Only 10 minutes from Shannon airport and in a beautiful rural setting, Carrygerry is a lovely residence dating back to 1793. It overlooks the Shannon and Fergus estuaries and, peacefully surrounded by woodlands, gardens and pastures, seems very distant from an international airport.
Owners Niall and Gillian Ennis have been here since 2003 and the ambience is very pleasant, with spacious, comfortable reception rooms, open fires and an hospitable atmosphere.
The bedrooms are individually decorated and those in the main house are quite spacious, with the best ones having lovely views over the countryside and the Shannon Estuary; they are furnished in elegant period style, and some have the added charm of impressive four-poster beds. The coach yard rooms have recently been refurbished and, although they are a little smaller and simpler, they are appealing and comfortable and the upgrade has brought them into line with the rest of the house,
Also in the coach yard, there is a really charming private room that would be perfect for an intimate wedding or special event. Civil ceremonies and blessings can also be held here - or in the Conservatory Restaurant.
Conservatory Restaurant
The restaurant, which is open to non-residents, is shared between the dining room and a conservatory overlooking gardens at the front of the house.
Set up classically with white cloths, fine glasses and fresh flowers, it's a pleasant spot to enjoy food cooked to order by Niall Ennis. He is a good chef, who changes menus monthly and takes pride in using local ingredients in season, especially herbs and vegetables - a main course of sea bass with white wine sauce may come with wild garlic, in season, or breast of Irish chicken might be stuffed with spinach.
Good breads too, and there may be some appealing dishes not often found on other menus - a starter of homemade gravadlax salmon, for example - and excellent local meats as, perhaps, in herb & Dijon mustard crusted rack of Clare lamb. Equally enticing vegetarian dishes are offered as well.
Attractive surroundings, real food and pleasant, friendly service make for an enjoyable outing - and you can be sure of a good breakfast to set you up for the day.
On departure, don't forget to ask about the Carrygerry range of speciality food products as they are perfect for small gifts or souvenirs.
