CLONGANNY HOUSE IS CROWNED COUNTRY HOUSE OF THE YEAR
Luxurious property Clonganny House nestled in Ballygarrett has been named as Georgina Campbell’s Country House of the Year 2019.
Opened in 2015 by team Philippe and Brona Brilliant, Georgina described the house as a ‘pretty special destination itself and well worth seeking out’.
‘We are absolutely delighted to be recognized by Georgina with this prestigious award,’ said Brona. ‘We are also delighted for the spotlight it brings to Wexford and Ireland’s Ancient East as a tourism destination.’
Since opening, Clonganny House has already made its mark and earned an enviable reputation. Rated as five-stars and awarded 2 AA Rosettes for its food, the house is a member of Hidden Ireland and is included in the Michelin Guide.
For Philippe and Brona, the great success of the business is the culmination of many years in the industry. Philippe is a highly experience chef who trained and worked in numerous three-star Michelin establishments across the world, including the renowned Restaurant Lasserre in Paris with legendary chef Joel Robuchon.
The couple ran a B&B in the upmarket town of Henley-on-Thames in the UK, where Philippe also had a restaurant and bakery that supplied Heston Blumenthal among many other items.
Thought they are not native to the area, they have strong connections. Brona’s great-grandfather was born in Ballygarrett and she has extended family across the county. She spent much of her childhood in Wexford. For Philippe, the move to county Wexford has been a delightful opportunity to explore and source the best of Irish and local produce to showcase in his dishes.
The Georgian gem on the outskirts of Ballygarrett offers accommodation in converted courtyard rooms. Clonganny House also opens its doors to non-residents for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, but advance booking is essential.
The Georgina Campbell awards have been running for 20 years. Locations are judged through anonymous assessments.