The Cliff House Hotel stands on the site of the original of the same name, an old building which was demolished to make way for this brand new, state of the art construction whose architecture makes the most of its cliff side scenery. The spacious and airy entrance lobby echoes the coastal location, with shells, natural stone and slate used to best effect on walls, floors, pillars, and in light fittings, wall art and mirrors. But the really impressive thing is the rear wall of solid glass looking over the Irish Sea. One rather gets the feeling of what it might be like to stand at the very helm of a ship as she makes her way through the waves. Since the hotel is perched high and into the cliffs, there is absolutely nothing to break the view of that vast expanse of water - and this stunning natural element is the starting point for the interior design and layout of public rooms and bedrooms. The day we visited, a family of dolphins played in the waves as the morning sun glinted on the bay. What a sight!

 

Having checked in - it's a pleasure to be shown to your comfortable room. General Manager Adriaan Bartels runs a slick operation here - his staff are courteous and ready to look after every need. Choose a Deluxe Sea View room with bay windows, ensuite bath and separate shower, mini bar, wi-fi and flat screen tv, or a luxury Deluxe Balcony room with all this, plus king sized bed and spacious outdoor terrace. Cliff House Terrace Suites are perched above the water of the bay and have one bedroom, separate sitting area, and large balconies or terraces. Some of these interconnect with the Deluxe rooms, making them ideal for families with children. At the very top of the range, the Cliff Veranda Suites, are split level, with comfortable downstairs sitting area and bedroom and roof terrace on the upper floor. All have magnificent glass walled bathrooms so you can wake up with an invigorating rainhead shower drenching whilst looking out over the bay - seriously decadent! Each suite has an original artwork on the walls, one example being the impressive large collage made with real Hurleys for those sports enthusiasts. A Cliff Veranda Suite is extremely suitable for a private celebration or Wedding Night treat.   

 

As with all Good Food Ireland hotels, what really makes the Cliff House special is its superb cuisine. Head Chef Martijn Kajuiter has been cooking for 17 years, in prestigious establishments, and under the guidance of luminaries like Marco Pierre White, Michel Roux and Pierre Kauffman. The House restaurant is now proudly emblazoned with Michelin star status, such is the talent of Martin Kajuiter.

The menu in the House Restaurant is glamorous and slightly off the wall in its combination of flavours, and to say the least, exciting to browse. Visually exemplary and with perfectly balanced tastes and components - this is dining at its finest. Adjoining The House Restaurant is the Chef's Table, a private dining room decorated with natural stone and rustic colours. Here you can sample the Tasting Menu with wines matched to each course, around one large table seating 18 guests, ideal for a special private celebration. The hotel also has two more separate private banqueting rooms with sea views, outdoor gardens, and an extensive choice of menus. 

 

Before dinner enjoy a drink in the bar, which looks out over a terrace and the waters of the bay beyond, its décor dominated by large photographs of the original hotel. Drinks come with plump Queen green olives, and a honey roasted nut selection, and there's a menu of casual elegance served during the day. Snacks include a platter of Helvick Bay or Sherkin Island Rock Oysters, depending on availability, and Cork's nearby Yawl Bay Smoked Salmon with a Poached egg and Hollandaise Sauce. For something more substantial, the fresh fish dishes can't be beaten. Monkfish is baked on the bone, Sea Bass roasted whole, or the Fish and Chips "The Cliff' prove a popular choice. A full bar is on offer, plus a superb selection of wines by glass and bottle.

 

Breakfast comprises Glenilien Farm yogurt and Ardmore honey, home made porridge with cinnamon and apple or a choice of cereals to start, followed by a cooked full Irish, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, or whatever else you choose from the a la carte menu. All this is served with Martin's selection of home baked breads, croissants and scones, his own preserves and local honey, with freshly squeezed orange juice and tea or coffee. It sets you up for the day!

 

Alongside the luxury of fine food and restful, luxurious accommodation, the hotel boasts The Well Spa, a tranquil place to unwind and indulge in a seaweed treatment, massage, manicure, pedicure. Products here come from the Voya and Anne Semonin range. Do a few laps in the dreamy waters of the pool or have a quick dip in the outdoor Jacuzzi. The hotel also has a seawater pool in a natural rock inlet nestling in the cliffside, with connecting bridge walkway from the terrace garden.

 

However you choose to spend your stay at Cliff House, whether you leave footprints in the sand on the nearby beach, spoil yourself in the spa, or curl up in a comfy chair with a good book before enjoying a gourmet dining experience, you'll feel relaxed, refreshed and in no mind to leave when the time comes - take it from us!