Although the Wall family’s gloriously remote country guesthouse is now a very substantial building, the spirit of the ancestral home around which Hanora’s is built remains a strong presence.
This a very special place - equally wonderful for foot-weary walkers, or desk-weary city folk in need of some clear country air and real comfort - and the genuine hospitality of the Wall family is matched by the luxurious accommodation and good food they provide.
Large, comfortably furnished seating areas overlooking the garden and countryside have an open fire, sofas and big armchairs, offering plenty of temptation to relax, and the spacious thoughtfully furnished bedrooms all have jacuzzi baths (one especially romantic room is perfect for honeymooners).
While all is cosy comfort indoors, there's also a lovely riverside deck that feels like an outdoor room and makes a lovely tranquil place to relax in fine weather.
Overnight guests begin the day with Hanora’s legendary breakfast buffet, which was a winner of our Irish Breakfast Awards and again in 2018; it takes some time to get the measure of this feast, so make sure you get up in time to make the most of it.
Local produce and exotics jostle for space on the beautifully arranged buffet: fruits and freshly squeezed juices (also luscious Crinnaghtaun Apple Juice from Lismore), home-made muesli and porridge... freshly-baked breads, including organic and gluten free varieties... local farmhouse cheeses, smoked salmon, home-made jams - and all the cooked breakfast options you could wish for.
This is truly a gargantuan feast, designed to see you many miles along the hills before you stop for a little packed lunch (prepared that morning), and ultimately return for dinner...
Especially attractive all inclusive midweek rates are offered, Monday to Saturday, also weekend breaks.
Small weddings/corporate hospitality (max 42).
Rooms 10 (1 suite, 3 junior suites, all no smoking). Not suitable for children. No pets. Closed Christmas week; advisable to phone to check opening off season..
Restaurant:
One of the best things about Hanora’s is that people travel from far and wide to dine here, which adds to the atmosphere. It is pleasant for evening guests to mingle with residents at the fireside, have an aperitif and ponder on Eoin and Judith Wall’s imaginative, well-balanced menus - then, difficult choices made, you move through to the restaurant, which overlooks a secluded garden and riverside woodland.
As Euro-Toques chefs, Eoin and Judith are enthusiastic supporters of small suppliers; they use local foods whenever possible and credit them on the menu - fresh fish from Dunmore East, free range chickens from Stradbally and local cheeses, for example. There’s a separate vegetarian dinner menu on request as well as an à la carte which offers about seven dishes on each course, usually including some vegetarian options; special diets, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, are happily catered for on request.
Popular dishes include starters of sautéed lambs kidneys on a croustade with mushroom cream, and stuffed mushrooms with walnuts, blue cheese & garlic mayonnaise; main courses include beautifully fresh and accurately cooked fish and, as lamb is so abundant locally, the all-time favourite is roast rack of lamb (served, perhaps, with a delicious mint hollandaise).
Desserts include well made classics like lemon tart with crème anglaise and home-made ice creams - and, of course, there’s always an Irish cheese selection.
* During the autumn months it's all hands on deck preparing goodies for Hanora's Hampers, which are much in demand for their lovely homemade chutneys, relishes, dressings, sauces and mincemeat - and Nanny Wall's old-style Christmas pudding, which contains 21 ingredients...! Gifts available from about €12-35; hampers about €45-€120, including wines and Irish chocolates.
* Hanora’s is also open to non-residents for breakfast (by reservation).
