THE GOURMET GETAWAY

THE DRAW A food-focused weekend in one of the country’s foremost country houses, Cork’s Longueville House will set your heart racing from first sight. The house is wonderful, with William and Aisling O’Callaghan’s celebrated hospitality copper-fastened by William’s exceptional country house cooking. THE SETTING

The magnificent home, built almost 300 years ago, in 1720, stands sentinel over the Blackwater Valley, close to Mallow. Its impressive façade is matched by a comfortable interior rich with historic details and period features. A sweeping staircase leads to the super-sized bedrooms with grand proportions and attention to detail. The vibe is laid-back luxury and the friendly team will ensure you settle in, chill out and enjoy an outstanding Irish welcome. DINNER DATE William’s country house cooking has won countless awards. His farm-to-fork ethos sees a home-grown menu featuring fresh produce from Longueville’s walled garden, orchard, farm and river. There’s a boutique distillery on site too producing Longueville House’s small batch cider and brandy. (We love that William is a direct descendant of the house’s original owner.) CREATURE COMFORTS A heritage mansion set in 450 acres, you can get back to nature here, walking the estate and exploring its orchards, parklands and gardens. (Private orchard walks, distillery talks and tours with tastings can be arranged too.) Dinner in the impossibly beautiful Victorian conservatory is one of life’s great pleasures and breakfast here is one of the best in the country. THE DETAILS One night’s stay with dinner for two, breakfast and late check out, €295 per room, longuevillehouse.ie.