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Grattan House, Temple Road, Blackrock, Co Dublin Dunbrody Country House Hotel Scoops Top Industry Award
DUNBRODY HOUSE, the country house hotel owned by celebrity chef Kevin Dundon and his wife Catherine, has been awarded the highest accolade in the Irish hospitality industry, the Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Award for Excellence 2009.
Dunbrody Country House Hotel beat off stiff competition from hundreds of hotels, restaurants and caterers across Ireland to win the coveted Gold Medal Award for Excellence, presented by Hotel & Catering Review, the leading magazine for the Irish hospitality and catering industry.
Described by the Gold Medal Awards’ esteemed industry judges as ‘the gem of the Irish hospitality industry’, Dunbrody Country House Hotel beat 13 other category winners to the top title, following its earlier triumph in the Country Houses & Guesthouses category, sponsored by Laurent-Perrier champagne.
‘Dunbrody House, led by husband and wife team Kevin and Catherine Dundon, is a true standard-bearer for the Irish hospitality industry,’ said Sarah Grennan, editor of Hotel & Catering Review and chair of the Hotel & Catering Review Gold Medal Awards Jury. ‘This smart country house wows guests with its warm atmosphere, sumptuous facilities, stunning gardens, wonderful cookery school and spa, flawless service and its sophisticated, modern Irish food served in its award-winning restaurant. Dunbrody is a very worthy winner of our top award and should rightly be hailed a star of the Irish hospitality industry.’ 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. 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
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. 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. |
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Dunbrody Country House Hotel
is recommended by the following guides:
Ireland's Blue Book Michelin Guide Chic Retreats The Good Hotel Guide 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
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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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"What a wonderfully relaxing night. Incredible food, warm and welcoming service and the house and gardens are perfect!" Nina & Aoife, 11/08/10 "Fantastic! Couldn't have enjoyed it more, great food, relaxing atmosphere, wonderful staff" Joanne & Garrett Sayers, Cork, 02/08/10 "As always a really lovely experience, a place to come where all your wishes come through!" Pat Butler, 16/11/09 "Our 2nd experience here and we still love everything about Dunbrody" Bill & Norma DiBella, USA 21/06/08 "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. "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. "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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"we really enjoyed our 44th Anniversary meal, it was brilliant thank you so much" Noreen Murphy, Cork 29/07/10 "Dinner was fantastic. True culinary delight!" Al & Nora Goreng 14/02/10 "Absolutely spectacular meal." Mark & Kate Walsh, Wexford 24/08/08 "Great food & service" Perfect. Thank you!" D & B Cijffers, Montpellier France 21/08/08 "Irish cuisine at its best" Mick & Anne Marie Dooley 09/08/08 "Thank you for your wonderful service and scrumptuous food!" Donna Di Donato & Mark Aronoff New York 23/06/08 "Flawless." Fintan & Gabrielle Regan, Dublin 23/02/08 "Food to die for" Cynthia Mulvey, Dublin 10/02/08 "The food was amazing. A+" Sharon Yaks, San Francisco USA 21/07/07 "A perfect weekend with unforgettable food"Darren & Nicky Cran, Dublin 29/01/06 "Perfect escape from it all. Amazing food" 06/01/06 Gillian & Mark Stafford, Carlow |
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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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"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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“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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"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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© Dunbrody Country House Hotel | info@dunbrodyhouse.com
T 00 353
(0)51 389600