< < < < < < < < < < < < CARRIG COUNTRY HOUSE /INTERNATIONAL PROFILE
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CARRIG COUNTRY HOUSE
This month’s international profile sees Luxury Bed & Breakfast travel the short distance to the South West of Ireland to interview Frank & Mary Slattery, owners of Carrig Country House which is situated on the Beautiful Ring of Kerry and overlooking the Caragh lake.
A
mong picturesque gar- dens on the shore of Lough Caragh, this elegant country house hotel dates to circa
1850. This Victorian Country Manor sits on acres of lush gardens with enchant- ing walks and paths right down to the lake.
Tell us a little bit about your background...
My wife Mary and I jointly own and run Carrig Country House & Restaurant. Our daughter Claire joined the management team last year and this year, we celebrate our 20th year in business!
I began my career as an army
officer and subsequently became a main dealer for Opel/Vauxhall products in 1977.
Mary was a career banker and
retired to rear our 3 children (as you did in the seventies!) She subsequently took over and ran her family’s grocery/ deli business.
What made you decide to open a B&B? We have always had a great
interest in hospitality and food. Our first foray was in 1979 when we purchased a Bar/Restaurant as a second business which we developed into a thriving operation. However it was always our dream and ambition to own a Country House which we achieved in 1996 so subsequently we sold our other business interests to concentrate on this.
What was the main factor for your choice of location?
We choose Carrig as it is such a
picturesque setting in a special area of conservation on Caragh Lake looking across at the majestic Macgillicuddy Reeks, Irelands highest mountain range). Carrig House is located just 1 mile off the iconic Ring of Kerry route in South West Ireland however it is hidden away on the lake shore surrounded by mature woodland and sub-tropical gardens. We have 15 golf courses within 1hrs drive, the Dingle Peninsula is 1hr drive away, Killarney National Park is just a 35min drive and world heritage site Scellig Michael (lately of Stars War fame!) is just a 40min drive to the embarkation point. We are just 10 mins from the Atlantic with many fine beaches. The above were the main
factors in choosing this location. Of course the fact that Mary comes from nearby Killorglin town was also an influence!
In short, run us through your average day?
The day starts at 7am - greeting
guests as they arrive for breakfast, checking that everything is constantly topped up at the cold buffet and that hot breakfasts which are cooked to order are running smoothly. After breakfast probably one of the most important routines of the day is meeting with the guests, advising them of hidden gems along the way, on and off the beaten track, the special attractions locally and helping them reserve local activities.
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