“An inviolable wilderness preserve” NEW YORK TIMES

“It is an estate of fabulous beauty…..For those who cherish landscape that is wild, lovely and undefiled, take a look at Delphi” FINANCIAL TIMES

“Delphi, that lovely, lonely and wild valley in one of the few unspoilt backwaters of Ireland’s west” IRISH TIMES

Delphi Lodge is a delightful 1830s country house and fishing lodge in one of the most spectacular settings in Ireland. It offers luxury accommodation, glorious scenery, great food and total tranquility at an affordable price.

Located in a wild and unspoilt valley of extraordinary beauty, the 1000-acre Delphi estate is one of Ireland’s hidden treasures. The historic lodge, famous as a holiday hideaway for both princes and paupers, is surrounded by the tallest mountains in Connemara and overlooks a pretty lake.

The 12-bedroom lodge is open from mid-March to mid-October. Most people come for a week, but shorter stays are possible and nightly rates are available.

In the winter, it’s available for houseparties only – family gatherings, shooting parties, small weddings and corporate groups that take over the whole house.

THE LODGE

With lovely bedrooms, great atmosphere, seriously good food and a wine list to die for, Delphi is a magical place to stay. Guests may walk the hills, fish the rivers and lakes or just indulge in the luxury and beauty of the surroundings.

Formerly the sporting lodge of the Marquis of Sligo, Delphi is wonderfully secluded, yet within easy reach of beautiful sandy beaches, championship golf courses, horse riding and all the sights of Connemara and Mayo.

Delphi is special. It is not a hotel - it has no room service, TVs or a la carte menus. It is a private country house of the highest quality, stylish yet informal, sophisticated yet relaxing. Everyone eats together at a huge oak table, presided over by the owner, Peter Mantle, or by the captor of the day’s biggest salmon. Conversation is lively and the atmosphere is akin to that of a private houseparty.

The bedrooms (all with private bathrooms and many with lovely lake views) are charmingly furnished and the beds exceptionally comfortable. Downstairs, fine reception rooms include a cosy and eclectic library, a billiards room and a large drawing room overlooking the lake. The gardens are extensive and informal, with fine old trees, masses of flowering shrubs and a delightful river walk.

The food at Delphi Lodge is highly praised. The award-wining chef, Cliodhna Prendergast, and her team produce delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners that make full use of local seafood, salmon, lamb, game and other fresh produce from the area. And there’s a great wine list, featuring over 250 fairly-priced wines.

For workaholics, there is internet access via a guest computer and limited wi-fi. Although mobile phone coverage is patchy due to the mountains, there are landline telephones in all rooms and phone charges are modest.

FISHING

The estate also owns some of the finest waters for Atlantic 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 3-night courses for beginners are run several times during the season.

THE HIDDEN IRELAND

The Lodge is a member of The Hidden Ireland, an association of historic private country houses that offer exclusive accommodation and exceptional hospitality in some of Ireland’s finest private homes.

COTTAGE RENTALS

For those who prefer more independent, self-catering accommodation, there are also five charming holiday cottages on the Delphi estate. The Delphi Cottages are available for rental year-round.

Note that Delphi Lodge should not be confused with the nearby Mountain Resort & Spa or the Delphi Adventure Centre, which are not connected with the lodge or its estate.