When the opportunity to purchase the Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff presented itself to Ray Byrne in 2016, it marked a return to his early career roots in a region that had long captivated his imagination.

When the opportunity to purchase the Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff presented itself to Ray Byrne in 2016, it marked a return to his early career roots in a region that had long captivated his imagination.

WE arrive at the Ice House in Co Mayo to a welcome so warm it belies the name, and not one, but two glasses of bubbly. This, actually, is an oversight — the better half had ordered tea (of which a selection is brought) — but it’s my kind of oversight. I happily compare and contrast the white and rosé as we sit in one of the signature river-facing rooms: A great glass extension to the old Victorian house which forms a core around which the hotel’s spa and guest rooms have been added in such a way as they all face the river. The original building is built over three cellars, which give the place its name.

THE legendary Christy O’Connor senior was honoured at the 12th Annual Ireland Golf Tour Operators Association awards this week.