Fodor's Expert Review Viewmount House

The exquisite 400-year-old house, once owned by the Earl of Longford, has been restored to its former charm; the bedrooms are full of character and have impressive period wallpapers and antique mahogany wardrobes and beds. Breakfast is served in a vaulted room cheerily painted in Wedgwood blue. Try the Viewmount Boxty Benedict of smoked bacon, poached egg, and tomato. The 4 acres of grounds that surround the house are a gardener's paradise with an old orchard, a formal garden, and a Japanese garden complete with full-size pagoda. VM Restaurant, in a converted stable block, serves flavor-filled delights such as quail with smoked potato and apple, pork belly with lentils and potato mousseline, or pan-roasted halibut, all prepared by the restaurant's new Dutch chef, Marcio Laan. At €60, the five-course dinner menu is a great value; even better is the three-course early-bird (6:30 to 7:30) dinner at €35 served Wednesday--Friday.