Go Exploring at Lough Bawn House

Posted on 20/05/202203/08/2022 by HIBlog

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.

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

Book your stay at Orlagh House

Posted on 16/04/202214/04/2023 by Aidan Gallagher

Book your stay at Orlagh House. A Georgian mansion built by Dublin snuff merchant Lundy Foot back in 1790. Frequent visitors to the house included the Great Emancipator Daniel O’Connell, Eoin Mac Neill, Padraig Pearse and William Smith O’Brian.

A truly unique house set on 45 acres in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, with spectacular views over Dublin City and stretching out as far as the Irish Sea. We are only 25 minutes from Dublin Airport and from Dublin city centre. The house has been lovingly and tastefully restored in recent years, with large drawing and reception rooms and open fires. Our beautiful dining room sits 20 people at our regency table. There is a large games room in the basement of the house with table tennis, pool table, and a full-sized snooker table.

There is lots to do in the area including hiking trails both on the estate and including the Dublin Way and the Wicklow Way. We have an equestrian centre next door with reduced rates for guests and some of Dublin’s most infamous pubs are within 10 minutes of the house, with great local food, traditional music, and Irish dancing.

The house really is one-of-a-kind. Make sure to click HERE and book your stay at Orlagh House

WEDDINGS

Orlagh house is the perfect location for couples who want something different from the norm, a unique and truly personal day to remember. Exclusively yours for your wedding day with a second day optional, we also have 14 bedrooms to offer your guests.

We have an in-house catering team who can create your perfect menu, from sit down formal dining to a more laid-back BBQ’. Choose from our indoor ballroom or numerous outside garden areas. Our wedding team are there to help you with everything you may need.

Click HERE to book your stay at Orlagh House

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Best Places to Stay 2022

Posted on 26/03/202214/04/2023 by Aidan Gallagher

This morning the Irish Independent has published its Fab 50: Ireland’s best places to stay 2022. We are so delighted that Hidden Ireland has two houses included in the list! Clonalis House in Castlerea, Co Roscommon and Birdhill House & Gardens in Clonmel, Co Tipperary appear under the heading of “cool castles & character stays”!

Clonalis House

To quote Nicola Brady when it comes to historical properties, Castlerea’s Clonalis House is top of the pile.

Life at Clonalis House is all about kicking back with all the ingredients for a lazy weekend in the country.

Expect the good-old fashioned hospitality of bygone days, roaring turf fires to sit next to and a charismatic ambience. Curl up with a book on a sofa in the library or borrow a pair of wellies and take a stroll in the 700-acre woodland estate.

Clonalis House won the O’Flynn Group Heritage Prize, recognising the dedication to history and preservation of old Irish architecture.

To quote Carol-Anne, from Clonalis House “it’s a never ending project”.

An excellent choice for inclusion in the Irish Independent’s Fab 50, Ireland’s best places to stay in 2022.

Click HERE to book a stay in the beautiful Clonalis House.

Birdhill House & Gardens

Thomas Breathnach called to Yvonne & Robert in Birdhill House & Gardens. Another stunning Hidden Ireland house which is the latest addition to the Hidden Ireland family. Thomas found a villa-like splendour and an all-season appeal , with sun trap terraces, palatial bedrooms, and inviting spaces to curl up in. The house also boasts a beautiful decadent drawing room and a library that is just bursting with character! Condé Nast Traveller has tipped Tipperary as one of the best places in the world to visit in 2022.Click HERE to book a stay in Birdhill House & Gardens!

Click HERE to read the full list of the Irish Independent’s Fab 50 Ireland’s best places to stay in 2022!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for news, updates and any offers that are available!

Treat your Mother to a Hidden Ireland Gift Voucher for Mother’s Day this year and your mum can treat herself to a stay in one of the best places to stay in Ireland for 2022!

Explore the Mourne Mountain Region

Posted on 10/02/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

Explore the Mourne Mountain Region! From dramatic mountains sweeping down to the sea to miles of sandy beaches and magical Forest Parks. The Mourne Region has it all.

The Mourne Mountain range has many walks for all abilities and boasts many wonderful views. The tallest peak Slieve Donard was the inspiration for the Percy French song “Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea” as it dominates the quaint seaside town of Newcastle. The world class Royal County Down Golf Club sits between Newcastle and Murlough Beach which is a protected wildlife reserve and one of the most picturesque places for a swim in Ireland.

When you are exploring the Mourne Mountain Region there are 3 forest parks in the area. Tollymore Forest is 3 miles outside Newcastle and Castlewellan Forest is 5 miles from Newcastle. It has many forest walks and a mature maze to keep you occupied for hours. Kilbroney Park can be found in the pretty village of Rostrevor and was one of the areas which inspired CS Lewis to write The Tales of Narnia. You can climb up to the Cloughmor Stone and look out over Carlingford Lough to the Cooley Mountains. All three parks have designated bike tracks and bike hire is available.

Downpatrick is also close by and you can visit St Patrick’s Grave at the Cathedral and follow St Patrick’s trail. The many stone circles and Neolithic Dolmens in the area are also well worth a visit.

