Currarevagh House

Review

The Hodgson family are 'as attentive as one could wish' at their early Victorian manor house in beautiful parkland and woodland on Lough Corrib in Connemara. Henry Hodgson has retired ('though he still takes pleasure in greeting guests old and new'); June Hodgson continues to assist her son, Henry, in running the front-of-house; his wife, Lucy, is the chef. Any changes in the handover to the second generation are 'imperceptible', says an annual visitor. 'The atmosphere and satisfaction quotient remain very high scoring.' There are fresh flowers and hot-water bottles, blankets and sheets, in the bedrooms, many of which have 'wonderful views'. The lavish afternoon tea served in the drawing room includes sandwiches, home-made scones and cakes. At dinner, the cooking has 'shifted in a happy direction, with stronger, more "southern" flavours', in dishes like baked parsley mussels with Parmesan and mustard; poached loin of Connemara lamb, basil mousse, Puy lentils. Henry Hodgson cooks breakfast, an 'Edwardian' buffet: 'I have seldom met better: a good ham to carve, salmon fillets, kedgeree, porridge, and all the usual hot items carefully monitored and replaced when they become cool.' There is much to do in the area, but fishing is a major draw. Currarevagh has its own boats and ghillies on Lough Corrib. (Michael Wace, RP)

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