Richmond House, Cappoquin
Richmond House is a large 18th century country house at the end of a long winding drive just outside the charming village of Cappoquin, on the road to Dungarvan in County Waterford which belongs to the Deevy family who bravely opened their doors to paying guests in the 1960s and is now in the capable hands of son Paul and his wife Claire who are carrying on the family tradition of warm Irish hospitality. Arriving on a dull day in february there was a cheerful turf fire blazing away in the drawing room with a bright conservatory off it which I imagined would be lovely for coffee and the paper on a sunny, summer morning. The bedrooms are big and spacious with lovely antique furniture and that all important electric blanket for chilly winter nights. A short drive or nice walk from the house is the Hindu Bridge, a kind of mini Taj Mahal belonging to Villiers Stuart of Dromana Estate (you can visit the gardens in the summertime) which was created for as a welcome home present for a couple returning from honeymoon in from Brighton in 1849. The couple were so delighted with it, it was made into a permanent feature that remains to this day....
After a very busy day spent out and about in Waterford and the surrounding county, there really is so much to see in this little known part of Ireland, but more of that later, as I would much rather tell you about dinner first which is served in a pretty dining room just off the main hall. I had a delicious plaice scampi to start, followed by Paul's signature rack of Waterford lamb, followed by a naughty but very nice chocolate desert, a half bottle of Rioja and slept like a baby! It is so quiet and peaceful at Richmond House, although the birds were up early, like myself eager to see more of Waterford. In particular the Vee Valley Drive, Mount Mellary and the Knockmealdown Mountains, Lismore Castle Gardens and Lismore town itself, not to mention the delightful Cappoquin. On Paul's advice I visited the delightful Barron’s Bakery which has the oldest working brick ovens in Ireland to stock up on hot cross buns for the journey home, but I know I will return again soon, as Waterford has it all history, scenery, beaches, excellent food and a warm quietness and peace that you just don’t find on the well trodden tourist paths in Ireland. By the way, Richmond House does a very good all year round offer of two nights bed and breakfast and one evening meal for €150 per person sharing which is very good value.
For more information or to make a booking at Richmond House please click here.
