We are not speaking as former guests of the hotel but as satisfied customers of the hotel's restaurant. We experienced the restaurant for the first time on European Heritage Open Day on Sunday 12th September 2011 when we took the free 'Ring of Gullion Landscape and Built Heritage Tour' that took a bus load of us keen history observers around the most fascinating - and little known - parts of South Armagh. The tour lasted SIX hours, the tour guide was brilliant, and one of the many highlights was the lunch stop in Crossmaglen where we discovered the Cross Square Hotel.

Crossmaglen on a Sunday is rather quiet but we were delighted to find the hotel open and serving meals at lunch time, it was busy but we only had to wait ten minutes for a table for four (2 adults, 2 kids). We all ordered the roast beef and, even though there was a wee wait for the food to arrive, it was worth it as it was the best beef I have ever been served in a restaurant. This positive experience was not a one-off as we re-visited the Cross Square again two weeks ago for a meal - we live in Belfast and specifically aimed for this establishment during our day out - and again ordered the roast, plus chicken goujons and the 'roast casserole' ( a very fragrant stew, highly recommended) and we found the quality of the food to be as fine as our previous visit.

The beef is locally sourced, Irish beef, is beautifully tender and falls apart under the knife, plenty of side veg accompanying and fluffy roast potatoes. Compliments to the chef! the service is friendly, accommodating, and the food, while it does not arrive within minutes of ordering (and this is a good thing in my opinion...), is delicious and hearty fare. No complaints at all and you can pay your bill in either Sterling or Euros. Our bill for four meals plus eight drinks came to less than £35. Excellent value!

The village of Crossmaglen itself is small but compact: most of the shops are closed on Sunday but we paid our second visit on a Saturday and found, among many of the local businesses, several excellent butchers open - all selling locally sourced meat and produce - a charming gift shop on the square and a bakery that sells cakes and buns to die for.

Crossmaglen, as a Republican stronghold, featured heavily and tragically during The Troubles and there is a memorial in the Square to the candle-lit vigil that was held during the time of the republican hunger strikes in the early 80's. The surrounding region of South Armagh is stunning and if you visit the Visitors Centre at Bagnels Castle in nearby Newry you can find loads of literature and maps to help you discover the area's hidden gems - both historical, political and archaeological. Well worth a day or two of driving around.

We would happily use the Cross Square Hotel as our base if we decide to make our next visit to the area an overnight-or-two-or-three.