No ordinary B&B, this outstanding modern property is in the picturesque Gaeltacht area of Ring less than 10km from the county town of Dungarvan.
Quietly located in a small development overlooking Dungarvan Bay, the house featured on the RTE television series Showhouse before it was bought by Annie May Lyons and Joe Brennan.
Following modifications designed to make Dún Ard the most luxurious and romantic bed and breakfast in the area, the pair opened for business in 2008 and quickly established a reputation among discerning guests who appreciate the quiet adult ambience as much as the spacious layout, high quality finish and attention to detail.
The four rooms - styled 'suites' - are very different but all have top quality beds (the smallest room has twin beds which can be converted to a large double), flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities - and superb en suite bathrooms with quality toiletries and, in some cases, separate bath and shower and twin washbasins. Some rooms have sea or mountain views, all have a pleasant outlook and are thoughtfully furnished with a great sense of luxurious modern style that would put most hotels to shame.
Cooked breakfasts include the 'full Irish', of course, but also omelettes with a variety of fillings, pancakes, and butter-fried fish from nearby Helvick harbour. Lighter continental choices are also offered and, given notice, any special dietary needs are happily catered for.
Dun Ard is now a 5* rated Failte Ireland Approved B&B and, although dinner is not offered, there is a pub serving traditional meals nearby and Dungarvan town - renowned for the excellence of its food - is just a short drive (or taxi ride) away.
If golf is your thing, you will find three 18-hole golf courses within a 15 km radius. But there is a wealth of other interesting things to do and see and West Waterford will reward the interested visitor who chooses to spend a few days exploring this beautiful and unspoilt area.
West Waterford has oodles of character. It's a great place for bird watching, cycling and walking, or just moseying around in the car. The quaint coastal village of Ardmore is only about 10 km away and, should the hills and valleys beckon instead, the heritage town of Lismore is well worth a visit - and there is much of interest to find along the way. Magic.
