Often after a visit to a beautiful place, you simply want to sit with a nice cup of tea or coffee to soak up the mood and linger a little longer. So, the next time you visit the magnificent Glendalough lakes in Co Wicklow, take the short journey back to the village of Laragh and stop off at the Conservatory tearooms. Opened just a year, it’s a perfect blend of owner Lisa de la Haye’s twin passions for entertaining and interior design.

Specialities include homemade breads and scones, soups and delicious fruit tarts. You can choose to eat in the conservatory, the kitchen or the dining room of this restored 19th-century schoolhouse. Or, if the sun comes out, there’s a scattering of garden seats. The muted cream and green decor is a perfect backdrop to the stylish silver teapots and floral patterned china cups. The Conservatory is open from 10am-6pm every day except Tuesdays and private parties and buffets can be arranged. It also has BB accommodation for up to 10 guests. Tel: 0404-45302.