The Drawing Room HourNotebook No 105May 2026
Ballynahinch Castle, in the small hours.
Collected by Deborah. Read her editorial perspective
We book a stay at Ballynahinch not for its address or for its food alone. You will find us here because the river flows directly past our room even in the small hours. We often leave our window open to the night air.
Adare
Our friends visit Ballynahinch at least twice a year because of our recommendation. Upon arrival, they always inquire about our itinerary for the following day. By the second morning, all plans are abandoned in favor of the river walk or a drink by the bar fire before dinner.
Your visit should include a river-facing room; eat in the bar at least once.
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The Ireland Edit Way
Cut the itinerary in half, then cut it again. The letter we send before every first visit.
Every hotel change costs you half a day. Luxury, in Ireland, is staying put.
Six questions we apply before booking any room in Ireland. The November test, the dinner-twice test, the landscape-over-room test.
To understand Ireland, stop looking at the castles and start looking at the kitchen table.
From the notebook
Collected notes. A few times each season.