Sleepover: The Brook Lodge
A night in Ireland
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Your support makes all the difference.A night in IrelandWhere is it?
In a valley, with mountain views, just outside Aughrim, Co Wicklow, Ireland.
What's it like?The hotel is part of a self-styled village called Macreddin, which opened in December 1999. Don't think Oirish theme park – this is more sophisticated.
What's its USP?There are few hotels that hold an organic food market twice a month. It has been building a reputation for its use of organic produce. The "village" also has a craft shop, a smoke-house, a bakery and an organic grocery.
Quiet and relaxing, with plenty of open fires, sofas and cosy nooks for when the weather is bad.
Service?Friendly and obliging.
Rooms?A lot of care has gone into the tasteful decoration of the 40 bedrooms. Some smaller rooms could benefit from less furniture. Doubles from IR£75 (£61) per person, based on two sharing.
The main restaurant, The Strawberry Tree, is opulently decorated and the modern European cuisine delicious. Breakfast is a treat, with pancakes with maple syrup or full Irish breakfast. There is also a pub in the "village" called Actons serving food. And if you still need a snack, the Waterside lounge serves gargantuan afternoon teas.
Weekending Dubliners, a good number of visitors from across the Channel and, of course, a strong American contingent.
Things to do?There's an equestrian centre, clay-pigeon shooting and archery and free bikes. Best of all, explore Co Wicklow.
The Brook Lodge, Macreddin Village, Aughrim, Co Wicklow, Ireland (tel: 00 353 402 36444; www.brooklodge.com).
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