Well done: Family-run country house outside Nenagh wins major national hospitality award

Ashley Park House outside Nenagh was announced as winner of the Small Stay Country House title in the Georgina Campbell Irish Food & Hospitality Awards 2023.

According to the citation by Georgina Campbell, “From the moment you turn off the busy Nenagh - Borrisokane road to Ashley Park, you enter a time warp. Margaret (née Mounsey) and David Mackenzie’s home is one of those beautiful 18th century houses where all is elegance and comfort.

“Offering its own special style of family hospitality, every member of the clan has their shoulders to the collective wheel - in reception, in the kitchen, and in the bar - all contributing to the warmth of the Mounsey family welcome.

“Although mainly known as a wedding venue (and a very good one it is too), at other times it is also a perfect destination for individual travellers to find peace and comfort in splendid surroundings and to marvel at the restoration journey that has occupied the family’s lives for more than three decades.

“And there’s fine dining too, in a restaurant serving produce from the 72-acre estate, often with views of Lough Ourna glistening in the moonlight beyond… Simply magic.”

Celebrating 25 years in their current incarnation, the independent Georgina Campbell Awards represent the four corners of Ireland and are the country’s longest running food and hospitality awards.

They recognise and honour the standard-bearers in food and hospitality with particular focus, this year, on genuine hospitality, consistency, innovation and good value.

They also pay special tributes to some of the giants of Irish food and hospitality – and the brave newcomers who, against the odds, continue to delight with inspiring new businesses.