Dunowen House

10/07/2024

Since opening Dunowen House over 10 years ago, we have followed a goal of continuous environmental improvement, to leave our surroundings in better shape than when we first arrived here. That goal filters through everything we offer, particularly our intimate wedding celebrations.

But we can always do BETTER 💚

Which is why we are delighted to be part of the exciting Green Wedding initiative launched in Clonakilty with VOICE - Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment This project brings a group of likeminded wedding venues together with the aim of reducing Food Waste and offering more environmentally friendly celebrations to couples.

Being part of this initiative has encouraged us to shine a light on the things we are proud of:

🌱Home grown and home made seasonal food
🌱Extensive vegetarian and vegan menus
🌱Flowers grown here on site
🌱Green energy & food waste solutions
🌱Our stunning coastal location surrounded by nature

So if you are a couple looking for an intimate venue that offers you the opportunity to celebrate your big day with a small environmental footprint, then we’d love to chat.

Contact us here or check out our website.
Kela & Stephen x

www.dunowenhouse.ie
+353 (0)23 8869099


Clonakilty Notice Board Love Clonakilty

08/07/2024

08/07/2024

Still thinking of a holiday in West Cork?📍

We have availability between 26th August and 2nd September for an exclusive hire self-catering stay for a minimum of 3 nights to max of one week!

Accommodating up to 15 guests in luxury ensuite rooms, the house is perfect for a late Summer break with family and friends.
Price from as little as €85pp per night includes lots of lovely extras, like home baking on arrival.

I’ll let you in on a secret….the weather is usually beautiful and the beaches are almost empty 🤫

To find out more, send me a DM or
email [email protected] or
📞 (023)8869099

04/06/2024

It’s been a great West Cork week 💙

🔹Delicious al fresco dessert at Hayes in Glandore
🔹Lunch date with eldest daughter, just finished university and about to embark on exciting adventures 😎
🔹Late evenings gardening & enjoying the sky
🔹Realising you dress like your garden 🫣
🔹The privilege of making a couple’s wedding dreams come true 🩷
🔹My first ever “Shirley Temple” peony 🌸
🔹Summer is here when the local fishing boats are in the cove

23/05/2024

💍EMILY & RONAN chose Dunowen to celebrate their intimate wedding of 30 guests on the 10th May 2024. Such a beautiful couple. This is what they had to say:

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day or location for our wedding. Dunowen was the most perfect venue and we had an amazing time from start to finish.

Huge thanks to Kela, Stephen and all your team for making it such a memorable experience, we will certainly cherish the memories made in Dunowen and hope to visit again in the future”

If you’re thinking you’d like to celebrate in a stunning West Cork location without the pressure of a large guest list, then we’d love to help your dreams come through. Laid back luxury and our personal attention to detail guaranteed as standard ❤️

📸: Photography By Dermot Sullivan

12/04/2024

I recently asked what comes to mind when you think of West Cork. Your TOP 3 responses were the coastal scenery, the food and the tranquility of the place.

As it’s Friday and you might be thinking of treating yourself this weekend, here’s some of the places we’ve recently had delicious food:

1. Al fresco seafood dining above the water in Glandore at either Hayes Bar & Kitchen or Glandore Inn
2. The ULTIMATE treat - ⭐️⭐️ Michelin dining Customs House Baltimore I still dream of that asparagus & langoustine dish by 🤤
3. Delicious duck starter JackPilgrims rest, Rosscarbery
4. Lobster Thermidor The Whale's Tail
5. Crab & prawn sandwiches, chowder and a Guinness at Bushes Bar Baltimore and O' Sullivans Bar, Crookhaven
6. Our own seafood feast at Dunowen

I could do so many more food posts, we are spoilt with the quality of our local food and we LOVE seafood. I’ll just have to book in a few more meals and share recommendations 🦐🦀

Tell us what your food memories of West Cork have been?

24/03/2024

We were so chuffed to hear and talk about Dunowen this weekend on for their feature on country house stays in Ireland.
Did you hear it?

Not only did our luxurious bedrooms, designer bath tubs, local beaches and Dunowen’s rock & roll history get a mention but Ed seems to have loved our home baking too 🍰😍

Just in case you’re still looking for an escape for up to 15 guests, we have ONE week left this Summer, 25th August - 1st September
Your private hideaway in West Cork awaits💚

Send us a message, call +353 (0)23 8869099 or check out www.dunowenhouse.ie

🍀

16/03/2024

💚The Wearing of the Green💚

Happy St. Patrick’s Weekend from Dunowen House. Surrounded by so much lushness, it’s easy to find your perfect shade of green ☘️


🍀

19/02/2024

🏠ORCHARD COTTAGE MID-WEEKS🏠

Did you spot our recent special offer on mid-weeks stays between now & end of March?
Dates are limited but we are offering self-catering stays from only €150 per night in our cosy cottage!

