Liss Ard Estate, Skibbereen, West Cork, Ireland - Explore & Book
"My childhood holidays were never as good as this. West Cork's magical Liss Ard Estate, once the setting for a bizarre 1970s spy ring, has been given a new incarnation by the team behind Villas Martinhal. This is your own comfy country home, with great friendly service, fabulous local food, and wonderful excursions for children. Sleeping quarters are in the elegant main 1850s Manor House (which also houses the common areas and grand piano), as well as in the adjacent Garden House. Larger family parties, groups of friends or couples seeking privacy can stay in the Lake House, a 10-minute walk away. But the very best thing about Liss Ard are its amazing 200-acre grounds, which stretch forever – down to the lake, across lawns, through romantic woods, beside ponds and over ancient and modern earthworks (Lios Aird is Gaelic for 'high fort'). American skyscape artist James Turrell created his remarkable Irish Sky Garden Crater in the early 1990s; go through a tunnel into a huge grassed bowl and lie on the central plinth to see the sky framed by the rim; uniquely magical. Play tennis, borrow fishing tackle or kayaks for maximum outdoor fun, or venture forth to beaches and wild headlands. This is the water-craft centre of Ireland too, Olympians train hereabouts. Adventures galore! Afterwards, cosy up on the sofa in front of crackling fires, or laze out on the lawns if it's sunny; there's great craic in the evenings year round. Highs Delicious fare of the Irish Slow Food variety in the large dining room Flexible accommodation options to suit all, whether families, friends or couples, and a great venue for a wedding or celebration; surprisingly good value Fun for families with large grounds to explore and fishing equipment to borrow A lovely relaxed country vibe Easily located: just 2 minutes outside market town Skibbereen and 5 minutes from the main road to Cork (1.5 hours away); heaps to do in the area Lows No pool or full spa but there is a lakeside wellness centre When we last visited the WiFi was patchy Note that if you're staying at the Lake Lodge you'll have to walk 10 minutes to the Manor House for meals, or you can catch a golf cart Not for those after a slick boutique experience" - Nadine Mellor
