Former home to the Clark linen milling family, Ardtara is now an attractive, elegantly decorated Victorian country house. It has long been a member of the prestigious Blue Book (Irish Country Houses & Restaurants Association) and it has a warm atmosphere and a well earned reputation for genuine hospitality
The property changed hands in 2014 and it is now a member of the highly regarded Browns Restaurant Group (of Derry City and Letterkenny), so there is a sense of excitement surrounding the kitchen and restaurant (see below). Continuity is assured, however, as a long serving team remains in place to oversee the accommodation and the house in general.
While not especially large, it is a fine house with well-proportioned reception rooms including a proper bar which has access to the conservatory and garden. Antique furnishings and fresh flowers everywhere give it a homely ambience, and it can also have a sense of occasion which lends it very well to small weddings and other family occasions.
Large, luxuriously furnished bedrooms enjoy views of the garden and surrounding countryside and have king size beds, working fireplaces and LCD TV and DVDs, while bathrooms combine the practicality of power showers with period details, some including free-standing baths and fireplaces.
Breakfast has always been a high point, so allow time to enjoy it.
Ardtara is a destination in itself, but it would also make an excellent base for exploring this beautiful and unspoilt area.
Conferences/Banqueting (60); free broadband wi/fi. Tennis, golf practice tee. No pets. Garden, woodland walk. Equestrian, fishing (fly & coarse), golf and hunting all nearby.
Browns Restaurant at Ardtara Country House:
Ardtara’s kitchen is led by Chef Patron Ian Orr, who was our Chef of the Year 2013 and is recognised throughout Ireland as a leading talent.
This is the fourth restaurant in the Browns Group, which has two excellent restaurants in Derry City (Browns Restaurant & Champagne Lounge and Browns in Town) and one just outside Letterkenny, in Co Donegal (Browns on the Green, at Letterkenny Golf Club). All are testament to Ian's high standards and organisational skills - he is committed to showcasing the local foods of the region and has assembled an outstanding team in each location.
Although meals may also be served in the conservatory or bar, the dining room is very special - it was previously a snooker room and still has the full Victorian skylight and original hunting frieze, making an unusual setting for fine dining. Although traditional and with an air of formality, in keeping with the style of the house, the service is warm, friendly and attentive.
The 'best of local' provides the basis for skilful cooking by Ian Orr and his team, including produce grown in the gardens at Ardtara.
Wines are supplied, as before, by the highly regarded wine merchant James Nicholson.
