Seaview House

Family antiques and fresh flowers create a homely feel of old-world elegance at this traditional hotel overlooking Bantry Bay. The ‘vast collection’ of ornaments and objets d’art in the spacious public rooms may strike some as old-fashioned, but a ‘warm welcome’ never goes out of style – admirers praise the restful surroundings and ‘admirably efficient’ staff. While away an afternoon with a book from the cosy library; take tea in the garden on a fine day; when cool evenings draw in, gather with fellow guests (and a glass of vintage port) by the roaring fire in the lounge. Individually decorated with antiques and fine art, bedrooms vary in size; a suite with a sofa bed can accommodate a family. Choose one with ‘distant’ views over the sea. Come dinnertime, settle into the restaurant overlooking the garden. Here, the daily-changing menus of ‘decent’ home cooking might include local specialities like Bantry Bay crab or West Cork lamb. An excellent base to explore the Beara peninsula; the Wild Atlantic Way is easily accessible. The third generation of the O’Sullivan family, Ronan, is now in charge.