🍏 Stays between Sunday - Wednesday
🍏 Minimum 2 nights
🍏 Maximum 5 guests
🍏 €350 for 2 nights, €450 for 3 nights
🍏 Payment in full at time of booking. T&Cs apply

To book call kela +353 (0)23 8869099
Email [email protected]
Or send us a DM

17/02/2024

Tired of renting tired-looking holiday homes?

Orchard Cottage is a stylish getaway, hidden in our orchard and walled garden. Ideal for up to 5 guests, it’s a perfect West Cork coastal bolthole with all the comforts of home.

It’s had a recent refresh, ready for the season ahead.

🔔We have a special offer on remaining mid-week dates until the end of March 🔔

Message us for details of availability and rates for 2024.

We could be seeing you soon!

Kela & Stephen x

🍀

14/02/2024

Anyone else like to buy themselves flowers? Red roses definitely not for me, a bunch of locally grown scented daffodils is my love 💛

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone xx

10/02/2024

🖤 THE STORY OF US 🖤

Wow! I posted a picture of our first house in Dublin on stories and it got a lot of love! By chance I had a meeting around the corner this week and decided to do a drive-by for old times sake. I wasn’t prepared for the emotions it would bring on, the house looks the same🥹

30 years ago I came back from Prague and with some savings decided to buy a one bedroom apartment I’d seen for sale in a new development in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Instead, I came away with a two bedroom house and a life partner!

The house was in the old army barracks in Beggars Bush, Ballsbridge and we ended up buying the original Cook House in the historic barracks. Stephen had tagged along for a second opinion, 6 months into our relationship we’d bought a house together 🫣 When you know, you know!

I don’t think I realised until now how we’ve taken chances on moves throughout our relationship that have luckily paid off long term. 8 houses and 3 kids later, we’re still devouring those property pages!

Just wish we’d had the wherewithal to keep this house as a bijou hideaway in Dublin…or our retirement home!!

Ps: this was our wedding song

06/02/2024

💚🤍HELLO🤍💚

Is it almost Spring? A little damp in West Cork today so a good opportunity to come on, say Hi and remind you what we do here at Dunowen.

💚Dunowen House is an historic coastal estate in West Cork that we run as an exclusive hire / luxury holiday rental property. In includes a 6 bedroom main house and 3 bedroom cottage in the walled garden.

💚We offer self-catered or catered stays for up to 22 guests. Most guests book dinner parties but there’s lots of options from informal suppers, summer buffets to brunches and afternoon teas. All catering is in-house and features the very best homegrown, local & artisan produce.

💚The property is ideal for family holidays, girls weekends, intimate weddings and special celebrations. It’s like having a small country house hotel just for your group.

💚Our enviable coastal location on the close to .ie allows us to create bespoke itineraries for guests that showcase the best of the region.

💚As a member of the prestigious you can use vouchers against stays with us.

💚Availability in 2024 is very limited so we are opening bookings now for 2025. To plan your stay send us a message, email [email protected] or
call +353 (0)23 8869090

We open our doors on the 10th February so Spring is definitely just around the corner💚

🍀

📸

02/02/2024

✨LIFE IN THE SLOW SEASON ✨

We’ve been reading books
- walking the lanes
- trying new recipes
- making gardening plans
- freshening up Orchard Cottage and our Spring wardrobe 🥿🥿

Just as well we’re opening soon or Stephen and I could get used to this slower pace!!

Have you been hibernating too?

29/01/2024

Social Media Workshop Evening
Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce are hosting an evening for both members and non-members interested in participating in a workshop, specially dedicated to enhancing social media skills for their businesses.

Topics we will cover:
· Why social media is relevant to my business
· What platforms should I be on?
· How do I get over my fear of social media?
· How can I best build my profile as part of the Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce social media strategy?
· What are the practical things I should be doing to build exposure and communicate with a wider audience?
· Tips and tricks for making your social media engaging, relevant and on brand?
This FREE EVENT will be delivered by the Chamber’s social media manager, Hannah O’Leary of Halo Media, supported by Kela Hodgins of Dunowen House.
Date: Thursday 1st February @ 7pm
Venue: Media Room, upstairs in the Clonakilty Distillery
RSVP: [email protected]
Queries: [email protected]
We would love to see you there – it’s a great networking and skills development opportunity!!

Clonakilty Notice Board

29/01/2024

We regularly get asked for Gluten Free options when cooking for guests. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s decadent, delicious, indulgent AND GF, then this Chocolate Mousse Cake with praline, Frangelico cream & salted caramel is one to save.

