Although the Wall family’s gloriously remote country guesthouse is now a very substantial building, the spirit of the ancestral home around which Hanora’s is built remains a strong presence.

This a very special place - equally wonderful for foot-weary walkers, or desk-weary city folk in need of some clear country air and real comfort - and the genuine hospitality of the Wall family is matched by the luxurious accommodation and good food they provide.

Large, comfortably furnished seating areas overlooking the garden and countryside have an open fire, sofas and big armchairs, giving plenty of opportunity to relax, and the spacious thoughtfully furnished bedrooms all have Jacuzzi baths (one especially romantic room is perfect for honeymooners). Small wonder Hanoras has been the recipient of Irish guesthouse of the year awards previously.

Overnight guests begin the day with Hanora’s legendary breakfast buffet, which was the National Winner of our Irish Breakfast Awards in 2002; it takes some time to get the measure of this feast, so make sure you get up in time to make the most of it. Local produce and exotics jostle for space on the beautifully arranged buffet: fruits and freshly squeezed juices (also luscious Crinnaghtaun Apple Juice from Lismore), homemade muesli and porridge; freshly-baked breads, including organic and gluten free varieties; local farmhouse cheeses, smoked salmon, homemade jams; and all the cooked breakfast options you could wish for.

This is truly a gargantuan feast, designed to see you many miles along the hills before you stop for a little packed lunch (prepared that morning), and ultimately return for dinner. A delighted of locally sourced produce prepared by Ballymaloe trained husband and wife team Eoin and Judith.

Small weddings and corporate hospitality are catered for. (Currently 40, but venue due to be extended to seat 80). There are 10 rooms (1 suite, 3 junior suites, all no smoking). Not suitable for children. No pets are allowed and Hanora’s cottage is closed Christmas week.

Restaurant:

One of the best things about Hanora’s is that people travel from far and wide to dine here, which adds to the atmosphere. It is pleasant for evening guests to mingle with residents at the fireside, have an aperitif and ponder on Eoin and Judith Wall’s imaginative, well-balanced menus - then, difficult choices made, you move through to the restaurant, which overlooks a secluded garden and riverside woodland.

As Euro-Toques chefs, Eoin and Judith are enthusiastic supporters of small suppliers, they use local foods whenever possible and credit them on the menu - fresh fish from Dunmore East, free range chickens from Stradbally and local cheeses, for example. There’s a separate vegetarian dinner menu on request as well as an à la carte which offers about seven dishes on each course, usually including some vegetarian options, special diets, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, are happily catered for on request.