Review
Cashel House Hotel and Gardens, located at the head of Cashel Bay is a magnificent 19th century country house, run by the Mc Evilly family since 1969. The welcome you get from the owners and staff alike is that of a family member returning home from afar. Originally put on the map by a visit by General De Gaulle in 1969, Cashel House Hotel has been a consistent high point of country houses.
The atmosphere is one of relaxation, with a certain air of formality. The drive up to the house, the manicured lawns, the private foreshore and the elegance of the house is followed through within, where you will find yourself surrounded by pieces from years gone by; the paintings, an antique piece over the log burning fire or a book in the library, everything with its own story to tell.
He dining room in Cashel house is rather lovely. This split level room runs into a Victorian style conservatory which looks out over the lawns and gardens. In the evening spotlights pick out some of the more striking trees, and provide a view even when there shouldn't be one.
Dinner is a set affair, with a choice of half a dozen starters and the same of main courses. Choices include scallops, mussels with a Thai style broth of lemongrass chilli and ginger. Devilled lamb kidneys make a rare appearance.
Main courses offer baked John Dory, lemon sole, sea bass served . Local Connemara lamb is served as adults, and a rabbit casserole pops up as well.
We go both ways; Deirdre sticks with the sea, while I play the committed carnivore. She has the mussels,ma big bowl of fat shellfish in the delicious broth. Our still warm bread rolls make dipping and mopping a dual pleasure, we're both at it. I can't pass retro kidneys with a mustard sauce served on rounds of toast and they are sinfully, unctiously lovely.
Main courses bring Deirdre a very pretty pale of fillets of lemon sole, rolled and placed with eh lemon and grape sauce..... Beetroot and celery decorate the plate, and a bowls of buttery champ as well and baked potatoes with a side of sour cream are brought as sides. My rabbit casserole is all rustic and games, and is a hearty dish.
We have room for desserts, and a sticky toffee puddings with a homemade whiskey ice cream is demolished,nihilism my light chocolate mousse with berries is rich and delicious.
Cashel House is a beautiful Manor House hotel, that has more of a weekend country house feel that the formality of a hotel. Everyone is very friendly, and there are lots of rooms to relax with a book and a drink.
The grounded so are beautiful, and be sure to climb up to De Gaulle seat, and see the secret garden. A longer walk can be had on the beach facing,many around the coastline.
Our room was particularly, looking out on the spring blloms, and it seemed a shame to leave. Cashel house is a rare thing; a place of beauty and old world charm A beatiful romantic destination for a special occasion.
