Snippets

The Canadians Arrive

Adventure Canada called for coffee on their way to the Arctic in May.  They arrived by coach, sang, danced and enjoyed an Irish Coffee before departing by Zodiacs for their cruise ship moored in the bay.  Great to see a ship of this size in Kenmare Bay.  Roll on  2013.  

12 Months 2 Men

Over the year preceding opening Patrick Wheatly and Shane Cremin worked tirelessly to transform the derelict estate to what we see today.  It is only now looking at pictures of broken windows, weeds growing internally, crumbling walls from roof leaks, perished slate and lead, overgrown lawns  and blatant abandonment that the extent of their work is evident. 

They were of course complimented by many specialists but great gratitude is due to them both.

 

Local Craftsmen

We found it very difficult to find nice cocktail tables.  After scouring all the trade and furniture magazines we retreated to our trusted furniture restoration craftsman Joop Duyn who together with his son, Adrian, designed and created tables with a difference.  They are perfect.  

Charles Tyrell

Only one piece of art hangs in the Drawing Room of Dromquinna Manor.  Like all really strong pieces it dominates the space but is not intrusive. 

Beara based and celebrated artist Charlie Tyrell visited Dromquinna and choose to paint a piece for the side wall and not over the mantelpiece as was our intention.  He was right.  It is there for all to see and admire but not dictate. 

It draws on Gwen’s palate for the room that compliments the heather on the distant mountains and natural tones of the landscape but Charlie challenges this with a splash, or two, of vivid blue.  The painting sits handsomely, proudly and quietly in a space void of comparison.
 

 

The Little Things

As nothing is “typical” at Dromquinna Manor we commissioned Dingle based ceramicist, Sinead Lough, to design bowls for service. 

Creating a series of bowls that reflect the west of Ireland Atlantic coast we use them for all sorts of things. 

New boiled potatoes with garden parsley, freshly picked berries to accompany a scrumptious dessert or country relish for a midnight BBQ.  Beautiful and versatile they add to the overall homely feeling of Dromquinna Manor.