Hidden Gem
The Cultured Traveler Newsletter recently let the cat out of the bag when it revealed that Ardtara Country House was 'one of the hidden gems' of Irish restaurants. Noting that Ardtara is 'is a former linen mill owner’s house tucked away, deep in the County Derry countryside,' Lowell Courtney of Lynchpin Tours remarked that the restaurant 'is a wonder.'
'[Ardtara] is a wonderful Victorian mansion and [the chef] presides over a dining room which is blessedly free of infernal muzak, shrieking waiters, and the sort of patron who recognises you at 50 paces and must inform the entire world accordingly. Here you will hear nothing but quiet conversation, occasionally augmented by the pianist, and the satisfied digestions of clients – mostly regulars – who have found nirvana. The dining room at Ardtara – and [Manager] Valerie’s welcome – embody the true meaning of “restaurant”. It is a place where civilisation reigns and you are genuinely restored to sanity.'
We beg to agree!
Links: http://www.theculturedtraveler.com/Archives/Oct2006/Chef_orange.htm
Consider an Ardtara Gift Certificate
Looking for the perfect Christmas present for that special someone? Assistant Manager, Valerie Ferson suggests, "The Ardtara Gift Certificate is always a welcome present. A dinner or short break at Ardtara is something our guests look forward to." For more details or to purchase a gift certificate, contact Valerie on 02879 644 490, or e-mail valerie_ferson@ardtara.com.
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Best Food
Writing in the October edition of Golf Monthly, Bill Elliott describes his visit:-
"And so to an overnight stay at Ardtara [Country] House. Billed as 'Ireland's Most Romantic Hotel,' this is exactly what it turned out to be." Especially memorable was "the best meal the Elliott clan have enjoyed for many a year."
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Seven Days a Week
Its official! Ardtara is available to serve you and your guests lunch and dinner SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!
Assistant Manager Valerie Ferson reports, "Apparently our patrons can't get enough of Ardtara's legendary hospitality. So, for the convenience of all our guests, we are now open all week long for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. Just contact us on 028 7964 4490 and let us know how many are in your party and what time you would like to dine (subject to availability). It's that simple." Valerie adds, "Of course, breakfast is also available for our overnight guests. Why not come for lunch, take a drive in the countryside, return for a gourmet dinner, an overnight stay and enjoy full Irish breakfast the following morning? No taxis required, and you can really relax in the beautiful surroundings of Ardtara. We are sure you will go home refreshed."
Whether you are conducting business, entertaining a friend or loved one, or just simply treating yourself, you can be confident of a warm welcome at Ardtara.
Links: http://www.ardtara.com/form.asp
Take advantage of our Christmas and New Year offers!
To help you get into the Christmas spirit, Ardtara is offering special Christmas and New Year Breaks. Our unique blend of comfort and luxury is sure to set the right tone for the season. If you are too busy to take advantage of this offer, consider giving someone you love a break as a gift. They are sure to remember and appreciate it for years to come. Don't forget to check our website regularly for future offers at a time that suits you!
Links: http://www.ardtara.com/specials.htm
Sunday Lunch with a Difference
Sunday Life recently recognized Ardtara Country House as a picturesque location for a Sunday lunch with a difference. The writer was moved by the comforts of the 18th century house, including the roaring fire in the drawing room. However, the highest praise was reserved for Ardtara's inspired menu including starters of home marinated Irish salmon and Crottin de Chavignol goats cheese toast with pancetta musclun of green, truffle vinaigrette. The article continues, 'We were both impressed by the main courses, the McKees roast sirloin beef with Yorkshire pudding, mushroon and red wine gravy' and 'corn fed chicken supreme with french beans, roasted baby potatoes and spicy cajun sauce.' The verdict? - 'The menu changes daily so there's never a shortage of surprising dishes to choose from. Ardtara is a picturesque location for Sunday lunch with a difference.'
Assistant Manager, Valerie Ferson states, "Whether for dinner or Sunday lunch, I am looking forward to many more visitors anxious to join us at Ardtara to sample our hospitality and gourmet fare!"
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Best in the Universe?
Newletter columnist, Geoff Hill, writes that he has recently changed his opinion of Ardtara Country House. "I used to think it was the best little country house hotel in the world," he states. Now he thinks, "...it may be the best in the Universe." Geoff describes how the welcome feels like "coming home" and the problems of selecting between the "miracles" on the menu.
Assistant Manager, Valerie Ferson responds, "We hope that all our guests share this feeling with Geoff Hill. We would love to hear your assessment of Ardtara and look forward to having you visit us in the near future!"
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Ardtara gets wireless!
Most Ardtara guests probably prefer to leave their laptop at home and imagine that they have traveled back in time in our sumptuous surroundings. Others like to keep in touch with the outside world from the discrete comfort of their rooms. Until now, the only option available to the internet user was the slower pace of dial-up internet access. In order to cater for those who would rather dispatch with business and prepare for an elegant dinner, Ardtara has become one of the first hotels in Ireland to now offer optional high speed WiFi internet access.
Our Manager says, "We strive to provide a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere for all our guests, including those who need to keep in touch with family or business while staying with us. Our wireless network enables you to enjoy internet access in the elegant setting of our period furnishings that our patrons love so much."
To access this service, you will need to purchase a reasonably priced wifi password from reception. You also need a suitably equipped laptop computer or PDA, having an 802.11b or 802.11g compatible wireless capability. Some laptops have this built-in, most others running Windows XP, ME or 98 can have an optional card installed. Unfortunately, due to their short range, 802.11a compatible wireless devices are not supported.
If you are new to wireless internet, or unsure whether your laptop is suitably equipped, please check the link below to go to CNet's reference site to learn more about wireless networking.
