Lough Rynn Castle
Mohill,Co. Leitrim
Lough Rynn Castle enquiries
www.loughrynn.ie
- Magically romantic setting.
- Outstanding gourmet food.
- Secluded and luxurious.
It was the sound of all the birds singing in the mature trees that captured our attention as soon as we stepped out of the car. We had just driven up the impressive driveway and with the shimmering lake at one side, Lough Rynn Castle stood before us. We were set for a visit that was steeped in history and encompassed luxury, relaxation, total escapism, peace, quiet and wonderful food.
ACCOMMODATION AT RYNN CASTLE
Each of the rooms are individually appointed and decorated, but we must have had the best room of all – the O’Carolan Penthouse suite. We had a door to our own private castle turret balcony from where we had a bird’s eye view of the surrounding estate. The bedroom was uniquely appointed with the antique bed facing a huge window, a television area with CD player, a well stocked book shelf and tasteful furniture. There was a separate office area with coffee and tea tray and broadband access at a desk by another large window, and then there was the huge bathroom with the claw-foot bath and massage plinth. This really was so much more than a luxury hotel room, this was somewhere you could move into! We settled in for the evening.We went for a long walk around the grounds before breakfast the following morning, and discovered a dream setting. The estate comprises 300 acres, and we could see how tastefully it was being restored. We walked through the walled garden full of strawberry beds, rosebushes and kitchen herbs and vegetables, through to the lake side path. As we explored the grounds we saw how the old stables and outhouses were being renovated into bedrooms, and a conference centre blended into the surroundings.
DINING AT RYNN CASTLE
We went off to the cosy bar for a pre-dinner cocktail before heading for the dining room. With stone walls and an elevated glass triangle in the centre of the ceiling, the tables were well placed to allow for privacy. From the A La Carte menu we chose the crayfish cocktail and the garlic and roast pumpkin soup for starters. We went on to tender beef in red wine jus, and a whole Dover sole on the bone with lemon butter. The menu was classic French with modern Irish influences and made good use of local ingredients, which impressed us. With an ‘amuse bouche’ and a sorbet and home-made breads, it was amazing that we had room for desserts – but we did! A beautiful warm chocolate fondant was a triumph!HISTORY OF THE CASTLE
Lough Rynn castle is the original 19th century home of the Clements family, has been in the family for generations, and can trace its history back to royal families. Current restoration is very sensitive to it’s historical past and every corner of the estate tells its own story. But what we found particularly fascinating is the story of William Sydney Clements – the legendary Lord Leitrim. He took over management of the estate in 1839 and became the 3rd Earl of Leitrim on the death of his father in 1854. He was the most notorious of all the residents of Lough Rynn Castle and is remembered mostly for callous and merciless acts against his tenants. He was both a ruthless landlord and a pitiless evictor. He was considered a misogynist and was assassinated in 1878, due it is said to his wholesale evictions on the Donegal estates.Stories about Lord Leitrim abound in the area, and there are many who are said to be descendants of him, although he never married! The friendly staff at Lough Rynn Castle will supply you with plenty of history for those with the time and interest – we found the stories absolutely fascinating!
www.loughrynn.ie