Ghan House

Carlingford,
County Louth
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Ghan House

• Fabulous food and Cookery School.
• Beautiful historic house in Medieval Heritage town.
• Wonderful romantic hideaway!

Ghan House is very well kept secret, so much so that if you want to eat or stay here, you need to book well in advance! Built in 1727, steeped in character and history, full of luxury and comfort, this family run house is unique among Irish hospitality gems. Open log fires, the aroma of home cooking, antiques and family portraits, four poster beds and gourmet candle-lit dinner with fine wines - this intimate country house is so charming and loved by its regular visitors that it does not need to advertise! It was our first visit, but we had heard a lot about it through the grapevine.

ACCOMMODATION AT GHAN HOUSE

Our bedroom was a blend of historic quaint and contemporary chic. We had an antique half tester bed, crystal chandelier and chaise-lounge together with a television, CD player and internet access. We also had a table with home-made biscuits, tea, coffee and bottled water. Two tall sash windows opened out to the gardens and sea beyond. Our bathroom had a claw-foot bath, large power-shower, robes and windows and space! We were delighted to have one of the sea facing rooms in the original house that was delightfully furnished with family antiques. Photographs of the family adorned the walls of the landing outside together with lots of books and magazines, and the sweet aroma of fresh cut flowers mingled with that coming from the cookery school.

THE COOKERY SCHOOL AT GHAN HOUSE

Established in 1993 by proprietor Joyce Carroll, this is one of the most popular of Ireland’s collection of cookery schools. It has been featured on television and radio and the day we arrived the aromas of that day’s class wafted through the air. Classes are small, cover a variety of topics throughout the year and include a number of specialist chefs including Paula McIntyre who was just finishing up a course the day we arrived.

We did pick up a list of upcoming classes which include everything from Bread Making to Thai Cookery, and hope to be able to take in a course next time we visit.

DINING AT GHAN HOUSE

Well obviously with a cookery school in situ and a reputation as a gourmet haven, we were looking forward to our dinner! We had arrived late so we freshened up quickly and went down to the cosy bar for an aperitif while studying the menu. The atmosphere is friendly and intimate, and guests greet each other as they meet – so unlike a typical hotel!

The most attractive thing about the menu was the listing of local provenance of all the ingredients together with their seasonality. My lobster salad starter was quite delicious and the other starter of roasted tomato soup with goat’s cheese crouton was so full of flavour and freshness that it was declared ‘divine’! The succulent steak came with a jus so good that we had to ask for more! Rhubarb crumble with ice-cream was the sweetest finish to a lovely meal. The wine list is extensive and very well priced, and we enjoyed a glass of New World Sauvignon Blanc with our starters followed by a French Pinot Noir with the mains. The dining room itself is bright and cosy and fronts out on to the seaview on the ground floor. There is another dining room upstairs where they were getting ready for a small wedding the next day. What a fabulous place to have an exclusive wedding reception!
It was a beautiful morning when we left, and having enjoyed an exploration of the town of Carlingford before breakfast, I felt well refreshed after taking in all that lovely sea air. I can see why Ghan House is a popular spot for those coming from either Dublin or Belfast, and I have heard that it can be difficult to get a dinner reservation, especially at the weekends. Book well in advance is the best advice, and make sure you stay over to enjoy the relaxed cosy ambiance of the house and location. You can also book exclusive use of the entire house for a special occasion – now there’s a thought!
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