A spring morning in County Cavan greets with a sweep of drumlin hills, their folds bright with grass and the slow movement of cattle and calves. This is lake country, Ireland’s hidden heartland – an old agricultural landscape humming quietly to itself.
In the village of Virginia, a long avenue bordered by sentinel lime and giant redwood trees leads to Virginia Park Lodge on the shores of Lough Ramor. The country-house hotel and hunting estate was once a sporting retreat for the 1st Earl of Bective, Lord Headfort. It has passed through two centuries of hands and histories to come to rest with Richard Corrigan, chef-proprietor of Bentley’s and Corrigan’s Mayfair, and one of Ireland’s most celebrated chefs.
Guests gather round the lunch table at Virginia Park Lodge © Rob Stothard
Richard Corrigan in the kitchen at Virginia Park Lodge © Rob Stothard
Roast vegetables for the lunch © Rob Stothard
