Review
Screebe House was lovingly restored in 2010 it is now a home away from home for the discerning traveler, offering peace and tranquility in a beautifully picturesque setting overlooking Camus Bay in rugged Connemara. At Maams Cross, take a left and you’ll soon happen upon its gates.
Screebe is elegant and unassuming, in the way that old money itself often is. There are no flashy contemporary flourishes, but there is comfort and hospitality and beauty in spades. The views over the rose garden and the bay are breathtaking and the spa lodge with pool and sauna offer a framed view through the giant picture window.
Screebe House, one of Ireland’s finest victorian estates is located on the wild atlantic way, overlooking to magnificent Camus Bay. Taking the left turn at Maam Cross you take the windy roads for a couple of kilometres and as you take a sharp bend you arrive at the gates of Screebe House, very unassuming with the property sunken into the landscape, it is only when you enter the house you truly appreciate how special it is. And, when you get to the back of the house you have your breath taken away with the views over the rose garden, the terrace all stretching into the waters of the lake.
In these days of Covid, safety is first, and there are hand sanitiser stations strategically positioned, as well as hot hand towels for those who prefer. This is a small 10 bedroom property with a small selection of guests on hand, so physical distancing isn’t a problem, and the staff handle it all so very well.
The restaurant is to the rear of the property, stone flooring, antique dressers and fully set tables with crisp white linen all setting the scene for an evening of excellence
Their award winning restaurant offers an excellent culinary experience courtesy of head chef Maximilian Schindler, with a strong focus on seasonal organic produce. The kitchen is completely additive free, with vegetables and herbs from their own garden and all meat and fish coming from the local surroundings of Connemara. The team have also introduced a healthy option, Basenfasten, and can talk you through the options. In the interests of research of course, we had to try all the goodies on offer.
We started with pre-dinner drinks on the terrace. I ordered a glass of the house Sauv. Blanc which was fruity and light, and was going to be ideal with seafood over the evening. We kicked off with an amuse bouche of smoked trout placed delicately on the plate with diced beetroot and a cap of goats cheese, all the flavours bringing out the best of each other.
Our first course proper brought a prawn salad, 3 large prawns on a bed of leaves with a pesto vinaigrette dressing, light and left us wanting more. A rich parmesan soup followed, which was very rich in flavor and velvety in texture which was served with a selection of home made breads.
The main event was fabulous, west coast lobster was delicate and sweet, and filling and light in equal measure.. To finish us off was a delicious crème brulee which was cooked to perfection, crispy on top and smooth and delicate beneath. The perfect end to a great meal.
Afterwards you can retire to the drawing room, or take a seat in the bar. While away some time in this special place and muse on the comings and goings of royalty and Hollywood royalty when this was one of Ireland’s most exclusive fishing lodges.
Currently the restaurant is only fully to hotel guests and you will be asked to book in advance. Where possible and following all goverment guidelines dinner bookings are being taken from outside the property. If you are there for more than one night you will be given the menu the following morning and you will be asked to pre-order dinner, allowing everybody to enjoy and dine safely
Screebe is a hidden gem that people need to know about, it is precisely these kinds of properties that set Ireland apart in the luxury guest market. We love it and know you will too, get thee West for a fabulous escape from the ordinary.
