An Historic Country House in Ireland
In 1736 when Jackson Clark started processing linen on the banks of the River Clady, he would have no idea just how far reaching his legacy would become. From these small beginnings William Clark and Sons provided the finest linens to all four corners of the earth for three centuries. As the business flourished, successive generations of the Clarks built their family homes in the countryside surrounding the mill. In 1896 Harry Clark built Ardtara.
The house remained a family home until the 1970s and then became empty until 1990 when it was bought and work began to convert it to a hotel. After extensive restoration and improvement, Ardtara Country House Hotel opened its doors in 1994 to accolades for warm hospitality, fine food and the understated elegance of this grand old house.
An Irish Country House Hotel
Since 2014 Ardtara has been under the ownership of Browns Bonds Hill Collection who have undertaken a systematic refurbishment program to ensure it provides all the modern conveniences of 21st century life in the genteel surroundings of a bygone Victorian era. Each of the 9 bedrooms are individually styled and luxuriously appointed, still using linens from the Clark mill next door.
From the the original paneled wallpapers of the reception hall to the deep leather couches in the bar lounge, Ardtara continues to reflect the noble refinement of the Victorian era. And under the guiding hand of chef/patron Ian Orr our highly trained team of chefs prepare original and innovative food that reflects the quality of the finest ingredients the region has to offer. Whether you dine in front of the fire in the drawing room, overlooking the gardens in the conservatory or in the wood panelled Clark Room, Ardtara delivers an accomplished and unrivalled fine dining experience.
As is befitting an old Irish country house you will experience the warmest of welcomes upon arrival and an unobtrusive level of friendly service from our award winning front of house team looking after you. And with 10 acres of grounds to explore, the Ardtara charm isn’t contained within the walls of the house. From the magnificent Giant Redwood overlooking the front lawn to the meandering paths through the laurel, rhododendron and bamboo, the gardens here offer the chance to explore, unwind and relax to the chorus of birdsong, watching the rabbits and squirrels scamper and play.