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Reviews | Recommendations
| Guest Comments | Hotel Comments | Restaurant Comments | Cookery School Comments | Spa Comments
| Bedroom Comments | Corporate
Clients Comments
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Reviews |
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Tatler Magazine September 2008 "Dunbrody's Winning Ways"
"Smart and civilised, yet also sparky, Dunbrody in Co. Wexford is everything we want in a country house hotel. Rooms are filled with Victorian paintings, thick silky curtains and Fifties Boys Own books...there are 300 acres of parkland and the fabulous desolate coast to explore. Dunbrody has its own cooker yschool and the art-filled dining room is constantly ablaze. The pan-fried chicken with forest mushrooms, spinach & white beans is superb."
Quantas Inflight Magazine Winter 2008/2009 “Beyond the Blarney”
If you’re wondering why Dunbrody House has been one of Ireland’s most popular weekend getaways since it opened in 1997, start with breakfast. It’s served until midday. Chef-owner Kevin Dundon has no time for establishments that stop serving breakfast at 10am. “There’s nothing worse than having to decide at 9am whether you’re going to get up and have breakfast,” he says.
Another strength of this elegant Georgian property on the Hook Peninsula near Waterford in County Wexford is that it’s continually evolving. When Dundon and wife Catherine first opened, Dunbrody House consisted of a restaurant and bar. The guestrooms were gradually added over the next few years. In 2000, the couple opened a cooking school on the grounds, offering one- and two-day courses. Three years later, they converted the old stables into a spa with therapies designed by Uspa and Elemis. The food-based treatments include a thyme and lemon scrub, a chocolate mud treatment and a balm for the eyes that harnesses the hitherto little-known therapeutic properties of Ireland’s favourite tuber, the potato.
All of this, however, is merely a sideshow to Dunbrody House’s main attraction: the Harvest Room restaurant and Kevin Dundon’s exquisite food, which
showcases the best of the area’s ingredients. Caramelised Dunmore East scallops are served with creamed sweetcorn, watercress and truffle shavings, and a sensational red capsicum reduction; a pithivier of forest mushrooms and smoked gubbeen cheese comes with a caviar of aubergine and parmesan infusion.
Guests in the mood for something lighter can graze on the “Irish tapas” menu in the hotel’s newest outlet, Dundon’s Champagne and seafood bar. Try an Arthurstown smoked salmon platter with cucumber relish or mussels in a saffron and tomato broth.
Condé Nast Traveller
"Kevin's food, served in an airy dining room with windows
over-looking the lovely gardens, is state of the art, and he uses
plenty of fresh fish from the nearby Wexford coast. Indeed, after
five months of touring the country, eating everything from amuse-gueles
in Dublin to bangers in Ballinasloe, I would rate Kevin as one of
Ireland's best chefs." Mark McCrum, Conde
Nast Traveller (UK Edition) May 2000
Fodor's Guide to Ireland 2008
"This historic country retreat is both stylish and pleasantly
informal...the kitchen is serious and ambitious."
Best Loved Hotels 2008
"Its restaurant has the gastronomic authority you will find
in any European capital and a discerning, well-travelled, appreciative
clientele to prove it... this place buzzes with enthusiasm - as
true of the diners as of the cheerful young staff who attend them."
Karen Brown's Guide 2008
"The house is as delightful as the food, with delicious bedrooms
and top-of-theline bathrooms deserving a special mention" Karen
Brown's "Ireland Charming Inns & Itineraries
Food & Wine Magazine
"Dunbrody House was bulit in 1830, last year of the Georgian
era, by which time the architectural balance had tilted, favouring
charm over formality. This theme was reflected in the service; we
found the leavening of local girls refreshing after the multinational
waitrons of the capital. Escorted rather than ushered into dinner,
we were presented with an assortment of fresh, home baked breads
as good as you'd get from a craft baker...My confit was of Barbary
duck and was tender, tasty and there were clandestine flavours in
the burnt orange sauce. I climbed into the Rhone with my Medallions
of Beef with crispy vegetables and a port wine jus. The (literally)
supporting cast included scaffolding of beautiful fresh asparagus.
The fillet was flavoursome, tender and properly saignant, just how
I like it. I found out afterwards that Kevin Dundon had worked in
Alberta and there was indeed something of Western Canada in his
assured handling of beef. I don't normally eat chocolate but I was
intrigued by the "selection of indulgences", then roused
to applaud the panache with which the dessert was executed - so
sexy its enjoyment should be restricted to consenting adults behind
closed doors.
Then it was back to the drawing room for coffee and more eulogies
from Milady concerning the divinity of the divans and drapes. If
readers are into atmospherics of the stylish, warm, comfortable,
tasteful variety Dunbrody will not disappoint.
Overall, Kevin and Catherine Dundon run a superb establishment,
a stylish, comfortable, friendly small hotel with a restaurant that
stands up to anything Dublin has to offer. Hang on though. If I
recommend Dunbrody, every time I escape to my favourite hideaway
I risk running into a readers' convention. And it's hard enough
to book a table as it stands...
"Could I not just say it's in the South East?" I asked
my editor.
"No."
"Wexford, then?"
"Give me the full address. And phone number".
Ernie Whalley, Food and Wine Magazine (Irish
Issue) April 2000 |
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Recommendations |
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Dunbrody Country House Hotel is recommended by the following guides:
Ireland's Blue Book
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Michelin Guide
Chic Retreats
The Good Hotel Guide
Conde Nast Traveller
Best Loved Hotels of the World
Johanssens Guide
Karen Brown's Guide
Fodor's Guide
La Guide Routard
Food & Wine Magazine
Essen & Trinken (Germany)
Golf Magazin (Germany)
Der Fernschmecker (Germany) |
Guest Comments |


