Newport House

Review

Popular with fisherfolk in pursuit of salmon, this creeper-covered Georgian mansion holds rights on the River Newport ('all our fish are wild'). Liked for its 'unstuffy' atmosphere, it is run 'like a large private home' by owners Thelma and Kieran Thompson and manageress Catherine Flynn. Many of the 'helpful' staff are local: 'The receptionists are particularly friendly,' said a visitor this year. 'It feels as every country house hotel should but rarely does,' said an earlier guest. It has a grand staircase with lantern and dome, fires in the public rooms with their fine plasterwork and chandeliers. Some rooms are in self-contained units, good for a family. The rooms in two houses in a courtyard are popular with dog owners and 'angling guests'. A ghillie is generally available; a picnic lunch can be provided; there is a drying room, and freezing or smoking of the catch can be arranged. 'A handsome nine-pounder was on view in the hall while we were there.' In the formal dining room, chef John Gavin's 'sophisticated' menus might include chicken liver parfait, home-made gooseberry chutney; charcoal-grilled veal steak, brandy and wholegrain mustard sauce. Breakfast, with freshly squeezed orange juice, 'was our best in Ireland: incomparable eggs Benedict'. (Michael Wace)

This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 25% discount off their normal B&B rate. Each printed copy of the Guide contains six vouchers worth in total about £150. BUY THE GUIDE