Lucinda O'Sullivan Review In 'Little Black Book Of Great Places To Stay'

Jim and Ann Mulligan built their perfect Architectural style house overlooking Dungarvan Bay with guests in mind. Dublin born Jim spent most of his life in “Frasier territory — Seattle - whilst delightful Ann is American - the most fabulous cook, with a penchant for French food. The heart of the house is the split-level airy sitting cum dining area with splendid views right down over the Gaeltacht area of Ring, Dungarvan Bay and its oyster beds whilst pretty bedrooms, have surreal views of the brooding Comeragh Mountains.

Dinner may be seafood followed by West Waterford Lamb, Loin of Pork or Helvick (wild) Salmon - Ann likes to know your choice of main course in advance and will also tempt with delicious puddings - there is no limit to this woman’s talent. Almond and Pine nut Tart - would you like it with strawberries. ...and perhaps a drizzle of blueberry reduction mixed with Rumtopf?” Would you what?

At breakfast perfection starts again with pretty dishes of orange butter, hot scones and homemade preserves. Freshly squeezed orange juice too “if you don’t like the bits, I can strain it”, plus a beautiful bowl of elegantly sliced fruit. Apart from the Full Irish there maybe pancakes with caramelised apple; porridge with Irish Mist; scrambled egg with smoked salmon or cheese- “American style" - firm or Irish style - soft’!

I watched Jim talk to American visitors and admired his enthusiasm for his native country. Having directed guests to various potteries and booked their next stay, he said “If you have time, I will take you up to see the Fairy Bush. Past the Famine Graveyard, on over the cattle grid in to Mahon Falls Park, past cheeky curly horned sheep hanging on to the side of cliffs, wild rugged and absolutely magnificent. The Fairy Bush is adorned with bits of ribbon and mementos but, the idea is, you drive down the hill, stop at the Fairy Bush, and ‘lo and behold your car starts to reverse back up the hill on its own’ ... and it does try it. You’ll be rushing out to buy Faith of our Fathers all over again! It is a very undiscovered part of Ireland and a great base for walkers, foodies or golfers. They will package a golf holiday for you and the weekly nearby Seisuns, Jim tells us, are so fabulous they make the hair stand on the back of your neck.