Rathmullan House

Built as a summer retreat in 1820, this country house on the wooded shores of Lough Swilly has come up in the world since its 1940s hostel days of shared dormitories, sing-songs and potted-meat sandwiches. Today, Mark and Mary Wheeler run the fine hotel, the second generation of Wheelers to do so since 1962. There is plenty of space to sit in the series of lough-facing lounges (original ceiling mouldings, comfortable seating); pick a book from the library to read by the blazing turf fires. Individually decorated bedrooms are liberally furnished with antiques – the best, overlooking the lough or the gardens, have a balcony or patio. Travelling with little ones? Two-bedroom interconnecting suites, with a shared family bathroom, have enough space for six. Informal pizza dinners, washed down with Irish craft beers, are taken in the cellar Tap Room. ‘Local produce is much in evidence’ in the restaurant; try pan-seared Mulroy Bay scallops, garden artichoke, black pudding croquettes; roasted Greencastle-landed black sole, cured cucumber, confit potato. Afterwards, walk it all off with a woodland stroll that brings you to the sandy beach.