Award-winning Kerry country house
It is a sight that greets Frank and Mary Slattery every morning when they rise at daybreak to tend the hunting lodge they have spent seven years building into a home-from-home for the discerning visitor.
But it is what cannot be seen that sets Carrig Country House and Restaurant apart, a commitment to hospitable quality that was recognised yesterday when it became the AA Guest Accommodation of the Year.
Winning such a coveted award does not come easy and Frank attributes it to the hard work of both family and staff.
“We have a great team here. It is a family-run business but it is the staff who make it. They are a dedicated team and we also have a couple of great chefs,” he said.
With the help of that staff and their three children, Claire, a trainee accountant, Kate, a science graduate, and Peter, a business student at the University of Limerick, Frank and Mary have sensitively restored and developed this former Victorian lodge into one of Ireland’s premier country houses.
The house is set in four acres of beautiful semi-tropical gardens that sweep down to a private jetty on the lake. Each of the 16 bedrooms is individually decorated in period style with antique furniture and guests enjoy spectacular views across still waters to the wildness of the Reeks.
“This is the most prestigious award we can receive from the AA and we are delighted,” said Mary. “Our objective is to offer old world country house ambience and hospitality combined with quality personal service and excellent cuisine at a rate that is real value for money.
"It is very gratifying to have this acknowledged by the AA.”
When Frank, from Clare, and Mary, a native of Killorglin, bought Carrig seven years ago they set out to make it one of the best in the country but they both recognise that susretaining that level of success requires a similar effort.
“Getting to the top is hard,” said Frank, “but staying there is even harder.”
In recognition of its award, Carrig Country House is offering a special rate of three nights B&B and two dinners for 195 per person sharing during October and November (excluding bank holiday weekends).