In the heart of the Boyne Valley, this former coaching inn dates back to the 17th-century and now has the good fortune be in common ownership with nearby Tankardstown House whose owners, Tricia and Brian Conroy, undertook their trademark tasteful refurbishment of the characterful old hotel in in 2012.
Both the exterior and the main interior areas have been painted in the muted creams and sage greens that will be familiar to anyone who has visited Tankardstown, and this understated country elegance suits the Conynham Arms equally well.
The proportions of the building - quite low ceilings and a rather higgledy piggledy arrangement of rooms - give the hotel a friendly cottagey feeling and a pretty sitting/dining room at the front of the hotel catches the eye on arrival. You could settle in to this appealing spot very comfortably for a while, on sofas or plush armchairs, enjoying a leisurely coffee or reading the paper.
Tucked in behind reception there's a cosy bar set up with an open fire and small tables for meals, mainly for twosomes. (As larger groups may be seated too close to the servery, it would be a good idea to check availability in the front room on the way in.) Beyond the bar, there's a function room which is sometimes used for local activities, such as antiques fairs, as well as weddings and other events.
The fifteen pretty bedrooms have been individually redecorated and given a light upgrade. Just what you would expect (or hope for) in a rural hotel, they have not been over designed; while very comfortable - all are en-suite and some have full bath - they are quite modestly sized and have retained the lovely country atmosphere of the old building.
Dining at the Conyngham Arms may be informal but, styled 'Tankardstown's little sister', the menu shows the same attention to detail as its country house big sister, featuring local seasonal produce and specialist suppliers.
And, as a welcome option, most of the main courses on the bar menu can be prepared as a half portion for children.
