The Phoenix Vegetarian Restaurant & B&B

This was the 3rd time we stayed here. We'd only booked 1 night but had had problems finding rooms spontaneously in Ireland so arrived 2 nights early. Lorna sorted us out with a gypsy caravan and then their own mobile home on the second night, as they were full in the house. This is a unique place where you can get involved in musical evenings - I ended up playing guitar, with a lovely German lady on Hammond organ. You also feel part of the family. On my last night I stayed up chatting till midnight with the hosts, who are fascinating people. Lorna noticed I had the sniffles so gave me some herbal remedy. My teenage son had hurt his knees and mainly stayed in his room, so Lorna made him free of charge hot chocolate to keep him happy. The family, helped by various continental staff, are 100% themselves with all the quirks they have - there is nothing artificial. As someone who spends most of his time travelling and staying at corporate hotels with a corporate personality, this is incredibly refreshing. It can all get a bit vague and chaotic, but that is the whole charm. The motto of the place should be 'it will all be all right in the end, and if it is not yet all right it is not yet the end' (stolen from the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel). I'm a massive carnivore, so the vegan/vegetarian food is not my natural choice, but it is done very well and is fresh from the garden. If you like standardization and the corporate, this is not for you. Personally, I love it!