Castle Country House

The 5-foot-thick wall in the dining room, the stone arch that leads to the kitchen, and the ancient defense wall in the garden are remnants of the 15th century keep that stood atop this rocky promontory. It’s a “home” that has been added to over the years—a good bit of the house is over 300 years old with the most recent addition being shower rooms for each guest room. Beds are large and rooms are most attractively decked out. My favorite bedrooms were Lady Mary’s room with its big bay window looking across the garden wall to miles of countryside and Deedee Walsh, a spacious room at the back. Joan and her daughter Catherine are the most welcoming and attentive of hostesses. They strongly believe in keeping you well fed: breakfasts have to be seen to be believed—a vast array of fruit dishes alongside fresh scones and a variety of hot dishes. Scones and a pot of tea (sometimes homemade pie) are served in the afternoon to keep you going between lunch and dinner. It’s a delightful spot just a few minutes from the main roads that whisk you into Waterford and Cork. There are some lovely drives in this area (The Vee and Nire Valley to Clonmel) and several castles (Cahir and Lismore), and the sea with Dungarvan and Youghal is just over the hills.