Links: http://www.cnet.com/4520-7363_1-105321-1.html?tag=hed
Ardtara tops Fodor's Choice for 2004
The 2004 Fodor’s guide to Ireland is available in leading booksellers now! In addition to ‘where to stay and eat for all budgets’, and ‘ratings you can trust’, the guide includes a listing of Fodor’s Choice, starting on page F29. Comprising the editors’ personal favorites, the list includes lodging, restaurants and sights that are ‘not to be missed and always worth your time.’
Topping the list of lodgings for 2004 is Ardtara Country House. One of only 14 properties throughout Ireland so honored, the guide picks out the antique-furnished bedrooms with fireplaces, the marble bathrooms and the drawing room with its marble fireplace and plaster mouldings. Of course, our chef's amazing appetizers and entrées are also singled out.
Valerie Ferson, Assistant Manager, states, “We are honoured that Fodors has selected Ardtara as one of their top choices. We hope many locals and visitors alike will come and see for themselves why we have been awarded this recognition.”
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Ardtara declared "Perfect"
Excerpted from Geoff Hill writing in the News Letter (Belfast, 24 January 2004, p28):
Oh yum, yum, joy and bliss, happiness and daffodils.
Sorry about that. I’ve just been to Ardtara, and it always affects me that way... it is one of the finest feelings in the world to drive there through the winter evening, crunch up the gravel drive under a starry sky and see once again the warm, welcoming light spilling from the windows.
...there’s the traumatic choice between the beef and the duck for the main course, among others, and the difficulty of deciding whether to have the cherry and almond tart or the chocolate, orange and hazelnut tart for pudding.
And the taste? Sensational. The main course? Delicious. The puddings? As exquisitely presented as they tasted.
All in all, it was the best meal I had had at Ardtara, and that’s saying something. It was a magnificent combination of contemporary presentation and traditional ingredients, just as the staff are a unique combination of new world efficiency and old world friendliness.
Afterwards, we settled into armchairs in front of yet another fire, and finally struggled upstairs to collapse into a vast bed and sleep the sleep of the blessed, waking to blue skies and breakfast.
Perfect. Book now, and go soon. And order the spring roll.
Links: www.newsletter.co.uk
Ireland's Blue Book Selects Ardtara
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Ireland's Blue Book, a prestigious selection comprising Ireland's most gracious country manor houses, castles and restaurants, has selected Ardtara to be included in the 2004 publication. Blue Book properties "appeal to the discerning visitor who is searching for high standards of traditional hospitality, accommodation and fine cuisine amidst the quiet beauty of rural Ireland." A feature of these properties is the personal attention of the management, giving the guest "the opportunity to enjoy a quality of life which is fast disappearing."
The Blue Book is in association with the Federation Europeenne Hebergement Historique, (the European Federation of Traditional Accommodation and Historic Houses), a collection of establishments making up their countries' historic heritage and architecture. The European federation staunchly perpetuates the very essence of the Old Continent's prosperity, charm, diversity, seduction, its style and substance, in a word, its soul. |
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Valerie Ferson, Assistant Manager (bottom right below), explains, "We are honoured to be only the fourth hotel in Northern Ireland to be included in this exclusive group."
Links: http://www.irelands-blue-book.ie/index.shtml
Conde Nast Traveler Magazine celebrates Ardtara
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Intenationally acclaimed travel magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, featured Ardtara in their regular Great Drives feature in the June 2003 issue. Kevin Doyle reported, "The staff at the stately Ardtara Country House are so friendly that arriving here feels like coming home. It's in a glade on the edge of town, a half hour's drive from the coast, and offers superb fare and sublimely comfortable rooms, each with a glowing fireplace." Kevin continues, "After a fine dinner of trout and lamb, the manager invites me to join her, the chef and a waiter in the library to watch Sky High." |
Links: http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/Editorial/Article/data/cntraveler/2003/06jun/GreatDrivesNorthernIreland_CelticCoasting.xml/?page=4
Home From Home
A recent guest writes:
"I have had the opportunity to stay in accommodation in a number of countries and I would have to admit that few places provide such a warm, friendly and caring environment as found at 'Ardtara'. That of course has to be attributed to the warmth, thoughtfulness, courtesy and commitment of the staff. Thank you for your kindness."
Our Manager replies, "We hope every guest experiences the warmest hospitality whether they are joining us just for lunch or dinner, or staying with us overnight or longer."
A guest couple enthuses:
"We are back [in the USA] trying to get over our depression since leaving Ardtara (aka "heaven"). We had such a lovely stay with you all - it felt like being with family. You made the most wonderful start to our honeymoon that we will cherish forever. Thankfully we spent the bulk of our time at Ardtara because although the other places we went were lovely and we really enjoyed the scenery, it was never quite the same. Everything was compared to Ardtara and nothing was quite as wonderful."
Assistant Manager, Valerie Ferson, responds,
"It is a great pleasure to welcome all our guests, local and international. I am especially delighted that our hospitality contributed to a great start for these charming newlyweds."
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Ardtara awarded two stars and two rosettes by AA
The Automobile Association has awarded Ardtara Country House Hotel a two star rating, the highest available to establishments in our category. "Staff are smartly presented and provide competent, often informal, service. All rooms are en suite and have a TV." In awarding our restaurant two rosettes, they go on to state that the restaurant has "a substantial choice of food and wine available." Ardtara's chef displays "innovation" and his signature dishes reflect "judgement in combining and balancing ingredients."
Assistant Manager, Valerie Ferson, stated, "We are honored to receive this recognition from a national organization."
"We go out of our way to create a memorable experience for every guest, and we appreciate each one."
Links: http://www.theaa.com/hotels/82390.html
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