Hidden Ireland country house accommodation bed and breakfast

Five ways to enjoy the Irish countryside this autumn

Summer may be almost at an end now, but that doesn’t mean that the holidays and excursions should stop. Many people list autumn as their favourite season of all. It’s not hard to see why with the glorious colours in the trees, cooler temperatures making it more pleasant to go for a long ramble and the prosect of delicious seasonal treats on the menu.

Many Hidden Ireland properties are located near beautiful woodlands, forests and countryside areas that show off their best side at this time of year. For autumn afficionados, Ireland offers a plethora of seasonal treats and experiences that will help keep the spirts high, right up until Christmas. Here are five ways to enjoy the Irish countryside this autumn.

·      Autumn rambles
When it comes to finding the best walking routes around, visitors to Ireland are spoilt for choice. Ireland’s midlands are home to beautiful woodlands, forests and rural landscapes, all yours for the exploring. If you are staying nearer to the edge of the country, you can enjoy coastal walks that take in breathtaking vistas across the Irish Sea to the east, Celtic Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west.

·      Fun foraging
Foraging has become more and more popular of late, as people look closer into the bounty that nature can provide. From mushrooms and berries to leaves and herbs, you can find a host of delicious ingredients out in the open countryside. A very important proviso here is to never eat anything that you are not 100% sure is edible and safe to consume. Always check with an expert before tucking into your finds. The best way to enjoy this autumnal activity is to book a place on a foraging walk. This will ensure that you only collect and eat safe items – and only forage in places where it is permissible to do so.

·      Changing views
The colours in the trees change many times as autumn progresses, and the same view or walking route can look very different, even within a few days. So, don’t assume that, once you have completed a walking route or admired a view that it will look the same until winter. Take time to return to favourite spots and enjoy the season and the trees changing before your very eyes. As some of the leaves fall towards the end of autumn, this will reveal previously hidden parts of a view and change the whole experience even more.

·      Arts and crafts
Autumn’s rich and vibrant colour palette has inspired many arts and crafts activities for adults and children alike. Two creative hobbies that lend themselves perfectly to autumn are painting and photography. Mixing just the right oils or watercolours to capture the exact shade of an autumnal tree can be immensely satisfying, as can composing the perfect shots for some seasonally inspired photographs. Other countryside crafts include pressing leaves and flowers to make greeting cards, or finding the perfect fallen branch for your next woodturning project.

·      Harvest feast-ival
Finally, the ice creams, cocktails and salads of summer are fast becoming a distant memory. The good news, however, is that in their place come pumpkins, breads, grains and soups. Warming, tasty autumn dishes can warm the heart every bit as much as fill the stomach and they are an undoubted benefit of life in September and October. Watch out for autumn-inspired dishes from your Hidden Ireland hosts, or on the menus of local cafes and restaurants to a truly authentic Irish experience. The perfect way to keep the first of the misty morning autumnal temperatures at bay .

If you need to contact Hidden Ireland to find out more about our country houses, cottage or properties please click HERE

Check out our social media pages:

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

Kilmokea House

THE ‘MANA 3 NIGHT RETREAT’

THE ‘MANA 3 NIGHT RETREAT’

at Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens

May 16th to 19th 2023

Enquiries & To Book phone Emma 051 388109

Kilmokea Retreat

 

‘Start the day off right with Morning movement followed by reflection time throughout the day. End the day feeling relaxed, pampered and inspired’

Day 1

Arrive at Kilmokea between 2.30pm and 3.30 pm for the introduction to your beautiful, individually designed bedroom.

4 pm. Join Johanna and Emma in the drawing room where you will receive a warm welcome followed by a gentle meditation.

5 pm. Time to explore your retreat space before dinner allowing you to unwind and connect with your surroundings.

7 pm. Healthy Organic Vegetarian 2 course dinner in the Dining room.

8:30 p.m. Evening gathering with Qi Gong at the Italian Loggia & Pool.

Day 2

8.00 am.  Energise with Qi Gong movement on the lawn, whilst listening to the morning birds.

8:30 am Breakfast in the Garden Conservatory

10 am Mindful walk to the Vegetable Garden

10:30 am Explore the world of growing your own fruit and vegetables

12:30 pm Lunch in the Garden Conservatory followed by an afternoon of replenishing your inner resources. Press the pause button on everyday life with a relaxing afternoon in the Jacuzzi and Indoor Heated Pool and Gardens.

4 p.m. Forest bathing/ Shinrin Yoku in the Woodlands. This health promoting, nature connection practice aims to enhance wellbeing, relieve stress and encourage relaxation. Enjoy a guided walk, and soak up the healing benefits of the natural environment through one’s five senses.