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“I really enjoyed my recent stay with you” Mary
Harney, Minister for Health
“The way it should be” BD Brent, Palm Beach
Florida
“Surely the highlight of our stay – casually elegant” Sally
& Steve Harper, California
“A diamond in the crown of Irish Manor Houses & culinary delights” Prof & Mrs Guillbaut, Kinsale
“As ever – perfection!” Pat & Kevin Senae,
St. Giles
“Style, creativity, imagination & a touch of genius combine to
make Dunbrody” Julian & Diana McConnell, England
“Un paradise sur terre!” Mr & Mrs Deterek,
Belgium
“La qualité d’un grand hotel, le sentiment d’une vraie demeure” Michel Pichon, Switzerland
“Beaucoup de charme et une excellente cuisine” Corinne
& Didier le Fevre, France
“Dunbrody embodies modern simplicity & style; a breathtaking experience
in every way” Susan Davidson, England
“To feel pampered and special with marvellous meals in elegant
surroundings – this is it!” Marie Bova, California
“A level of service and quality of food that every hotel should
aspire to” Eddie Callan, Dublin.
“Devine – pure bliss, will be back!” Mr &
Mrs Duff, Co Meath
“Just what the doctor ordered!! Fantastic food, charming hosts
& excellent staff” Helen & Brendan O’Brien,
Dublin
“Very superior cuisine indeed – to be recommended” Charles
& Elizabeth Forsdeck, South Africa
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Hotel Comments: |
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"Our 2nd experience here and we still love everything about Dunbrody" 21/06/08 Bill & Norma DiBella, Connecticut, USA
"Fabulosa estancia e individable cana. Gracias por esta maravillosa semana" 13/06/08 Patricia Ollaquigu Spain
"Up there with the best of them" 24/05/08 Dirk Saule, Falkland Islands
"We came for the food which far exceeded our expectations, but were equally delighted when the service and staff were even better. Very welcoming and friendly and ensured we'll be back" 20/03/08 Ed & Joanna Colleran Dublin.
"Top notch everything! Thank you so much" 10/02/08 Blane Bachelor, Atlanta Georgia USA
"What a peaceful, lovely stay" 05/03/08 Tamasin Day-Lewis Somerset & Mayo
"Una notte di pace in un splendido posto" 17/07/07 Silvano Gusoni Vedine Italy
"Will come again for perfect break, superb food, marvellous spa. Perfection!!" 28/03/08 Mona Curran, Co. Dublin
"Friendly staff, Fantastic food, fabulous setting" 19/03/08 Anne & Olive Salter, Carlow.
"As usual - excellent" 09/03/08 Fintan Higgins, Dublin
"A Full on Irish experience - wonderful!" 28/02/08 Stephen & Leora Brown, Waterford.
"Top notch everything. Thank you so much" 10/02/08 Blane Bachelor, Atlanta GA USA
"I took a 'turn' around the beautiful Georgian house and gardens lest i might opportune to bump into 'Mr Darcy'...All fantastic" 08/08/07 The Santo Family, Cardiff, Wales.
“Great food, great staff and great surroundings” 27/01/06 Paul & Bernadette Mellon, Kildare
"Like good wine, improves with age. Thanks for superb hospitality" 20/12/05 Claire Devlin, Dublin
"Magical place" 30/05/05 Fiona Keating, Washington DC
"Exquisite in taste, in beauty and in hospitality" 21/06/05 Ann Marie Hannon, Stamford CT, USA
"A home from home - Kevin & Catherine thanks for being so incredibly hospitable. A wonderful place. Good luck for the future" 02/07/05 Lisa Pollen, London UK
"Superbe moment passé ici" 05/07/05 Patrick Libert, Paris
"An mhaith ar fad" 14/07/04 Sean O'Halpin, Dublin
"Great location, complemented by superb food & service. We'll be back" 19/07/05 K. Hodges, Essex, UK
"Sheer Indulgence. Thanks" 28/07/05 Dave & Cathy Birchill, Manchester, UK
"Amazing, Fantastic, Brilliant, Out of this World!" 31/07/05 Iseult & Noel O'Sullivan, Kerry
"If only every weekend was like this!" 01/08/05 Fintan & Anne O'Mahoney, Co. Tipperary
“Your hospitality was out of this world” 08/08/05 Angela & John Adams, Budapest, Hungary
“A truly delightful experience. Not to be missed” 15/11/05 Col. Albert Busck, NC, USA
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Restaurant Comments |
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"Absolutely spectacular meal." 24/08/08 Mark & Kate Walsh, Wexford
"Great food & service" Perfect. Thank you!" 21/08/08 D & B Cijffers, Montpellier France
"Irish cuisine at its best" 09/08/08 Mick & Anne Marie Dooley
"Thank you for your wonderful service and scrumptuous food!" 23/06/08 Donna Di Donato & Mark Aronoff New York
"Flawless." 23/02/08 Fintan & Gabrielle Regan, Dublin
"Food to die for" 10/02/08 Cynthia Mulvey, Dublin
"The food was amazing. A+" 21/07/07 Sharon Yaks, San Francisco USA
"A perfect weekend with unforgettable food" 29/01/06 Darren & Nicky Cran, Dublin
"Perfect escape from it all. Amazing food" 06/01/06 Gillian & Mark Stafford, Carlow
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Cookery School Comments |

