Welcome to our column here at DD where we’ll introduce you to Castle Grove Country House Hotel and share some of our passions.
Our columns will include everything from food to organic vegetable gardening, flower gardening to country house weddings, and household tips from the daily life of Castle Grove House.
Castle Grove Country House Hotel is one of the few remaining family run private estates in the North West of Ireland. Located six miles north of Letterkenny, it provides the perfect base to explore the beautiful scenery of Donegal and the Wild Atlantic way.
This near-original Georgian house was built in 1695 and is situated at the end of a mile-long avenue on the shores of Lough Swilly. The grounds are made up of farmland and extensive gardens that were designed by Capability Brown.
Today, Castle Grove House is a 4-star Country House Hotel run by the Sweeney Family, and the dedicated team of staff that extend a warm and friendly welcome to all.
The hotel itself has a grand entrance hall, two spacious drawing rooms, a beautiful dining room, library, cosy bar and 15 en-suite bedrooms. All rooms are furnished with antiques and luxury fabrics, adding to the charm and old world grandeur of the hotel.
The award-winning restaurant provides excellent cuisine which is all prepared in-house by our Master Chefs. They combine a wide range of locally sourced produce, with seasonal fruit and vegetables organically grown in Castle Grove’s very own four acre Walled Garden.
Castle Grove is the perfect venue to make any occasion special; whether it be for afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, an evening meal, or a cocktail on the lawn in the Summer. The restaurant and drawing rooms with their ample space and relaxing allure are perfect to enjoy a nice glass of wine by the fire, romantic night away, or truly special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.
Castle Grove is described as “a hidden gem in Donegal” and “the Ballymaloe of the North”
So, with a warm welcome awaiting – why don’t you put it top of your list to come and check out…
With Valentine’s Day around the corner – we have an exclusive Valentine’s Dinner, Lunch and Afternoon Tea menus available. The Chef’s inspiration for Valentine’s day is ‘passion’ and ‘indulgence’ showcasing the finest ingredients. Combined with the beautifully decorated Dining room, the perfect romantic evening can begin!
If you cannot join us on the day, here are some tips from Chef Mahon to help you create your own romantic meal at home.
“Passionate cooking the Castle Grove way”, he says.
1. Plan ahead, and set the scene – decorate the table with some simple rose petals and a nice candle. The extra details are simple to put together and show care and thoughtfulness.
2. Menu – Keep it simple. If you’re doing a three-course meal, start with soup, melon, or a light salad. Make your main dish one that you know you can do well, that way you don’t get stressed and you can keep the evening flowing.
3. Dessert – impress with Chef Mahon’s Dark Chocolate Mousse, and wow your loved one.
Make it that morning, or the night before – it’s as easy as that!
Ingredients:
170g dark bitter chocolate – 70%
80ml milk
1 egg yolk
4 egg whites
20g castor sugar
Garnish:
chocolate for making shavings
cocoa powder
a handful of fresh strawberries.
Method:
Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until it has melted.
Bring the milk to the boil and add to the melted chocolate mixture, mix in the egg yolk and set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites to firm peaks, then slowly add the sugar bit by bit.
Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, and pour the mix into individual glasses.
Place in the fridge to chill.
Garnish each mousse with some chocolate shavings a dusting of cocoa and fresh strawberries.
Voila!!
Serve with chilled prosecco or champagne……. perfection!
Happy Valentines!!!!
Until next time from Castle Grove…………
Phone 07491 51118
EMAIL : Reservations@castlegrove.com
