ROLF’S Country House in Baltimore has been announced as the AA’s Guest Accommodation of the Year.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, presented the award at a prestigious ceremony in Dublin recently.

The brother and sister team of Johannes and Freiderike Haffner run the country house with a small local team.

It was Johannes and Freiderike’s parents, Gertrud and Rolf Haffner, who started the business more than 35 years ago, and set the tone for its award-winning and unfussy approach. 

The AA’s Conor Faughnan spoke about its appeal when he said: ‘Time and again we hear of tourists who say that their holiday was made by the wonderful hospitality, warmth and character of our hosts in small accommodation providers. 

‘Co Cork has always excelled for some reason and often features in AA Awards. But in Rolf’s we have a real treasure, something truly wonderful that would make you proud of what Ireland has to offer.’

Rolf’s Country House currently holds an AA Rosette for culinary excellence – awarded for its ‘carefully selected menu, locally sourced ingredients, and exceptional cooking’. 

Johannes and Freiderike told The Southern Star: ‘We are honoured and delighted to receive such prestigious recognition from the AA. We are proud to have served our customers for over 35 years.’