The recipe is on our website, link in our profile & I’ll link on stories above 🤎

I’d be really interested to find out how many of you opt for a GF diet, either for health issues or lifestyle? Trying out the new Poll tool below👇🏼

Have a great week and let me know if you try the recipe. Kela x

20/01/2024

Beating that January slump and clearing out the fridge at the same time! I’m a big fan of my and chopped salads are a doddle with it.

Lunch was made from a quick blitz of carrot, peppers & broccoli, mixed with a light french style dressing. I had a block of halloumi hanging around the cheese drawer, so sliced it up and pan-grilled it. Served with a few crispy little gem leaves, the leftovers were used and I was feeling a wee bit healthier 😉

This is not an AD - the Thermomix was a Christmas present from Stephen two years ago & one of the most useful gifts ever. I did request a robot vacuum cleaner this year but wasn’t as lucky 🤔

18/01/2024

The gorgeous Stephanie, such a joy to host this wedding in October. Beautiful flowers by West Cork Flowers

10/01/2024

☘️ AVAILABILITY UPDATE ☘️

Just become available, St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend, 15-18 March

Main House & Cottage sleeping up to 20 guests on a luxury exclusive-hire basis in this historic coastal estate. Dunowen House is just 10 minutes from vibrant Clonakilty town and on the Wild Atlantic Way
Includes:
☘️ 9 bedrooms
☘️ 8 bathrooms
☘️ Beautifully furnished reception rooms
☘️ Guest bar & formal dining room
☘️ Fully equipped cooks kitchen
☘️ 4 acres private landscaped gardens
☘️ 5 beaches within 5 minutes
☘️ Private catering available on request

Dunowen House is a member Irelands Blue Book, so vouchers can be used against a stay with us.

Call +353 (0)23 8869099
Email [email protected]
Or send us a message 💌

Ireland's Blue Book I Love Clonakilty Pure Cork Irish Explorer

07/01/2024

Lie-ins always recommended and never overrated here at Dunowen House 🩵

Which room would you love to wake up in this morning?

01/01/2024

IT STARTS TODAY…..💚

Our annual break at Dunowen House to take stock, make upgrades, deep clean, plan and just catch up with ourselves. The main house will open again for guests mid-February but Orchard Cottage will remain open for any last minute Winter breaks.

We are still available for enquiries and viewings but otherwise will be freezing our little toes in the waves at Red Strand 🏄‍♂️

Photos taken yesterday by myself and lovely friend as saw out 2023 with dips and a sauna

Wishing you all a peaceful and healthy 2024

Kela & Stephen

16/12/2023

📣LAST CHANCE FOR OUR SUPPER CLUB📣

Due to a cancellation we now have an overnight plus dinner package for two available next Thursday 21st December! If you’ve been following the last 9 weeks you’ll have probably heard how much guests have loved the experience of eating again here at Dunowen House. The feedback has been amazing!!

This is the last chance to come stay and dine so get in touch or share with anyone you think would love this exclusive pre-Christmas treat.

Package includes:
- 9 course seasonal tasting menu
- luxury overnight stay in one of our suites
- breakfast included
- €230pps

Contact us on (023)8869099 email [email protected] or send us a message



Fab photos taken recently by

10/12/2023

Make the BEST ROAST POTATOES and convert the Brussels Sprout haters!🥔💚

I love sprouts and am always on a mission to convert the haters. The key? Roasting or grilling then tossed with zesty herb based dressings. This sprout recipe will definitely be on our Christmas dinner table but 1st….

🥔BEST ROAST POTATOES🥔

We found an undug patch of our own potatoes yesterday and they were absolutely delicious roasted. My TOP TIPS for perfect roasties:

- Use floury not waxy potatoes, Kerrs Pinks or Roosters work well.
- Peel & cut into halves or thirds, should all be similar size, not too big or small.
- First steam for approx 10 minutes until slightly fluffy on outside but still undercooked in the middle. Turn off heat, empty water from steamer then leave potatoes to sit with no lid for approx 10 mins to dry out.
- Preheat oven to at least 200C then heat up roasting tin with generous amount of light olive oil. You want the oil hot before adding spuds.
- Sprinkle generously with fine salt then place tin on high shelf in oven. Turn potatoes in oil after 15 minutes & turn again after 15 minutes. You want each flat side of the potato to have contact with the base.
- serve hot & crispy with extra flaky salt

Roast Sprouts with Orange, Tarragon & Nuts

750g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Extra virgin olive oil
Fine sea salt and black pepper
50g peeled pistachios, lightly crushed
finely grated zest & juice of 2 oranges
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp maple syrup
5g fresh tarragon leaves

Heat the oven to its highest setting – at least 240C (220C fan)/475F/gas 9. Toss the sprouts in the oil, half tsp salt and a good grind of pepper, then spread out on a large baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and roast for 10 minutes. Stir in the pistachios and roast for another 10 minutes, until the sprouts are nicely browned and the pistachios have toasted.

