Wineport Lodge, nr Athlone, Ireland

Luxury lakeshore lodge with excellent food and wine, an oasis of calm less than 2 hours west of Dublin

Ireland has transformed over the past generation into a prosperous, self-confident nation. Places like this embody the new spirit.

Where once an Irish country hotel meant chintz, overcooked meals and creaking rooms, Wineport Lodge has gourmet cuisine, laid back luxury and excellent service.

Created in 1993 by husband and wife team Ray Byrne and Jane English, it is superbly positioned on the eastern shores of Lough Ree, among the inland waterways of the River Shannon. The architect's brief was to maximise its shore position, and the result is a two-storey, cedar-clad lodge with long balconies and huge windows; views float across pristine waters to oak- and hazel-fringed sunsets.

The success of its nouvelle-Irish restaurant has seen it expand from 10 to 29 restful rooms and suites. Named for the early Christian wine trade that came up river to inland monasteries such as Clonmacnoise, Wineport has a long jetty and offers boat trips and cruises; you can even get to the golf course by water.

Wineport Lodge has a charming lakeside location and gourmet restaurant. There are 29 rooms with doubles costing from €195 for bed & breakfast.

To book boutique hotels in Ireland and to read i-escape’s full hotel review, click here