After a summer of reencounters, comes an autumn of renewed possibilities. A time to mindfully appreciate beautiful places, great company and hospitality, and to recharge.
As many of us were frugal with our time off in the first half of the year, this season is ideal to explore some of Ireland’s best sights while catching the last of the good weather.
Ferrycarrig is a four stars hotel located by the River Slaney. The scenic waterside can be seen from all of its 102 rooms, and while it’s just a 5 minutes drive away from Wexford Town, once you’re there, the greenery and quiet will make you feel surrounded by tranquility.
Our room was spacious and modern, with an elegant and contemporary interior design, very well-lit, with white and light colours sprinkled with the odd accent in green. The layout was clearly destined to facilitate the enjoyment of the beautiful view.
Being on the ground floor, instead of a balcony, our room had a small patio area with a dock and chairs, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the scenery.
The shower was spacious and stocked with high quality toiletries, and there were fluffy robes waiting for us in the wardrobe to make the occasion just a little more indulgent.
But there is no need to play spa, as they have the real thing. Whether you book a treatment at Riverwood Wellness or simply enjoy the Ferrycarrig Active Club at your own pace, you’ll find their facilities and service exceptional. There is also a state-of-the-art gym, ideal if fitness is your north.
We simply went for a swim, which one is encouraged to book in advance to manage numbers. After that, it was time for dinner…
Reeds Restaurant at Ferrycarrig Hotel has been awarded two AA Rosettes annually for the last four years and is regarded as one of Ireland’s finest hotel restaurants. Quality local produce and fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the pillars upon which their enticing menu is built.
We began with Kilmore Scallops with garden pea veloute and crisp bacon, and West Coast Oyster Fritters in Tempura with beetroot remoulade and béarnaise sauce as starters.
The contrast between the delicate scallops and the strategically placed, crunchy bits of bacon was delightful, with the classic velouté tying all the flavours together smoothly. The oysters were crisp and playfully presented, with a generous side of creamy and aromatic béarnaise.
Wine-wise, the list is brief but considerate, with a selection of bottles from prestigious regions both from the old world and the new. They also offer wines by the carafe, which come from a Winelab tap. We went for a carafe of Austrian Holzer Gruner Veltliner, zesty and vibrant, gorgeous with the seafood.
For mains, we had Roast Rump of Slaney Valley Lamb with basil and mint pesto crumb, grilled Tuscan vegetables, confit garlic and roast jus, and Kilmore Black Sole on the Bone with saffron potato, beurre noisette and chives.
The lamb was cooked on point, and the sauce’s seasoning had a fine balance between herbaceous and earthy notes, nicely complementing the lamb itself and the vegetables. The recommended glass of organic Château Montfrin Cotes du Rhone was a sound pairing.
The fish, fresh and tender, was enhanced by the toasty noisette and a refreshing touch of lemon. The flavours were delicate and balanced, with the Gruner wine matching them without overpowering them.
In what felt like a blink, it was time for dessert. We shared a Rich Chocolate Mousse with passionfruit syrup and chocolate soil, and a Summer Berry & Lemon Curd Pavlova. The mousse was not only visually appealing, it was a chocolate sphere of ‘oh yes, this is amazing’. The Pavlova was lovely as well, a glossy, crunchy homemade meringue nest, with various fresh summer fruits crowning a pillow of cream.
Not only was the food itself superb, the service at Reeds Restaurant was of a very high standard. Friendly, professional and enthusiastic, the team succeeded in making us feel welcome, safe and comfortable at all times.
After a great night’s sleep, we headed for breakfast. All of the usual treats to begin the day could be ordered directly to the table including barista coffee and pastries. A hot breakfast dish was also included. We had a Full Irish and the Pancakes.
Whether you’re looking for a place to escape and just relax, a beautiful hidden spot for a romantic getaway, or a comfortable base to explore the stunning South East of Ireland, Ferrycarrig Hotel will adapt to your holidaying style.
This fall, they have launched a couple of packages ideal for a short break: their two-night Autumn Escape (from €340, for 2 people sharing), and a three-night break (from €480, for 2 people sharing). These include accommodation in a deluxe en-suite room with breakfast each morning, full use of the health and fitness suite and pool, and a four-course dinner at the multi-award-winning Reeds Restaurant on each evening.
For the month of October, they’ve also launched Halloween Family Fun packages (from October 22nd until November 1st) including two nights for 2 adults and 2 children sharing in a family room from €400 or three nights for 2 adults and 2 children sharing in a family room from €600.
Ferrycarrig Hotel
Ferrycarrig, Wexford
+353 (0)53 9120999
WRITTEN BY GABY GUEDEZ
