Flemingstown House

Review

The Sheedy family have owned this 18th-century building for five generations. Today Imelda Sheedy-King is 'the heart and soul of the place', the 'perfect hostess, attending to every detail'. Her 'flawless' guest house is 'comfortable rather than luxurious', with a 'cosy lounge with mostly 19th-century pieces'. The bedrooms are spacious; some have a king-size bed and 'superb' views across fields to the Ballyhoura Mountains. 'Our well-lit room had a cheerful air, a crystal chandelier.' There is a self-catering lodge in the grounds. Dinner, in a room with big stained-glass windows, is highly recommended, but 'give plenty of notice that you wish to dine, and bring your own wine'. Mrs Sheedy-King's five-course menu features traditional dishes using local produce (eg, beef consommé; sea trout on a tomato compote); her sister's own Cheddar cheese might be offered. If she is not cooking, there is a 'good restaurant and pub with food' nearby. Breakfast has home-made breads, cheeses, jams and cakes; fresh juices and a range of cooked dishes including pancakes with banana and grapes. Visitors can explore the farm and watch the cows being milked. (GRS, PH)