Champagne seafood, roaring fires and a quieter family home are at the heart of the latest food Ireland story involving Kevin and Catherine Dundon. The hospitality couple are officially empty nesters after helping their youngest child move to university in the UK, but their award-winning Dunbrody House continues to welcome guests on Wexford’s Hook Peninsula.
Catherine described the emotional journey home after dropping off her son, Tom, for the next stage of his education. After travelling over with a full car, she returned by ferry with an empty one — and to a noticeably quieter house shared only with Kevin.
Family Christmas at Dunbrody House
The Dundons have three children: daughters Emily and Sophie, who already live abroad, and their youngest son. While the couple are familiar with having children away from home, Tom’s departure marks a new chapter for the family.
There is, however, plenty to look forward to. The family plans to reunite in December, when Dunbrody House will provide the perfect setting for Christmas celebrations. Catherine highlighted the property’s open fires and welcoming atmosphere, saying the house feels particularly special when family members return from different parts of the world.
That sense of warmth is central to the Irish hospitality experience. For anyone researching places to eat Ireland, Wexford food or an Ireland restaurant guide, Dunbrody offers more than a meal: it combines local character, accommodation and a deep connection to seasonal entertaining.
Dunbrody’s Award-Winning Dining
The couple’s professional lives remain as busy as ever. At Georgina Campbell’s 2026 Irish Food and Hospitality Awards, Catherine accepted recognition for Dunbrody’s Champagne Seafood Bar and Terrace, which was named Smart-Casual Dining Venue of the Year.
The award reflects the continuing appeal of relaxed, high-quality dining. Seafood remains an important part of the Irish food scene, particularly in coastal counties such as Wexford, where fresh produce and a strong sense of place shape the menu.
- Location: Arthurstown, on Wexford’s Hook Peninsula
- Dining style: Smart-casual hospitality with a seafood focus
- Atmosphere: Warm, welcoming and suited to special occasions
- Experience: A blend of hotel dining, local produce and Irish country-house charm
For readers seeking restaurant reviews Ireland, best restaurants Ireland or Irish food recommendations, Dunbrody’s latest award places it firmly among the country’s notable hospitality destinations.
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After more than three decades at Dunbrody, Kevin and Catherine Dundon remain enthusiastic about welcoming both loyal returning guests and a new generation of visitors. Their story is a reminder that Irish hospitality is built not only around food, but also around family, tradition and memorable surroundings.
Key takeaway: Dunbrody House continues to showcase the warmth of Irish hospitality, pairing award-winning seafood dining with the family atmosphere that makes a country-house stay so memorable.
Article/Image Courtesy: EVOKE
