemporary country hideaway with bedrooms and suites individually styled and decorated, oversized beds, deep piled carpets, dark wood furniture, and the latest flat screen technology. The heart of the hotel is a magnificent period building and behind it, new accommodation was added discreetly in two-bedroom units built around an attractive landscaped courtyard with covered walkways. Set in the grounds of Ashford Castle and now in common ownership, the hotel has one of the most beautiful locations in the country. Perched above Lough Corrib, just outside Cong, the most picturesque of village with little gift shops to peruse, cafes and pubs to refresh yourself in, ferry rides and woodland walks to amuse you. Fishing, golf and even falconry are all on your doorstep.

Three Mayo restaurants and three Mayo chefs have been shortlisted for awards in the prestigious Food and Wine Magazine Restaurant of the Year Awards.

Fancy enjoying some wining and dining that’s fit for a king in the surroundings of one of the most exclusive destinations in the west of Ireland?

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.

If you want to escape the mayhem and stress that often comes hand-in-hand with the festive season then why not make a swift escape to the luxurious Lisloughrey Lodge.