Ardmore & Lismore

Ardmore & Lismore Case Study

The following article is taken from RTE’s travel programme NoFrontiers: Fionn Davenport looks at the best short breaks and attractions in Ireland.

Ireland offers many options for those seeking a short break, from stunning scenery to historic towns to gourmet food and state of the art spas. But, what if you could get all of these in one area while staying in luxury surroundings that don't cost the earth? Well, that's exactly what's on offer in Ardmore Bay, West Waterford.

For a truly great stay while in Ardmore there's nowhere better than The Cliff House Hotel. The intimate 5-star resort can be found sewn into the coast overlooking the bay and is only half an hour's drive from the coastal town of Dungarvan. To relax during your stay you can take advantage of the massages offered at the Wellness Spa or even go for a Dip in the spa's natural outdoor rock pool.

When you make your way into the town of Ardmore you can't help but admire the 12th century round tower still standing at 29 metres. This is one of the best examples of a Round Tower in the country and that's no surprise when you find out that the town is one of the oldest Christian settlements in Ireland. Within view from the Pier and Boat Cove is The Ardmore Pottery and Craft Shop where a long history of Craftsmanship is continued by shop owner Mary Lincoln.

Ardmore Adventures offer short boat tours around Ardmore Bay complimented by a colourful history of the area. All of that sea air is sure to work up an appetite so its back to the Hotel Bar for a quick bite to eat. The great thing to hear is that the Cliff House is committed to using local food products by working with farmer, food producers and fishermen from the area. With this in mind you'd be mad not to try the hearty Sea Food Chowder on offer at The Cliff House.

After you've tried the food in Cliff House another place that cannot be missed while in the area is one of Irelands leading restaurant, The Tannery, located in Dungarvan. Recently opened here was The Tannery Cookery School offering up courses to anyone interested in food. Paul Flynn offers up an amazing course on "Food and Wine of Spain" where demonstrations are carried out on how to prepare classic dishes as well as appropriate wines.

A visit to Lismore provides the possibility of visiting Lismore Heritage Centre. The award winning audiovisual presentations here will bring visitors face to face with Lismore's rich historic past. But as a final activity before you depart is the Ardmore Cliff Walk which will bring you from The Cliff House all the way past Father O Donnells Well and end up at Goat Island. Here you will have one last chance to savour your final relaxing moments in West Waterford.

Price Information

Cliff House Hotelwww.thecliffhousehotel.com Rooms Starts from- €200Midweek Package- €240

The House Restaurant (at Cliff House Hotel) gained a Michelin star in January 2010.

Hertz Car Rentalwww.hertz.ie January - March 2010/ Waterford AirportVolvo XC 90 or similar€648.00 - 7 days (Inc. Unlimited Mileage, CDW, TP, LSC & Tax)Ford Focus or similar, manual transmission€191.60 - 7 days (Inc. Unlimited Mileage, CDW, TP, LSC & Tax)

Ardmorewww.waterfordtourism.org/ardmore.htm Ireland Tourism Websitewww.discoverireland.ie