Aoibhín Garrihy’s hotelier husband, John Burke, has a new property under his belt, and it’s a venue that’s been beautifully refurbished by renowned interior designer Suzie McAdam.
Armada House in Co Clare is the first hotel design to be created by the former Home of the Year judge, and Suzie has done the 19th-century property justice.
The house originates back to 1807 as a Gentleman’s Residence, and was acquired by Armada in July 2022. It underwent an ambitious three-year redesign, which has breathed life into the property as it enters its new era.
The Armada House, Interior Design by Suzie McAdam. Pic: Ruth Maria
With an investment of €2.5million, Armada House is designed as a sanctuary ‘where time slows’. It’s situated just 70 metres from the hustle and bustle of the Armada Hotel, however.
It’s an idyllic situation to be in, getting to choose between peace and quiet or zest and vibrancy.
Armada House, which has 13 rooms, may also be booked in its entirety for special gatherings or occasions, think hen do or 50th birthday bash!
The Armada House, Interior Design by Suzie McAdam. Pic: Ruth Maria
There are plenty of dining and social options at Armada House. Mabel’s is home to the venue’s signature breakfast, and, tying into the property’s history, is named after the last lady of the house to reside there.
The Piano Room boasts a Fred Astaire-owned piano as its centrepiece. Breathtaking!
Elsewhere, the Parlour is a refined room to relax by the fire with a glass of vino. The emphasis is placed on a comfortable atmosphere.
The Armada House, Interior Design by Suzie McAdam.
Pic: Ruth Mariam
And the Stables is a fabulous event space, available only when Armada House is booked exclusively. It’s important to note that it’s not positioned as a wedding or party venue.
The whole vibe is that you want to feel at home away from home, right? That’s where the luxury touches come in, including the gloriously soft Irish-made bed linen from Inis Meáin.
There are L’Occitane bathroom products on offer as well as Dyson hair and room products, and turndown chocolates from Grá.
The Armada House, Mabel’s Breakfast Room. Pic: Ruth Maria
Enjoy a welcome drink from the Armada Cocktail Lab, a tipple from the in-room carafe of Cocktail Lab liqueur, and a sip of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, which is rarely found in hotels.
Speaking at the launch of Armada House, Suzie McAdam described that ‘there are a few key pillars to the house’ and that ‘one of them is community and sense of place’.
The Armada House, Interior Design by Suzie McAdam. Pic: Ruth Maria
‘Art is a hugely important pillar, so you’ll have seen a lot of art around the house, every room, the ceilings, and I suppose the centrepiece of it all is Mick O’Dea’s art collection on the corridor,’ she continued.
The Armada House, Interior Design by Suzie McAdam. Pic: Ruth Maria
‘History is another one of our pillars. There are lots of ways that we’re trying to be bold about culture and be brave about it.’
Room rates in March start at €315 up to €605.