Restaurant of the Month, July 2010
The Old Convent Gourmet Hideaway
Mount Anglesby
Clogheen
Co Tipperary
Tel: +353 52 746 5565
Fax: +353 58 53812
Email: info@the old convent.ie
Web: www.theoldconvent.ie
Winner of the Georgina Campbell's Hideaway of the Year award in 2010, The Old Convent Gourmet Hideaway nestles at the foot of the Knockmealdown Mountains in beautiful County Tipperary. The building is a former Sisters of Mercy convent ideal for those in search of elegant accommation, inspired cuisine, good wine and a variety of outdoor activities in the picturesque countryside. Local attractions include the world famous Rock of Cashel and the less well known, but equally atmospheric, Lismore Castle. A relaxing night's sleep is guaranteed in any of the various suites on offer. All rooms have their own unique design and special touches, from the Professor's Suite with its elegant shades of wine and gold and canopied bed to the Connemara Suite, named for its soft hues of surf and sand, which offers five large windows for those who enjoy a view and a bathtub ideally sited so you can recline in the bubbles and gaze at the Knockmealdown Mountains.
Chef Dermot Gannon creates his chef's menu, served in the Chapel Dining Room, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, focusing on organic and local artisan ingredients to excite your taste buds and partner beautiful accommodation with creative dining.
If you need any further encouragement to experience this fabulous hideaway, perhaps the words of Georgina Campbell will clinch it:
We all have times when what’s really needed is a quiet couple of days pampering in a child-free zone—for some this may mean a spa break but, for those in the know, a visit to Clogheen is the business. There’s nowhere in Ireland even remotely like Dermot and Christine Gannon’s restaurant with accommodation. It’s in a beautiful, unspoilt—yet relatively little known—area, near the scenic ‘Vee’ in the Knockmealdown Mountains, and it’s very much itself: an unusual, very comfortable, stylishly decorated, country house with gorgeous rooms, and gardens under development as an interesting amenity for guests, and to grow home produce for Dermot’s kitchen. For good food is the key element at the Old Convent: Dermot, who is one of Ireland’s most talented (and modest) chefs, offers unique, perfectly judged eight course Tasting Menus using the best locally sourced ingredients—organic when possible, although it doesn’t look as if the recently acquired piglets will be heading for the pot! The cooking is stunningly accurate, without a foam, drizzle or a smoke to be seen—and there’s no cheffy arrogance either so, although surplus to requirements, a (tiny) salt and pepper set is offered on tables. Add charming service under Christine’s direction—and exceptionally delicious and original breakfasts—and it all adds up to a dream hideaway.
2010 Opening ning Times
Bed and Breakfast
Thursday to Saturday and Bank Holiday Sundays
Chapel Dining Room 8-course dinner
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Bank Holiday Sundays. 65 Euro.
Closed: Monday to Wednesday, Christmas to 31 January