Elizabeth Field’s reaction to Paddy and Julia Foyle’s gorgeous house articulates every duality that makes this house extra-special: peaceful yet dynamic; stylish yet relaxed; private yet public, a world apart.
‘This place has tons of style: overstuffed sofas and chairs, walls chock-a-block with paintings and ornaments; plump pillows; meandering corridors. Our room on the third floor overlooked the quay. It was HUGE, with a canopy bed, comfortable seating, and I think a fireplace. Also a lovely old-fashioned large bathroom. The breakfast was outstanding: scrambled eggs with smoked salmon; porridge with berry compote; and all the fixings of the full Irish, something I really miss on the other side of the pond. The Foyles are absolutely dynamic: funny, warm, urbane and welcoming. It’s a 3-minute walk to town, which is quite nice, as the town can get pretty crowded. So you feel like you’re in your own private, rambling, wisteria-covered residence. I wouldn’t want to stay anyplace else in Clifden.’
