Ghan House

Enter the hallway with its blazing log fire – and know 18th-century Ghan House for the much-loved family restaurant with rooms that it is. Joyce and her son Paul give more than just love: warmth, comfort and attention to detail is paramount. The food is excellent: wild boar and venison terrine were on the menu when we visited. Enclosed within the ancient walls of Carlingford, probably the best-preserved medieval town in Ireland, the house looks over the tree-lined road, across Carlingford Lough to the Mourne Mountains sweeping down to the sea. Some guests prefer a room in the house, others the peace and quiet of the garden bedrooms. There are arched doorways, mouldings, proper bathrooms with roll top baths and separate power showers – everything is impeccably done, everywhere you find family antiques, personal bits, a sense of deep peace, books in the cosy sitting room, and views of either mountain or sea. The Carrolls know and enjoy what they are doing and are genuinely friendly with it. You won’t be short of things to do, either. Restaurants, pubs, watersports, hill-walking and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites within easy reach, or the simple pleasure of sitting by a log fire.