Rolf's Country House
Set among wooded gardens and farmland outside the seaside village of Baltimore, Rolf's Country House is a family run hotel offering 3 star accommodation in 14 guest rooms and four self-catering apartments, with a Restaurant, Cafe, and wine bar.
Rolf's is a family run by the Haffner's for more than 25 years ago, with a solid reputation for hospitality and good food. It had until recently held the distinction of being an upscale hostel, but has undergone renovations to reincarnate as a three star guesthouse, with fourteen rooms.
Set in an old farmhouse and series of stone buildings surrounding a garden courtyard, Rolf's retains a relaxed and rustic feel. You certainly get the sense that you're in the West of Ireland. While the guest rooms fall short of luxurious, they are comfortable and modern with pine floors and cottage decor.
Over the years Rolf's has earned a reputation for good food, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in its restaurant / cafe. With a rustic interior that spread out over two floors, Rolf's Restaurant / Cafe does a brisk trade, speaking to creative cooking of Euro-Toques chef Johannes Haffner, who serves up a wide-ranging and creative A la Carte menu including a variety of organic and local produce, seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes. After dinner relax in Rolf's Wine Bar, cozy up to the open fire with a fine glass of wine selected from an extensive menu of world vintners. Should you prefer, Rolf's also pours a fine Murphy's Stout. (Sorry, no Guinness. After all, this is Cork!) On a sunny day there's no finer place to eat, sip wine, or relax than one of Rolf's terraces, either the table seating set out in front in the courtyard out back.
Rolf's breakfasts never fail to please, featuring homemade breads, scones, and pastries, and good coffee. Rolf's Restaurant / Cafe doubles as a gallery of fine art, hosting numerous exhibits of local and national artists each year.
Rolf's makes for an excellent base to explore West Cork with its many natural amenities. Just a five minute walk to Baltimore's boat-shroaded harbour, where you can catch the ferry to Sherkin and Cape Clear islands.
