Delphi Lodge is a delightful 19th century country house which lies at a lake in the middle of the beautiful highlandsin one of the most spectacular settings in Ireland. Located in a valley of unparalleled beauty, the 1000-acre Delphi estate is one of Irelands hidden treasures. It is wonderfully secluded, yet within easy striking distance of beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, horse riding and all the sights of Connemara and Mayo. Being surrounded by the tallest mountains in Connemara and overlooking a pretty lake, the historic Lodge is the perfect holiday hideaway. Guests will always come back and withness that it is the best fishery lodge for salmon and seatrouts at the Westcoast so described by Patricia Schultz the author of the New York Times #1 Bestseller "1000 Places to see before you die". For those who prefer independent, self-catering accommodation, there are five charming holiday cottages on the Delphi estate. They each provide a well equipped kitchen, a dining area and a lounge with fire place on the ground floor.The bedrooms and the bathrooms are located in the first floor. Delphi Cottages are not operated like a hotel suite - there is no room service. Formerly they were the staff quarters, attached to the manor house.

When being renovated and brought to good rental standard, they were each equipped with a central heating system. The gardens are extensive and informal, with fine old trees, masses of flowering shrubs and a delightful river walk. Guests may walk the hills, fish the rivers and lakes or just indulge in the luxury and beauty of the surroundings. The estate also owns some of the finest waters for salmon fishing in Ireland. The Delphi Fishery includes an exceptionally pretty river and several lakes where fly-fishing is the rule. The fishing is much sought after and not suitable for beginners, but spaces are sometimes available and weekend courses for beginners are run from Delphi Lodge several times during the season. Guests at the holiday cottages are welcome to attend breakfast and dinner at the Delphi Lodge, unless the lodge is well booked with the facilities fully occupied.

At a glance:
baby bed/cot - oven - electric iron - pets: allowed on request - heating - internet - fireplace - air condition - microwave - telephone - washing machine: gemeinsam - tumble dryer: gemeinsam

Ireland really lives up its name as the "green island". Lush meadows sometimes extend as far as the horizon, with small, friendly villages or old, semi-derelict abbys inbetween. In these ancient churches and monasteries, the Celtic heritage still seems to be present everywhere. Defiant castles and old manor-houses can be found all over the island as well. One of the most beautiful estates is Muckross House near Killarney, where tremendous rhododendrons are blooming in may and june. Ireland's coast is incredibly diversified: there are small sandy beaches as well as craggy cliffs. Particularly well-known are the Cliffs of Moher, that plunge down over 200 metres into the sea. Sometimes, river dolphins can be seen in the Shannon, Ireland's largest river. Connemara. a region in the west of the island, has beautiful moorlands, and in the Connemara National Park, there are still some undomesticated Connemara ponys. The weather in Ireland is often better than it is said to be. It is raining quite often, indeed, but usually after a few minutes, the sun will brighten the wet landscape again. The Irish people are well-known for their hospitality and heartiness.

Getting there: Flight to Dublin or Cork, rental car