Check in to the immersive, stunning and relaxing experience at the cliff beach house in Ardmore, Co waterford
THE VIBE Contemporary two-storey, six-bedroom self-catering holiday rental with stunning views over Ardmore Bay.
ABOUT Cliff’s owners Gerri and Barry O’Callaghan wanted the Beach House to make the most of the light and ocean views. They engaged ODOS Architects to design the striking building, which features two spacious living rooms opening on to a long stone patio. The Beach House overlooks terraced gardens leading to the arty village of Ardmore below.
DECOR Uncluttered and serene: antiques, original ceramics, botanical prints, hand-loomed blankets and Irish design.
ROOMS Six spacious double bedrooms on the ground floor have floor-toceiling windows with sea views. The master bedroom has its own fireplace.
DINING Guests can dial up or down the level of service required; breakfast is available at Cliff House Hotel, next door, and there is a lightly stocked breakfast larder, replenished regularly. Summer barbecues on the terrace, seafood feasts and TV suppers for children can be arranged, as can tasting menus prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.
FACILITIES Guests are welcomed by the concierge who will arrange activities with potters, painters, poets, a genealogist and ghillies. There is also a private cinema, hot tub, gym and baby grand piano.
A view from the Ardmore Cliff Walk
ACTIVITIES A must is a visit to The Well by the Sea, the spa at The Cliff Hotel, where al fresco peat and seaweed bathing therapies are two specialties I recommend. Do take the Ardmore Cliff Walk, a five -kilometre loop around the village.
VERDICT An impressive, immersive stay in stunning surroundings. High summer rates, during July and August, plus Christmas and New Year’s Eve, cost €4,000 per night, with a minimum two-night stay. www.cliffbeachhouse.ie.