Ballymaloe Shangarry, County Cork

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Set on its own farm, Ballymaloe is a Georgian house built on to a Norman castle keep. The home of the Allen family, it has also been for over 50 years the best sort of hotel and restaurant, still presided over by the descendants of Myrtle Allen, who started it all. The genuine feel of a family concern, with wonderful cooking and unpretentious comfort, is as endearing as it is relaxing and unusual – few such multi-generational places exist these days. The sun-filled yellow drawing room, awash with flowers from the garden, is the place to relax by the open fire, and there’s a pretty conservatory for drinks and snacks. Everything that’s served in the restaurant is home-made, homegrown and naturally recycled. A highlight of the marvellous five-course dinner each night is the pudding trolley – which to choose? – and the cheese one. While you are here, take a day course at the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School down the road, founded by Myrtle’s daughter-in-law, Darina.

Doubles from €255

353 21 465 2531; ballymaloe.ie

Want to find out more? Visit the hotel's website.