Moy House

Lahinch
Co Clare
Moy House enquiries
www.moyhouse.com

• One of Ireland’s favourite Country Houses.
• Stunning location, flawless service.
• Exceptionally fresh and seasonal gourmet fare.

When we revisited Moy House recently we were once again blown away by the experience that this Irish country house delivers. Since our visit last year we have experienced many more both new and older properties, yet Moy House remains top of our list for real hospitality excellence.

Since our last visit, here is a new conservatory added onto the dining room, taking in that dramatic Atlantic Ocean view and the cosy ambiance of the lounge still leaves every resident feeling like the most privileged guest ever! It is the only lounge I have been in where the trusting nature of the management allows for an Honesty Bar. Here guests are asked to write their name and drinks on a little note pad, as they help themselves to whatever they fancy from the amply stocked drinks cabinet. There are books, magazines and board games, along with little bowels of nibbles, and all in the context of that unique setting – what more could a weary soul possibly wish for?

ACCOMMODATION AT MOY HOUSE

While this lovely country house hotel boasts merely nine unique bedrooms, this is great news for the guest. You really feel like you are staying at a friend’s country residence and technically you will never meet more than eighteen people staying there at any one time, although in reality on both occasions we met no more than half a dozen.
Our bedroom was enormous, and the bathroom boasted a claw foot, stand-alone bath, and a huge power shower too. We had lots of space and light and comfort. Our windows looked out to sea and that is the first thing I saw when I awoke in the morning. We had very comfortable beds, top quality linen, television, robes, flowers, water and the most relaxing ambiance we have encountered in any hotel ever!

THE MOY HOUSE EXPERIENCE

I had brought a different friend with me on this occasion, yet once again the magic of Moy House had found another convert! Last year my guest had waxed lyrical about the experience by announcing, “Forget golfing, walking or surfing, even though excellent conditions exist for all these nearby, this is a place for doing nothing!
Forget Victorian mansions or modern timber and glass sculptural buildings; forget manicured lawns and tree lined drives. This unusual house stands on the cliff’s edge, braving the elements, looking proudly out over the Atlantic and the Western sky, next stop America.”

My guest on this occasion merely looked dreamily out to sea and said “This is the most romantic place I have ever visited”.

DINING AT MOY HOUSE

Moy House is renowned for the quality of food served there, and both dinner and breakfast are a rare treat. Dinner options include Crispy Duck Breast, Butternut Squash, Sweet thyme Jus; Roasted Monkfish Tail, Tiger Prawn, Thai Red Curry Froth; Fillet of Pork, Pak Choi and Pepper Salad, Sesame and Soy Dressing; and fillet of Irish beef or John Dory are also on the menu. Delicious starters include pan Seared Foie Gras, Flash fried Scallops, Marinated Quail Breast, local goat’s cheese and wholesome soups. Chef Daniel O’Brien has carved quite a name for Moy House in the culinary landscape of County Clare. With such great food, fine wines and lovely location, the scene is set for gourmet excellence. Breakfast was a real treat too, with fresh pastries, eggs Benedict, warm fruit compote and delicate yoghurts, fresh pressed juices and every kind of tea and coffee you could want – we lingered long!

While there is a computer for guests to check emails, and your mobile phone will work if you want to use it, this place really offers a relaxing break from busy contemporary life. If ever you wanted a bolt-hole from the stresses of modern living, we could not recommend anywhere higher than Moy House.