Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

People come a long way for Norah's cooking: she is actively involved in promoting Irish food and holds 'Seasonal' classes – hugely popular. She and Ralph are friendly, open people, with Ralph front of house spinning yarns as he serves and Norah in the kitchen producing memorable food and winning hatfuls of awards. Many of her vegetables, herbs and soft fruits are home-grown and served in season. After a dinner that would satisfy most folk, coffee may be taken in the antique- and trinket-filled pale green and pink drawing room – an Aladdin's cave! – or, on wet, wintry evenings, around an open fire in the cosy 'den'. The bedrooms are all different with thick carpets, feminine frills, pot-pourri, more trinkets and ivy-clad windows. On its round knoll of manicured lawns beneath the giant chestnut tree, this proud old house has been extended ever since it was built in 1698; the result is a harmonious whole, although telltale floorboard creaks and ceilings that vary in height point to different eras. The breakfast special of porridge and Irish whiskey is astounding.