Belvedere House B&B & the Baytree Restaurant

Conor is what makes this place feel so personal. He opens the door, cooks, chats like an old friend, and is properly present. During Covid, he built a gorgeous patio in the back garden with his bare hands, where guests can have drinks and craic. His daughters work with him as part of the team. It all feels real, not forced. We stayed upstairs in Belvedere House, above the restaurant, which is handy when you need a short trip to bed after Conor’s dinner downstairs. He’s also there in the morning making breakfast. Dinner was excellent. The oysters were so fresh they seemed almost sorry to be out of the sea. Rob had the Korean chicken starter and gave it a silent nod worthy of a baptism or an opera finale. The dishes were calm and confident, with no foam, smears or edible petals, just seasonal local food that was seasoned and balanced, served by staff who know their work. Breakfast was just as good, even if the photo doesn’t show it. Perfect eggs, black pudding that didn’t crumble to ash like in sad B&Bs, crusty home baked sourdough, strong coffee and mushrooms cooked with care. Book it. Eat everything, leave a tip, and stop thinking Dublin has all the good food. Carlingford is doing it properly, and with heart.