Glassdrumman Lodge

Annalong,
County Down
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Glassdrumman Lodge

• Beautiful family-run country house and restaurant.
• Ideal retreat for quiet corporate or leisure breaks.
• Nestled in unspoilt fishing village on Ireland’s north-east coast.

What struck me first on entering the house was the heady perfume of the fresh lilies, it was like walking into a friend’s home to visit, it was the peace and absolute quiet after a very long and exhausting journey. I had arrived for my first visit to the fishing village of Annalong and to the lovely Glassdrumman Lodge in County Down. The Mourne Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to this corner of Ireland that is often overlooked by the mass tourism market, yet is a real jewel for the discerning traveller. With great golf, fabulous fishing, unlimited outdoor activities and fabulous food, Glassdrumman Lodge, we discovered, was the place to immerse ourselves in all that this area has to offer. The traditional farmhouse has been developed by the Hall family into a welcoming, warm and elegant country house and the food was just fabulous!

ACCOMMODATION AT GLASSDRUMMAN LODGE

My room was a suite with an extra king-size bed, lots of windows looking out over the manicured gardens and fresh flowers on the table. So far removed from a bland hotel room, this was home with an extra touch of elegance and comfort. There is free wireless access, so I was able to check emails while John Hall brought tea and homemade lemon shortcake to my room. It was so relaxing to unwind in a bright pleasant room with plenty of space and open windows looking out to the well-kept gardens and the only noise was birdsong! When I came back after dinner the curtains had been drawn, a pitcher of water was placed by the bed and fresh towels were in the bathroom. A sound night’s sleep was guaranteed!

DINING AT GLASSDRUMMAN LODGE

When I went down to dinner I was greeted by Joan Hall who brought me into the cosy sitting room where I sat by the large open wood-burning stove. The menu is devised by John, whose chef-training is brought out in his use of local and organic produce, herbs from the gardens, and a sensitive approach. Essential qualities of a good cook, without a doubt, but unfortunately not always found. There were two soups on offer, a tomato and a broth, but I went straight to the starter of King Scallops from Ardglass served with a balsamic tomato salad on a crisp crouton. I opted for the humble haddock next, as this lovely fish rarely gets a look in these days on contemporary menus. But I had a little amuse-bouche while by the fire, and yet another one when I came to the table, so I was glad I opted out of the soup! Each dish was artistically presented with garden herbs- rosemary, nasturtiums, and garlic flowers - , fresh home baked bread was too good to resist, and my haddock was meaty, succulent and cooked with flair and a light hand. Perfect! I even left a little room for apple crumble – and I though only my own mother could make apple crumble this good!

Another starter that tempted me was the Glassdrumman Salad which contains their own greens and vegetables, and local Kilkeel prawns and melon in a balsamic dressing. There is also a very interesting sounding casserole on the menu, that I would like to try another day which is made with breast of chicken, loin of pork, bacon and sweetcorn. The dining room is as cosy as the sitting room, an open fireplace has an old fashioned ‘crane’ with a black kettle hanging from it. Fresh carnations adorned every table, the flowers, table clothes and plates all matched in colour and style, there is a clear elegance in the design of this comfortable room that I felt throughout the entire house.
The next morning I had breakfast of perfectly poached free-range eggs that came from a farm just up the road. Both John and Joan were around tending to their guests’ wishes, and even took the trouble to look up directions of the place I was going next to make sure I didn’t get lost!

This is a lovely family, a fabulous country house and restaurant, and a magical location in such an unspoilt are of the north-east coast. It is the kind of place you would return to when you could, and would recommend to a friend as a perfect retreat from the stresses of life – especially at the end of a long day driving!
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