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"Previously I preferred to eat rather than cook! Thanks Edward & Kevin, you now have a convert" Sept 2008 Leonora Hayman, Canada
"Edward is a joy in the cookery school." 30/08/08 Mary & Mairead Britton, Co. Tipperary
"What a fantastic two days in the cookery school, highly recommend it, a great experience" 15/02/08 Bernie Horten, Ennis Co. Clare
"Would heartily recommend cookery course" Aileen Kinsella, Dublin
"Cookery course was great" Orlaith Mannion, Galway
“Cookery course was fabulous. Phelim is great teacher and we had a wonderful time”
08/08/05 John Murphy, Co Wicklow
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Spa Comments |

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"Laura @ Spa fantastic" 04/08/08 Karen Munnelly, Dublin
"A wonderful oasis" 05/03/08 Carolyn Cavele, London
"Overall ethereal and the perfect place to leave earthly stresses behind" 21/01/06 Peter & Denise Keogh, Dublin
"Fabulous, relaxing stay. Mum-to-be massage with Laura - absolute bliss. Great breakfast and very friendly staff." 15/01/06 Sarah & Fraser Wickham, Dublin
“Definitely hit the spot” 13/11/05 Teresa Tarpey, Athlone, Co Westmeath
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Bedroom Comments: |

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“One of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in” 19/09/05 Ros Nicoli, Buckinghamshire
“Marvellous food and a lovely room. Terrific experience all round” 20/09/05 Jeffrey Costello, London.
“Exquisite” 16/10/05 Paul & Ed Donoghue, Ohio, USA
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Corporate Clients Comments |

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"I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the lovely trip to Waterford last week. It was fascinating to see around the factory and see exactly how the glassware is manufactured - it has made me really think twice about what I am drinking out of. And also the amazing meal in the evening - it really was a feast and so enjoyable - such a treat!
It was a gorgeous place to stay especially for my first trip to Ireland and we were even blessed with sunshine! I'll be in touch soon to order some samples for future issues."
Sophie Martell Decorating Editor Easy Living
"Just when I thought it couldn't get any more perfect it got more perfect"-
Eleanor Flegg Sunday Times Magazine
"Thank you for such a lovely day last week factory was very interesting and the dinner at Dunbrody was great fun!" Eoin Lyon Irish Times Magazine.
"I cannot thank you both enough for the wonderful hospitality you and all your staff showed to us last week. It was a truly memorable experience for all of them. Thank you. "
Sinead Christian Public Relations Manager, Waterford Crystal
"I have received fantastic feedback from our client who told us that they enjoyed a wonderful trip. The friendliness of your staff and attention to detail was second to none and I have no doubt the Diageo paths will cross again."
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