HOTEL of the week

BALLYVOLANE HOUSE FERMOY, CO CORK

WHERE AND WHY The picturesque Ballyvolane House is located just outside Fermoy in north Cork. The establishment recently hosted none other than the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to the rebel county and neighbouring Kerry. This elegantly furnished, family-owned period home offers warm hospitality and extremely comfortable accommodation in a relaxed atmosphere of informality and friendliness. Each room is individually furnished and is kitted out with a good old-fashioned wireless, free wi-fi and a healthy selection of

coffee table books and magazines. All have en-suite bathrooms and luxurious Orla Kiely products.

ON THE MENU The food is meticulously prepared by chef Steve Mercer. The menus feature lots of good roasts, fresh and salt-water fish and game in season, supported by home-grown vegetables and fruit. One is the unique selling points of the area is that Ballyvolane House is the home of the awardwinning Revenge Small Batch Irish Milk Gin, launched back in December 2015.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE Located in the historic Munster Blackwater Valley, it is an estate of idyllic landscaped gardens and magnificent parkland which are perfect for a romantic stroll. As a working farm, it plays host to a wide variety of wildlife both native and domestic, including the red squirrel, donkeys Poquita & Heloise, rarebreed pigs, spaniels and terriers, a herd of cattle, fan-tail doves, a flock of Muscovy ducks and hens. WAKE UP CALL Ballyvolane has six bedrooms costing around €220/€240 for a one-night stay. MIKIE O’LOUGHLIN