Make dressing by putting orange zest and juice, soy sauce and maple syrup in a small saucepan on a medium-high heat, reduce until sauce is syrupy.

Transfer cooked sprouts to a serving dish, pour the syrup all over, scatter with tarragon.

05/12/2023

The first week of December has been jam-packed! From Italian cooking classes to wreath making, cookie baking to pint tastings…😅

Now that the tree is up and the house is Christmas ready for guests, we can start to get into the real seasonal spirit of things.

We’ve had such fun with our friends and look forward to working with them again in 2024.

This week we get ready for our final few Supper Clubs and our weekend private hires before the Christmas presents go under the tree🌲 Where did 2023 go?!!!

01/12/2023

RECIPES: Magical Mains for Christmas Day!
https://www.echolive.ie/wow/arid-41279872.html
Don’t want to mess with tradition on Christmas Day, or keen to put a new slant on an old dish? I asked leading women in Cork’s food scene to share their recipes for delicious main courses and what came back was simply delicious!
🦃Darina Allen - Traditional Roast Turkey with all the trimmings
🐖Dorothy O'Tuama of O'Tuama Tours - Glazed Collar of Bacon
🐂 Kela Hodgins of Dunowen House - Sri Lankan-inspired Spiced Beef
🐟 Nell McCarthy currently at Customs House Baltimore - Christmas Stuffing Hake with Lemon Beurre Blanc.

01/12/2023

✨🌲GETTING THERE🌲✨

The last 8 weeks have probably been the busiest, most hectic period since we opened Dunowen almost 10 years ago. If you know me, you’ll know I say yes to nearly everything then work out how to juggle it all afterwards 😅

We’ve hosted weddings, pop-up restaurant nights, a cooking trip to Tuscany, a week of cooking classes at Dunowen, hen parties, birthday celebrations….and that’s just with our guests. I think we’ve had 3 days off in that time!!

So on this 1st December, it’s time to start embracing some festive feels. We made a start yesterday afternoon with some wreaths and will get the trees up this week. I know all our December guests are expecting full on Christmas cheer at Dunowen.

We’ll get there, one wreath at a time x

26/11/2023

A few highlights from our weekend of teaching, cooking and eating the most delicious Italian dishes - you may need to roll me through the pasta machine after all those treats!

This was another fun collaboration between ourselves and our Tuscan friends - this time based in our West Cork kitchen.

Handmade pasta became plates of toothsome tagliatelle, unctuous ravioli and Gorgonzola smothered gnocchi (with a walnut crunch).

Our guests learned the secrets to the perfect ragu (low and slow), zesty ideas for shellfish and seafood dishes, as well as inspirational ways of using beef fillet (saltimbocco).

I never even caught photos of the canapes or desserts, they were demolished so quickly! Looking forward to fun on our day courses this Tuesday & Wednesday - give us a shout if you’d like to join in!

20/11/2023

🍝BRINGING TUSCANY TO DUNOWEN 🍝

Have you always wanted to know how to make perfect handmade pasta and gnocchi?
How about the secrets of a traditional Ragu?
You can learn from the experts when we bring our friends from Villa Burlamacchi in Tuscany to Dunowen this week!

We have some places left on our Residential Courses this coming weekend, 24-26 November. 2 nights luxury accommodation, 3 cookery sessions and all meals included. This would make an ideal pre-Christmas present for the foodie in your life!

Call Kela (023)8869099 or email [email protected]

19/11/2023

Dishes we’ve been serving guests lately🍽️

▪️beef fillet from & Jerusalem artichoke dish by
▪️avocado, sourdough, poached eggs & feta for overnight guests
▪️Monday Mulligatawny soup
▪️Wedding canapé selection
▪️Our gin cured salmon & buckwheat blinis, dill mayonnaise
▪️Dessert plate of raspberry Frangipane, salted caramel brownies, mascarpone cream

I think we’ve sent them home well fed 🤎

13/11/2023

If you’re a fan of comfy beds and opulent bathtubs, luxurious interiors and log fires, then keep reading!💙

We have availability for a weekend self-catering exclusive hire stay from the 1-3 December, with the option of extending to 3 nights.

Offering you accommodation for up to 14 guests, our historic country house is located in a stunning coastal setting between Galley Head Lighthouse and vibrant Clonakilty town. This could be the perfect pre-Christmas escape with family and friends, don’t forget you can use your vouchers here too 💙💙

For more details, send us a DM, email [email protected] or call (023)8869099