Viewmount House

One of the joys of coming to stay with Beryl and James is that you get to see the completion of their various projects, first the house, then acres of gardens—the Japanese and French gardens, the addition of seven spacious suites, 6 of which have bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor with sitting room above. Chef Gary O’Hanlon style is Irish with a touch of American from the time he spent in Boston. The upstairs drawing room boasts specially commissioned chandeliers and period furniture. Also on the first floor is a particular favorite, a very spacious suite which has a sitting room with open fire and a spacious bathroom. On the top floor Purple is the room to request not only for its vibrant color but also for its spaciousness. Breakfast is served at small tables in the ground-floor breakfast room with its beautiful fan-vaulted ceilings. Viewmount House is an ideal base for trips to Clonmacnoise, Birr Castle, and Newgrange. Garden enthusiasts head for Strokestown House with its 6 acres of gardens and Tullynally Castle with its Chinese and Tibetan Gardens. Longford’s golf course is just across the back fence.