The
Old Convent
Gourmet Hideaway
Georgina Campbell's
Hideaway of the Year 2010
"We all have times when what’s really needed is a quiet couple of days pampering in a child-free zone—for some this may mean a spa break but, for those in the know, a visit to Clogheen is the business. There’s nowhere in Ireland even remotely like Dermot and Christine Gannon’s restaurant with accommodation. It’s in a beautiful, unspoilt—yet relatively little known—area, near the scenic ‘Vee’ in the Knockmealdown Mountains, and it’s very much itself: an unusual, very comfortable, stylishly decorated, country house with gorgeous rooms, and gardens under development as an interesting amenity for guests, and to grow home produce for Dermot’s kitchen. For good food is the key element at the Old Convent: Dermot, who is one of Ireland’s most talented (and modest) chefs, offers unique, perfectly judged eight course Tasting Menus using the best locally sourced ingredients—organic when possible, although it doesn’t look as if the recently acquired piglets will be heading for the pot! The cooking is stunningly accurate, without a foam, drizzle or a smoke to be seen—and there’s no cheffy arrogance either so, although surplus to requirements, a (tiny) salt and pepper set is offered on tables. Add charming service under Christine’s direction—and exceptionally delicious and original breakfasts—and it all adds up to a dream hideaway."
Georgina Campbell
Georginal Campbell's Ireland 2010, The Guide - Oct. 2009
"Everything here is sourced as close to home as possible and impeccably so. Confusing local with best is not Dermot's game. I would class him in the handful of most impressive young chefs I have come across and suggest you hop on a plane to Cork for a weekend of gourmandising and walking in the Knockmealdown Mountains. His homemade soda bread with pistachio nuts served at breakfast with Crossogue Preserves rhubarb jam will set you up for it admirably. I fully intend to come back. With walking boots."
Tamasin Day-Lewis
Sainsbury's Magazine—May 2009
"By now I really appreciated the tasting menu. Dunmore East scallops, lime sorbet, scrumptious beef fillet and I could still fit in—just—three little bowls of lemon posset, strawberries and hot chocolate.
"An exquisite meal," said one of my guests; "outstanding" was the other verdict, with which I concurred wholeheartedly, as it had been delicious, well chosen and beautifully presented."
Melosina Lenox-Conyngham
The Irish Times—24 Oct 2009
The Old Convent operates in the best country house tradition and is a great base for touring the beautiful County Tipperary: Cahir Castle (15km); The Swiss Cottage (17km); The Rock of Cashel (32km); Lismore Castle (23 km); The Vee (4km); Baylough and hiking trails (5km); Mitchelstown Caves (11km); The Waterford Crystal Factory (70km). Hillwalking, golf, fishing and cycling are all available close by - or just laze in the hammock and enjoy the gardens!
If you prefer to
order on-line please
use the 'Gift Vouchers'
link in the left-hand
menu bar
Close
Bed and Breakfast: Thursday to Saturday and Bank Holiday Sundays.
Chapel Dining Room, 8 Course Tasting Dinner: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Bank Holiday Sundays
Closed: Monday to Wednesday, Christmas to January 31st.
2010
Additional
opening days
Bank Holiday Sundays
Valentines Day
Easter Week
Mother's Day
Father's Day
The Old Convent, Mount Anglesby, Clogheen, County Tipperary, Ireland.
Telephone: +353 (0) 52 7465565 Email: info@theoldconvent.ie
Site design by Brendan Davis of Suirvale Design & Print (052 7442998). All illustrations and photographs,
except where indicated in the photo's alternate text, are copyright Brendan Davis.