6.30 p.m. Healthy Organic Vegetarian 2 course dinner in the Dining room.

8 p.m. Evening Meditation under the Stars.

Day 3

8 a.m.  Energise with Qi Gong movement on the lawn, whilst listening to the morning birds.

8:30 a.m. Breakfast in the Garden Conservatory.

10 a.m. Stunning gentle Beach walk, with optional Sea Swim. Enjoy an Introduction to seaweed delights and the practice of earthing.

1:30 p.m. Kilmokea lunch followed by an afternoon of replenishing your inner resources. Press the pause button on everyday life with a relaxing afternoon in the Jacuzzi and Indoor Heated Pool and Gardens.

6 p.m. Open fire dinner in the Woodlands with evening meditation to finish

Day 4

8 am Meditation & Qi Gong movement in the Gardens.

9 a.m.  Breakfast in the Garden Conservatory.

10am Our closing gathering. Depart feeling revitalised, restored & renewed.

Participation in daily activities and workshops is always optional.

Kilmokea Retreat

 

Mana Retreat Hosts.

Emma Hewlett.

Emma Co owns and lovingly looks after Kilmokea Country Manor and Gardens with her husband, Mark. Guests have been staying at Kilmokea under their care for over 25 years, enjoying the Hewlett home with all the gorgeous offerings on site. Extensive gardens, indoor heated pool, tennis court, croquet lawn, jacuzzi, sauna and gym. Emma is the Chef in the evening for paying guests where she prepares a wide range of seasonal organic locally sourced food, much of which is grown in the gardens under her care.

She is an Holistic Aromatherapist who works with organic Irish essential oils. Recently she qualified as a vibrational flower essence practitioner and forest bathing facilitator. She practices Qi Gong and meditation daily, loves being outside and sea swims throughout the warmer months. She spends her relaxing moments on the beautiful local beaches and walking with her dogs in the woodlands amongst the trees.

 

Johanna Brown

A history graduate from Trinity College Dublin Johanna spent over 20 years working and travelling, including 5 years living and working in Jordan. 10 years ago she started running art and nature classes which evolved into her own ‘Forest school’. This involves outdoor education through school programmes  in after school groups and camps. She has also led teacher training in this area, and workshops for mental health.

Passionate about foraging, eco-art and learning more about nature-based solutions she is also a certified Forest Bathing practitioner.  Johanna enjoys Qi gong regularly, meditation, nlp, swimming in the river and sea, and walking. She loves sharing the joys and benefits of nature and leading groups of people outdoors, promoting mindfulness and well-being.

 

Everything you need to relax at Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens:

3 nights accommodation in beautiful individually designed bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, cotton sheets and floral bathroom soaps.

Invigorating Water from our own well which has been filtered through reverse osmosis and a vortex.

Daily delicious, nutritious, locally sourced, organic vegetarian food with a vegan option available by prior arrangement.

Secluded Property with Historic Gardens which highlight the location of the mythological foundation site of Ireland, with the first landing of Cassair, followed by peaceful Celtic monks in the 7th century who farmed the lands. The Viking boats which sailed up the River Barrow and settled at Kilmokea preceded the arrival of the Normans in 1169. Kilmokea are proud members of Hidden Ireland and offer accommodation to guests wishing to experience authentic Irish hospitality in their historic home.

What to Bring:

Optional to bring a musical instrument, a story or song for the Open Fire evening in the woods

Outdoor activities will require appropriate clothing so please bring a coat, outdoor footwear, sun cream, a water bottle  and Beach towel if swimming

Feel free to wear pyjamas for the meditation or loose comfortable clothing.

Click here to learn more about this amazing retreat

Lough Bawn House

Go Exploring at Lough Bawn House

Book a stay with Verity and go exploring at Lough Bawn House!

The house and estate has been in the same family since it was built in 1820 by George Battesby, the current occupier, Verity’s, Great Great Great Grandfather. The house is being lovingly restored by Verity, having returned from England to live in the family home. Verity ran her own catering and events company in Gloucestershire for over 20 years. Her passion for cooking & entertaining shines through. Guests enjoy an extensive and varied breakfast with much of the ingredients being grown or reared by Verity herself, and delicious dinners are on offer. Breakfast is eaten in the large newly restored dining room, with wonderful views over the lough and of the parading peacocks on the rolling lawns.

Both of the large, en-suite rooms have fine views down the length of Lough Bane and over the wooded hills while the single room and the twin/double room have sweeping views of the surrounding parklands. Guests are warmly welcomed and encouraged to relax in the homely drawing room in front of a roaring fire or to explore one of the many local historical sites, gardens, walks or cultural entertainments on offer.

