Longueville House win National Award in Country House Category at Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards

There are a few special places where the breakfast offering is so outstanding that it’s a reason in itself for visiting. The O’Callaghan family’s beautiful yet relaxed 18th century house near Mallow is one of them, although there are plenty of other persuasive reasons too. It’s a luxurious and interesting place to stay, well located for exploring an exceptionally rewarding area including Cork city - and it’s remarkably self-sufficient.

The river, farm and garden supply virtually all the fresh produce for farmer-chef-proprietor William O’Callaghan’s kitchen, and their artisan products - including Longueville House Cider and Irish Apple Brandy - and a goodly portion of that produce ends up on the breakfast menu or the splendid buffet. The ham and bacon, in particular, are exceptional and a visit to the pigs in their woodland idyll is a must. Smoked Blackwater salmon too, of course, free range eggs, delicious fruits in season, cloudy apple juice, honey, freshly baked breads and homemade preserves… it really is a one-off, a genuine taste of north Cork.

Winner: Longueville House, Mallow, Co Cork

Highly Commended: Carrig Country House & Restaurant, Killorglin, Co Kerry

Highly Commended: Whitepark House, Ballycastle, Co Antrim