It’s rather nice to take a road trip in Ireland for a mini-staycation anytime of the year – and when your adult children have been working and studying abroad it’s a great way to gather family without the distraction of friends calling every few minutes. The four hour car journey from Dublin to the Beara Peninsula in West Cork gave us the chance to catch up on stories about what we’ve all been up to over the past few months. Our destination is Eccles Hotel and Spa and with 280 years of heritage and hostelry it’s one of the most historic hotels in Ireland.
Once we reach the picturesque town of Glengarriff, our attention turns to enjoying our surroundings and the recently refurbished hotel rooms that will be home for the next two nights. The name Eccles first appeared in the records of pantry house in 1835, but the hotel has been through many transitions over the centuries. From a home and rest for soldiers injured during World War I until 1922 to hosting the inaugural meeting of the Irish cruising club in 1929.
Many famous names from the literary world, including George Bernard Shaw and WB Yeats, have stayed here
In 2000 the hotel was completely refurbished by the Hanratty family and officially opened by then Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. Now in the hands of new owners Since August 2019 the hotel has enjoyed the addition of a luxurious spa and my family is keen to check it out. Sauna and plunge pools are located on the deck beside the sun loungers. In two hot tubs we sat and soaked up the glorious views of Garnish Island. Treatment rooms offer a fantastic range using Voya products.
Eccles Hotel is a whirlwind back in time to a reminder of holidays past. Where the staff are warm and welcoming and you have all the modern comforts that you come to expect as a family – the kettle in the corner, the lovely Voya toiletries in the bathroom and that view out the window.
The walls and corridors are filled with a diverse range of art and prints that reflect the quirkiness you come to expect in West Cork. The breakfast deserves a special mention because offering a la carte as well as buffet is what makes a 4 star stay stand out.
We decide next morning to check out charming Garnish Island – currently in the hands of the OPW and bequeathed to the people of Ireland by its previous owner, William Bryce. 
During the short ferry ride on board the Harbour Queen Ferry I spoke to the Captain, John O’Sullivan who told me he’s been at the helm of the Harbour Queen Ferry service since 1963, and before that he and his father provided a crossing to the island in rowboats.
Along the way we see seal pups losing the last of their white fur as they grow into young adults. According to John, the best time of year to see the white fur balls is June or July. They bask lazily in the morning light as John points out a white house with tall chimneys that was home to actress Maureen O’Hara for 40 years. On the island itself an array of various horticultural species from around the world are curated from palms to rhododendrons.
The beautifully manicured walled garden and pond are a delight to visit. When we reach the Martello tower on the highest point of the island, we catch a glimpse of a white eagle’s nest, with her chick inside. The island is serviced with a small café and entry is €5 per adult and €3 for students.
Back on the mainland we decided to wander through the town and call to the various artisan craft shops and food trucks offering a great choice in afternoon snacks. We sat in the sunshine outside McCarthys under an umbrella and played cards. There are plenty of bars in this lively town to explore and it’s also the gateway to charming towns such a Durrus at the tip of the peninsula.
Dinner at the dining room in Eccles was a delight on both nights.
The feather blade beef I ordered on the first night was so delicious my family developed FOMO and all ordered it on the second night – I went for the hake which also turned out to be a great choice. Sumptuous desserts followed and we had to be rolled into the bar for drinks after and another game of cards!
There’s something extra special about enjoying family time as your children turn into adults and doing simple things together. Eccles Hotel certainly has plenty of history and staying here was like getting a warm hug from a kindly relation – oozing with the best of Irish hospitality. As we venture forth and family time becomes more precious, returning to Eccles may well turn into a tradition for our future family staycations.
Factbox
Current midweek offer running – The Golden Years getaway – 2-night offer. This includes:
2 Nights Bed & Breakfast
– 2 Course Dinner Each Evening
– A Trip to Garnish Island on the Harbour Queen Ferry and entry into Garnish Island.
€243pp for a 2-night offer (picture attached for the offer)
Room Reservations – Eccles Hotel and Spa
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