Doing our research as per usual, we ran across a fabulous hotel in Ireland, a dream getaway discovery we just had to share with you. The Cliff House Hotel, a five star revelation from out of the past, offers not only breathtaking sea views – but a taste of charm not many places hint of. Cascading gardens, terraces, and the salt air here mix inextricably with Irish hospitality.
This is one of the most interesting accommodations we’ve presented so far. We offer this pictorial, a preview of one of Ireland’s best vacation spots, Ardmore Bay.
The Cliff House in 1910 - a legendary retreat
Situated on a cliff at Ardmore overlooking the Celtic Sea, The Cliff House Hotel bespeaks of tradition just as this area of Ireland does of the Irish. The first Christian settlement on the emerald Isle, Ardrmore is the jewel of County Waterford. This tidiest of Irish villages actually predates the coming of old St. Patrick himself.
Seaweed baths on the chill Celtic Sea
Ardmore, once a prosperous little fishing village, relies now on its status as a coastal resort. For the visitor, the remoteness and flavor of this place are the significant draws. One can fully expect to partake of every charming Irish pass time too, from Gaelic athletics and sightseeing, to sharing pints with all 300 of the local inhabitants (well, almost all) at the hotel’s or other nearby bars, this is the right place for atmosphere and relaxation.
The Cliff House 22 years ago
Nearby, St. Declan’s Monastery and the Round Tower provide archaeological context for this secluded Irish coastal wonder, and add a bit of typical Irish lore to the mix. The healing waters of Father O’ Donnell’s Well, and the ever present azure sea have a lure only those who have been here will understand.
Ardmore is as intimate and awe inspiring as it is wistful – a melancholy spot in a too busy world. Mix turn of the last century embellishments and stories with the most modern and lavish gifts of hospitality today, set it atop a cliff in Southeast Ireland, in a village overlooking the sea, and you have the geography of this place.
An ethereal pool of cool above the sea - are you there yet?
Now, capturing what such places on Earth are really about, the potential guest has to somehow put people into the equation. Maybe you can imagine the Irish bartender, bantering about about football with a regular, or answering the questions of new arrivals – where to go, what to see, the best this or that? Perhaps one of the expert therapists (below) at the wellness spa offers a perfect smile, an Irish footnote on relaxation and/or that special touch of kindness any guest should expect?
Ardmore Bay via © Gabriela - Fotolia.com
From the hotel’s manager, Adriaan Bartels, to the staff of by nearby companies like Ardmore Adventures, Ardmore may not offer Disney World rides, but the people and landscape are unforgettable. Visitors to this part of the world can sea kayak with Bottlenose Dolphins in Ardmore Bay, have an unforgettable wedding, or just lay back and get pampered.
The wellness center at The Cliff House Hotel
Maybe Michelin chef Martijn Kajuiter’s idea of Irish culinary wonder is what guests of the hotel will take home? The Cliff House Hotel is an Ireland legend where locally grown culinary goodness goes, Martijn (seen below) prides himself in creating not only tastefully tantalizing Irish favorites, but as healthily as any restaurant in the world.
Martijn showing at the Chef's Table
Prices for bed and breakfast begin at €216 per night but many options exist that include full Irish breakfast, dinner, and the upcoming Yoga wellness instruction at the hotel. To see the hotel’s wellness brochure, please view this PDF, and to see the perfect wedding atmosphere just click here. Those interested in more images and info can also visit The Cliff House Hotel’s Facebook pages here. You can call the hotel at: +353 (0) 24 87 80 as well.
We leave you with a special invitation from the restaurant manager at The Cliff House Hotel.
Photo credits: Some images via The Cliff House Hotel’s Facebook are the work of one of the world’s finest hospitality photographers, Andrew Bradley. Please follow this link for more fantastic photos by Bradley’s Great Hotel Photography.
