County Mayo in the West of Ireland, and we were invited to experience what makes Breaffy House Resort such an excellent base for a relaxing break in the Irish countryside. In the midst of forest trails and stunning grounds, the 19th century house oozes traditional Irish charm and hospitality.
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The Resort
County Mayo in the West of Ireland, and we were invited to experience what makes this venue such an excellent base for a relaxing break in the Irish countryside. In the midst of forest trails and stunning grounds, the 19th century house oozes traditional Irish charm and hospitality.
At Breaffy House Resort, the team is committed to reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing the guest experience. Eco-friendly practices include protecting local biodiversity by introducing beehives to the grounds, energy efficiency and water conservation, sustainable, organic, locally sourced ingredients, and eco-friendly housekeeping.
We couldn’t wait to experience everything the resort had to offer, including pre-dinner drinks in Breaffy’s atmospheric and enchanting wine cellar, a sumptuous meal in the Mulberry Restaurant, cocktails in Healy Mac’s Bar, afternoon tea in the 1905 Lounge, and perhaps a dip in the pool at the spa!
Breaffy House Resort is a member of the Good Food Ireland Collection
The Room Tour – The Breaffy Suite
Our stunning suite was an absolute delight. Recently renovated and redecorated, this spacious suite had a dramatically sophisticated dark grey palette, accented by gold, natural woods, and art deco-inspired fabrics and lighting, which created an opulent 1920s vibe.
The room featured a superking-size bed, two separate seating areas and a luxurious bathroom. Every amenity had been taken care of to ensure a comfortable stay, including a standalone rain shower, underfloor heating in the ensuite, robes and slippers, a wine and champagne fridge, a Lavazza coffee machine, and fragrant Elemental Herbology bathroom products.
Wine Tasting in the wine cellar
A leather-clad studded door leads to a candlelit staircase, opening up into a treasure trove of exceptional wines-this is the hidden gem of Breaffy House Resort, where every occasion becomes extraordinary.
This beautiful bespoke wine cellar opened seven years ago, and houses a mix of Classic French Wines from the Bordeaux region, a stunning selection from the Loire, and some new world wines. We enjoyed a fabulous Gautheron Chablis 2022- fresh, floral and flinty. Many thanks to Adrian, our sommelier for the evening.
There are also brandy, champagne and whiskey tastings available, with delicious cheese and charcuterie selections to enjoy.
Evening meal – in The Mulberry Restaurant
Having recently been awarded with Good Food Ireland Membership, and displaying a commitment to championing local farms and suppliers to source the finest quality meat, vegetables, and fish, the chefs at Mulberry Restaurant in Breaffy House Resort consistently strive to create delicious menus.
The interior of the Mulberry is both strikingly grand, yet comfortably intimate, with William Morris wallpaper and deep teal paintwork. We were seated at a gorgeous semi-circular leather booth, with lovely views of the grounds. Service was friendly and attentive, and the food was top notch.
We started with a Downpatrick Head Lobster-filled Ravioli tossed in a silky homemade lobster bisque & prawn crème, finished with parmesan, and a Crispy Duck Spring Roll with ginger, garlic & a teriyaki glaze.
We both couldn’t resist the Mayo Coast Catch of the Day, which was a beautifully cooked Fillet of Salmon served with broccoli and roast red pepper & basil beurre blanc sauce, on a bed of creamy mash with a potato rosti.
And to finish, a homely Malva Pudding; moist, sticky cake from South African cuisine with a spongy caramelised texture, served with custard and ice cream, and a Wild Berry & Apple Crumble Tart, with Glenown Bourbon vanilla ice cream, berry compote & custard.
We then retired to the famous Healy Mac’s bar for a nightcap- both the Negroni and Manhattan were as good as it gets!
Breakfast
Breakfast in the Mulberry Restaurant, named after the historical 800-year-old Mulberry Tree in the South Terrace Garden at Breaffy House, was the perfect way to set us up for the day exploring the grounds and the local area.
There’s a great selection of Continental options including juice, cereals, fruit and yoghurt, bakery items, cheese, smoked salmon, and plenty more!
There are also hot breakfasts available, using top suppliers including Loughnan’s Pork Sausages, Tom Dempsey’s Black Pudding, Callan of Kilkenny Bacon Rashers, and local eggs. The vegetarian breakfast was excellent, with Veggie Sausages, Fried Eggs, Beans, Roast Baby Potatoes, Grilled Tomato & Mushrooms.
Afternoon Tea
After a morning’s retail therapy (there are some brilliant shops, cafes and galleries in nearby Westport), we relaxed in the 1905 Lounge to indulge in Afternoon Tea at Breaffy House Resort.
In the relaxing drawing room atmosphere, we enjoyed a delicious assortment of freshly prepared sandwiches, scones and patisserie, with a choice of tea blends, as well as a glass of fizz for an iconic Moët Afternoon Tea!
And why the 1905 Lounge? We were informed that several years ago, when the bar areas were being refurbished, a time capsule was discovered containing many fascinating artefacts illustrating the history of Breaffy House. It had been placed in 1905, and the records and objects of interest found inside are now displayed around the lounge.
Healy Mac’s
Winning multiple awards, Healy Mac’s at Breaffy House Resort was the first Healy Mac’s Irish Bar and Bistro to open outside Asia, and since then, the Healy Mac’s chain has expanded further into Europe.
The bar is a great casual dining alternative to the Mulberry restaurant, with a wide selection of gastro pub dishes and daily specials.
The cocktails were first rate-an excellent Dirty Martini (thanks Adrian!) and a Monkey 47 gin and tonic.
We ordered the Panko Crumbed Mayo Fish Cakes; homemade, locally sourced Atlantic seafood cakes with a hint of spice, served with salad, a sweet Thai Chilli Sauce, and House Fries.
And the intriguing Chef Dean’s Butter Chicken “Bunny Chow”, a mini Breadski Brothers Cob Loaf hollowed out, filled with a fragrant creamy Chicken Fillet Butter Curry, & served with Carrot Pickle: the perfect autumnal dish!
We also enjoyed the Salad of the Day, a Grilled Pear, Cashel Blue Cheese & Caramelised Walnut Salad with Organic Greens, tossed in a Balsamic Dressing.
To finish, the sublime “Val’s Homemade Italian Tiramisu”; espresso-soaked biscuits layered with Mascarpone, served with Glenown Farm Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream. And Val is evidently a dessert diva! The best Tiramisu we’ve had outside Bel Paese! Grazie!
Grounds & Sustainability
At Breaffy House Resort, the team is committed to reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing the guest experience. Eco-friendly practices include protecting local biodiversity by introducing beehives to the grounds, energy efficiency and water conservation, sustainable, organic, locally sourced ingredients, and eco-friendly housekeeping.