Lough Bawn House Lough Bawn House Lough Bawn House

What to do whilst at Lough Bawn House!

There is so much you can do while staying in Lough Bawn House! Travel westwards along the River Shannon to the historic town of Athlone, Mullingar and Kells. Heading east brings you to the vibrant city of Dublin! Ramble through beech tree forest at Mullaghmeen or cycle on the Royal Canal Greenway and Old Railway Line.

Play golf at courses in Mullingar, Virginia, Kells Headfort, Slieve Russel, and the K Club. Visit the Lough Crew Megalithic Cairns & Passage Tombs, Hill of Uineach and Newgrange. Visit Tullynally Castle, Belvedere House, Loughcrew, and Ballindoolin gardens. Explore Ireland’s Ancient East with historic places like Fore Abbey with it’s Nellie and Nancy walk and Trim Castle. Kilbeggan Distillery Experience, Lockes Museum, Causey Farm, Sheridan’s Cheesemongers and farm shop.

Click HERE to learn more or to book a stay with Verity and go exploring at Lough Bawn House

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

Preston House

Exclusive Stay at Preston House

Book an exclusive stay at Preston House and find our beautifully restored 18th Century Georgian House. Preston House has a private courtyard and wooded garden. This beautiful property is located on the Main Street of the picturesque Heritage Town of Abbeyleix.

Preston House is the perfect space to unite for family gatherings or private parties. Explore this home from home with the comforts of a fully equipped country kitchen, a drawing room, a music parlour & two dining rooms. There are six luxurious suites in Preston House. Each suite is individually decorated with a quirky mix of chic and antique furnishings. This provides ample living space to comfortably accommodate 14 people.

Preston House Preston House Preston House

The country manor kitchen was originally designed to cater for up to 80 people but it’s perfect for large or small gatherings. The individual room mixes are the perfect setting for family dining, relaxing with friends or celebrations. Preston House as a whole can be transformed into an event space, a cultural gathering or wellness space. With a beautiful courtyard for outdoor dining, Preston House is the perfect place as a unique wedding setting.

The Lords Walk is just a short walk from Preston House, every day, there is an adventure waiting in Laois. With its mountains, canals, forest trails, rivers & lakes, Laois is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Preston House and Abbeyleix is the perfect starting point to explore!

Preston House is only one of the beautiful Exclusive Rentals available through Hidden Ireland.

Click HERE to book an exclusive stay at Preston House!

Please make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

Birdhill House & Gardens Hidden Ireland Luxury Accommodation

Birdhill House and Gardens

Book a stay at Birdhill House and Gardens which offers the ultimate mix of homeliness and grandeur. The perfect place to reflex and re-energize. Enjoy the welcoming warmth of this mid 1700’s Georgian country house. Nestled in the Suir valley with panoramic views of Knockmealdown and Comeragh mountains.

Explore the tranquil and breathtaking beauty of the gardens. Take the time to relax on one of the many terraces. Sip a glass of wine or dine al fresco around the fire pit. If you feel like a little exercise you might stroll along the river bank, be tempted to take out the rowing boat/kayak. Or maybe enjoy an energetic game of tennis.

On a chilly day sit by a roaring fire in the drawing room or gather friends and family around the kitchen table to play games. Hide away in the library for a quiet read surrounded by relaxed elegance.

Retire to the delightfully decorated bedrooms and snuggle down for sweet dreams, but be warned: the morning chorus here at Birdhill House & Gardens is quite spectacular. Oh! And watch out for Millie and her daughter Hettie, the sweetest of dogs.

Birdhill House and Gardens Birdhill House and Gardens

Birdhill is a labour of love and a lifestyle choice for Yvonne and Robert.

All the restoration and maintenance work tirelessly themselves and have designed and constructed a 4 1/2 acre gardens from scratch, without any help from machinery.

Just three boys and a girl on their summer holidays from school. The result is a beautiful home and spectacular gardens that they feel privileged to be custodians of and to share with others.

Click HERE to book a wonderful stay at Birdhill House & Gardens.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

 

Ballynatray Boat House

Ballynatray Estate Riverside

Take a walk on the banks of the River Blackwater in the Ballynatray Estate Riverside you will lose all sense of time and be completely overcome with the beauty of the area. The mesmerising scent of the sea air drifting up the river from the harbour in Youghal.

