Tyrella House, County Down

Tyrella House in County Down is situated ‘Where the Mountains of Mourne, immortalized in song by Percy French, ‘sweep down to the sea’ so it just couldn’t be in a a prettier location with its own private beach on Dundrum Bay. Tyrella House is a Hidden Ireland property and an architectural gem with a classical porch and large Wyatt windows, spanning 4 different styles from Regency to Art Deco, Tyrella is surrounded by a windbreak of beech trees so you have to walk or drive down to the beach to appreciate those magnificent sea views. Mind you if you are competent in the saddle, a gallop along the same length of beach can be organised by owner David Corbett, who used to be a polo player but still keeps horses. In fact, he has a private polo ground and equestrian centre on the estate which host major tournaments, several times a year. Although David’s main forte these days is playing host to visitors from all over the world who come to stay in his wonderful house when they are visiting the North of Ireland.

Tyrella House, Downpatrick, County Down

Tyrella House is a perfect base from which to explore the Mountains of Mourne or the peculiar Castle Ward which is really a tale of two houses or take the ferry across to Mount Stewart to visit the infamous Dodo sculpture gardens. You could also visit Belfast, take the Black Cab taxi tour to get an unbiased take on the ‘troubles’ or see the brand new Titanic Museum which more than lives up to the hype surrounding its opening in 2012 on the 100th anniversary of her ill fated maiden voyage. And you could easily drive up the Antrim coast from Tyrella taking in Glens of Antrim, delightful Cushendun and Cushendal as far as the Giants Causeway and Dunluce Castle and be back in time again for dinner.

Tyrella Beach, Dundrum Bay, County Down

Dinner is a must, and a candlelit treat you shouldn't miss, as David is not only a fantastic cook but a super story teller. After lengthy pre dinner drinks and chat in the lovely hall that doubles as an ante room with a huge fireplace, we dined (by candlelight) on feather light goats cheese tartlets, followed by line caught hake, with wonderful sticky glazed carrots and David’s version of a chocolate Tiramsu surprise. When I asked David how he became such a wonderful cook he replied it was ‘from watching too much daytime tv’ Really? as I pulled up my chair closer to glean some more of his tips while licking my lips.... And while the stories went on, himself and my brother were up half the night chatting about the infamous SS Great Britain (the largest ship in the world at the time) designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel which ran aground on David’s beach in the winter of 1846, I absented myself politely and went to bed...


Tyrella House, Bedroom

And what a bed, my room was absolutely what you would expect in a period how like this with a huge french bed, delicate antique furniture and longest bath I have ever seen. Delightfully chintzy with a sunny space to sit by the original leaded pane windows admiring the views and listening to the quietness, I would have no hesitation in recommending Tyrella House and look forward to a return visit myself this summer.

For more information about Tyrella House or to make a booking please click here.

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