Ireland, Arthurstown, Co. Wexford: Marsh Mere Lodge Bed and Breakfast
March 2009 the specific day really doesn’t matter but the experience of that day was a memory not soon forgotten. We (Jan, Sally, Sako and Tokiko) were driving along the south east coast of Ireland enjoying a wonderful long drive all the way from the Wicklow Mountains. We had talked for the past hour about finding a B&B for the night. It was probably about 7 pm. We had just visited the Lighthouse on Hook Peninsula capturing the lighthouse in photos with the evening sun. Feeling that our day of travel was complete we headed up along the peninsula to Arthurstown.
After a short drive up the peninsula we saw before us this amazing B&B perched up on the hill overlooking this incredible western view of the sea. We had landed…we were home. Before us was the Marsh Mere Lodge B&B.
Marsh Mere Lodge B&B
Approaching the house to inquire of availability we met 3 people standing in the parking lot. It was wonderful to be welcomed with introductions and hugs like we were long lost friends. How is it possible that we were having a “Sunny Rock Like” experince in Ireland. Of all the B&B’s Jan and I have traveled to around the world to date truely we had not ever had such a welcome. Not only did we know we were home Jan and I were validated for the way we welcome our guests at the Sunny Rock Bed and Breakfast in Minden Ontario Canada.
Jan, Claire, Tokiko, Sako and Claire's sister
Our host Claire McNamara has figured out “the customer service thing” hands down. In the words of her very own website Marsh Mere Lodge Bed and Breakfast is “Full of charm and olde-worlde elegance, Marsh Mere Lodge and the McNamaras offer their guests a traditional “Warm Irish Welcome” to a house that personifies relaxation and comfort”. All that were with us that day in the car agree…an amazing accommodation with the taste of modern and history all in the same breath.
We were planted for the night and simply settled into the Lounge for a picnic of food we had left over from our travels. Claire set a fire in the fireplace and offered us a wonderful and appreciated glass of wine…which I might add ended up being the whole bottle.
We loved the enviroment and its comforts so much and Claire helped us to plan our next day of adventure which included the Dunbrody Famine Ship and a walking tour of Waterford only to mention a couple of highlights…we ended up staying a second night. Dinner out and the local pub music continues to amaze us.
Breakfasts both mornings were very different than the “Traditional Irish Breakfast” we had had the previous 5 mornings. We appreciated the change…and were unaware that every B&B in Ireland (but Marsh Mere) believes that the traditional Irish Breakfast must be served. Claire if you are reading this please know that although the Irish breakfast is a delight…change was more of a delight.
On the morning of our departure we felt we were saying so long to a very good friend. Sad to leave and knowing there were many more adventures ahead we were off once again to explore more of Ireland…kissing the Blarney Stone was in our near future.
We rated each B&B of our Irish adventure on a scale of 1 to 10. 10 being the “Super B&B”. Marsh Mere and Claire need to know they ranked 13-15 from the Canadian and Japanese judges. Cheers.
