Zetland Country House & Locklin's Bar – Connemara
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Zetland Country House, a luxurious four star Hotel, stands on the edge of Cashel Bay in Connemara, Galway, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The House was originally built as a sporting lodge in the early 1800's and derives its name from the Earl of Zetland, who was a frequent visitor in the last century. Set amid an untamed landscape of mountains, bogs, lakes and a seacoast brimming with white sandy beaches, this elegant country house hotel, with its mature gardens, exudes old fashioned charm from every room. An oasis of tranquillity and warm hospitality, Zetland Country House Hotel likes to invite guests to enjoy gracious elegant living as it used to be in times gone by.
Zetland Country House Hotel has a beautiful restaurant with windows overlooking Cashel Bay, which has recently won several awards for catering and for hospitality. Using locally produced product and herbs in season, the chef produces an exciting menu with a varied choice to suit all tastes. From local Connemara lamb to fresh local seafood, the menu aims to make the most of the West of Ireland's natural produce. Colm Redmond, owner of Zetland House, is also proud of his very fine wine selection, selected to complement the eclectic cuisine. Dinner can be preceded with an aperitif in the cosy wood-panelled bar or followed by a digestif or coffee by a blazing fire in one of the comfortable drawing rooms.
Bedrooms in Zetland Country House Hotel are all individually furnished, mostly with antique furniture and are large and spacious - some rooms also have large poster beds. A firm favourite with everyone who stays are the magnificent views - either over Cashel Bay or the splendid gardens. The rooms are designed to offer complete relaxation in these very tranquil surroundings and although the look is old world, they include every modern comfort. Free wireless broadband is available at selected points in the hotel.
Zetland House Hotel's whiskey credentials are to be found in Johnny O Loughlin's Bar, also known as Locklin's Bar, which actually dates back to the 1700’s. It’s a small country bar that has been frequented by people like Maureen O Hara, John Wayne, Brendan Gleeson and Charles De Gaulle. It has a very extensive selection of Irish whiskeys, including the more unusual brands, but what makes it stand out is a certain whiskey called The Irish Fiddler. This whiskey is the brainchild of owner, Colm Redmond, who, not simply content to stock everyone else's whiskey, decided to have his own special blend bottled. Only launched at the end of 2009, Zetland House is one of the very few places in Ireland where you can buy The Irish Fiddler - and of course it is the house whiskey! Distilled by the Cooley Distillery, the whiskeys for this blend were selected by international whiskey expert, Martine Nouet, who created a light and approachable whiskey, reminiscent to her of an air once heard on an Irish fiddle. So Zetland House isn't just about enjoying warm hospitality, the peace and quiet of Connemara and great food, it's also a very unique opportunity to enjoy one of the newest Irish whiskey brands on the market.
Plenty of locals frequent the bar, and as always in the West of Ireland, they'll be more than happy to share a conversation with you, or some valuable game shooting or fishing tips, the bar being a favourite haunt of both types of sportsmen. The bar also serves good food, so even if you are not lucky enough to be staying in Zetland House, don't hesitate to call in. And one final tip: Colm Redmond is quite a character, so if he's around, do say hello!
Zetland Country House - Cashel Bay, Connemara, Co. Galway
Tel. + 353 (0)95 31111
Web: www.zetland.com
Email: info@zetland.com
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