Originally built in 1812, Ardnavaha House was the rectory for the local Church of Ireland church. The house was purchased in the 1960’s by a German family who initially used it as a holiday home and subsequently converted it into a hotel. For many years the hotel was a very popular holiday destination for both Irish and international visitors and was unique in that it offered on-site horse-riding, fishing, tennis, a swimming pool as well as a bar and restaurant. The hotel restaurant was renowned for its high class cuisine and the bar was very popular and famous for its lively traditional music sessions and late night revelries. Many famous people stayed in the hotel over the years including Henry Ford (whose ancestors farmed in the local area), Irish Prime Ministers and Hollywood celebrities. Ardnavaha was also the chosen location for many weddings. The hotel changed hands several times in the 1970’s, 80’s and closed as a hotel in the early 1990’s. Over time the buildings deteriorated and the property was vacant for many years. The current owner happened upon this beautiful old building when it was in a very bad state of disrepair and became fascinated by the stunning old buildings, the beautiful surrounding countryside and the rich vibrant history of Ardnavaha, and has spent the past number of years very carefully and lovingly restoring Ardnavaha House back to its former glory.