Take a Ballynatray Picnic with you and explore the stunning parkland and gardens with commanding views of the Blackwater River. Along the riverside Ballynatray Estate offers two private holiday rentals and these are namely The Boat House & The River Cottage

The Boat House

Boat House Ballynatray Estate Riverside Boat House Ballynatray Estate Riverside

The Boat House is a romantic private holiday rental on the waterfront. It is the ideal adult only location where romantic notions are never very far away. The boat house is an open plan room with a King-size bed in the centre. Soaking in the free standing bath were you can enjoy breathtaking views of the River Blackwater.

The River Cottage

River Cottage Ballynatray Estate Riverside River Cottage Ballynatray Estate Riverside

Not far along the Blackwater is The River Cottage which unquestionably enjoys some breathtaking views of the river and some of Ballynatray House because of its unique location. The cottage, split between two levels boasts a magnificent large and spacious master bedroom.

Both of these properties are not self-catering properties.

The clever idea behind these two fantastic holiday rentals because while they are private to just you above all there is also no cooking involved either.

Equipped with a microwave, kettle & fridge it is all that is needed for a couple who love to dine out and not have to worry about the washing up.

Click here to book a stay on the Ballynatray Estate Riverside.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

blank

Black Friday Sale 2021

Black Friday Sale 2021

Here at Hidden Ireland we believe in great value! This year we have an amazing offer for anyone who purchases a Hidden Ireland Gift Voucher!
Black Friday is only one day! Here at Hidden Ireland we are making this offer available for 5 days! From the 25th November until the 30th November 2021 anyone who buys a €100 gift voucher, Hidden Ireland will gift you back €10
With a Hidden Ireland Hotel Gift Voucher you, or your recipients, can choose from over 30 top quality, luxury, Country Houses, Manor Houses, B&Bs, Gate Houses and Lodges. All our houses are Award-Winning Properties throughout Ireland boasting all the best that Irish hospitality can give! Pamper someone special with a voucher for a stay at one of our idyllic properties! Click here to see a map of all our properties. Relax and enjoy some time away in luxury accommodation where you set the pace of your stay from a waterfront stay in Clifden or Castletownshend to a breath taking stay in Co Down or Co Louth.
Remember, the Hidden Ireland Black Friday Sale for 2021 is not just one day! The Black Friday Sale starts on Thursday 25th November 2021 for 5 days and finishes on the 30th November 2021.
To avail of this amazing offer this Black Friday click here to get your Hidden Ireland Gift Vouchers.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!
Ballyvolane House

Stay at Ballyvolane House

Escape to and stay at Ballyvolane House a glorious historic Irish country house. Feast on delicious home-grown food meticulously prepared by our chef Sarah English and sip on our own Bertha’s Revenge Gin tipples. Why not explore the delights of the locality such as cliff walks on the coast, hike up the Knockmealdown or Galtee mountains? Visit Cork City and Kinsale, cast a fly on the river Blackwater or gently glide down the river in a canoe or simply relax here.

Enjoy late breakfasts, curl up by the fire and immerse yourself in all the latest glossy magazines, stroll around the gardens and if inclined, come and help feed the pigs and chickens, or if you are feeling active, play a game of tennis in the walled garden. We are always happy to help plan day trips during the day and book a table at some of our excellent local eateries.

Originally built in 1728, Ballyvolane House is a magical house surrounded by woods, vast gardens and parkland.

The house has a charming, peaceful and homely atmosphere.

There are three lakes and the huge gardens are impeccably maintained by Jeremy Green. Jeremy and his late wife Merrie, a fly-fishing expert, first opened their home as luxurious country house accommodation about twenty-five years ago.

Ballyvolane House is now run by their son Justin and his wife Jenny, who have brought a wealth of Hospitality Management experience with them.

Hosting weddings and other special occasions has been a huge part of Ballyvolane House for over ten years. In 2018 they were honoured to have HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to stay at Ballyvolane House during their official visit to Cork.

Book your stay in Ballyvolane here.

Ballyvolane House Stay at Ballyvolane HouseBallyvolane House Stay at Ballyvolane HouseBallyvolane House Stay at Ballyvolane House

 

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Instagram

blank

Charming Collon House in Irish Garden Magazine

Charming Collon House

Some gardens feature great plant choices, others are graced with good design. The garden at Collon House in Co. Louth has both. It is the hugely impressive creation of John Bentley-Dunn and Michael McMahon. Shirley Lanigan paid a visit to Collon House.

Collon House is one of the fantastic and homely Hidden Ireland houses that are located all over the island of Ireland! John & Michael are always ready to receive guests into their home and even give a guided tour of the magnificent gardens if you wish! Collon House happily accept Hidden Ireland Gift Vouchers and are open all year!

Check out this fantastic feature below that appeared in the Irish Garden Magazine!.

Photography: Vincent McMonagle

Collon House Collon House Collon House Collon House Collon House blank blank