There is so much to discover in the Mourne Region and all over Northern Ireland. To learn more about discovering Northern Ireland click HERE.

Hidden Ireland also have two Country Houses, namely Kiltariff Hall & Tyrella House where you can stay and explore this whole area

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Ballynatray Estate Riverside

Posted on 30/01/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

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

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

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.

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Self-Catering at The Courtyard Mallow

Posted on 28/01/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

Self-Catering at The Courtyard Mallow is a must for anyone touring the South West of Ireland. The Courtyard, located at the rear of the main Georgian house has been lovingly renovated. Each apartment in The Courtyard, Mallow is elegantly decorated with its own unique style and story. Having scoured vintage and antique shops around the country to add that extra flare and individuality to the living spaces of The Courtyard apartments. We use White & Green luxury organic cotton bed linen on all beds and Dalkey liquid handmade soap to ensure our guests can fully unwind during their stay. All bedrooms are ensuite for your comfort and privacy.

The Blackwater

Named after the powerful Blackwater river which passes through Mallow as it crosses Munster from Kerry to the sea in Youghal. The first bedroom has a 6ft super-king sized bed and the second bedroom has a 5ft king-sized bed. Its modern and stylish kitchen and living area is the perfect spot to relax after a busy day exploring the wonders of Cork and Munster.

The Mount Hillary

Named after Mount Hillary, a 400m mountain located to the west of the property. The first bedroom has a 5ft king sized bed and the second has two 4ft 6in queen/double beds. This apartment is ideal for a family, with its multiple beds and comfortable living areas.

The Gortnagross

Named after Gortnagross – the name comes from the Irish Gort na gCros, meaning the Field of Crosses. This stylish apartment has one bedroom with a 6ft super-king sized bed. This apartment is ideal for a couple looking to relax in a romantic atmosphere in the Munster area.

Click here to book a Self-Catering stay at The Courtyard, Mallow.

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Kiltariff Hall Country House

Posted on 27/01/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

Set at the end of a short drive lies Kiltariff Hall Country House surrounded by mature oak, sycamore and pine trees. Lovingly cared for down the generations Kiltariff Hall Country House has been part of the history of Rathfriland since the 1750s. Catherine Cummings owns Kiltariff Hall Country House and loves sharing with guests the beautiful history of the house including the fact that it was her grandfather who actually built the house in 1888.

The House:

The reception rooms in Kiltariff Hall are beautifully spacious with high ceilings and ornate cornicing. The dining room boasts a large antique table and a Broadwood grand piano. The house also has many of the original fireplaces, pitch pine doors and woodwork. The bedrooms are exceptionally comfortable with well appointed en-suite bathrooms. There are exquisite views of the Mourne Mountains from one side of the house. Outside there is a vegetable garden and a patio for relaxing. Bedrooms are refreshed daily with fresh filtered water, milk and delicious home baked treats. Kiltariff Hall also has broadband internet available in every room.

Good Food:

Enjoy a traditional “Ulster Fry” or smoked salmon and scrambled egg in the dining room overlooking the garden. For a lighter breakfast, a selection of fresh fruit, yoghurt and cereal is available from the buffet on the sideboard. Kiltariff Hall’s own walled vegetable garden provides the fruit when in season. Catherine also has a variety of her own homemade preserves and freshly homemade wheaten bread. Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options available upon request.

Click here to book a stay in Kiltariff Hall Country House

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Christmas time at Hidden Ireland

Posted on 16/12/202114/04/2023 by HIBlog

Have you ever wondered what it would be like around Christmas time at Hidden Ireland?

We took a little look at what could be expected if we stayed at Roundwood House around Christmas time. The thoughts of a brisk walk in the morning and taking in the magical surroundings sometimes with a little snow! Back to the library and settle down with a good book and maybe even a little glass of mulled wine. Let your toes toast happy at the roaring fire. From the library head for the drawing room where you can meet some of the other guests or have a chat with Hannah & Paddy complete with coffee and homemade biscuits.

This could be you this year or even next year! At Hidden Ireland we have a Gift Voucher Competition running at the minute! Get you name into the draw and you could easily be warming your toes at the Roundwood Library fire this Christmas time.

To win a €500 Hidden Ireland Gift Voucher all you need to do is purchase one of our Hidden Ireland Vouchers before Tuesday 21st December 2021, and your name will automatically be entered into the draw to win.

Hidden Ireland Gift Vouchers are an ideal stocking filler for Christmas, Anniversary or Birthday present. All our Gift Vouchers are valid for 5 years and we can email or post them directly to you or the recipient! Happy shopping from the comfort of your own house!

Hidden Ireland will announce the winner on Wednesday 22nd December 2021. Do not delay; get your name in that draw now!

Click here to buy your Hidden Ireland Gift Voucher.

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Black Friday Sale 2021

Posted on 23/11/202114/04/2023 by HIBlog

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.

Hidden Ireland break at The Castle Castletownshend

Posted on 21/09/202114/04/2023 by Aidan Gallagher

Looking for a wonderful destination for a couple of nights break?

Hidden Ireland has the perfect locations!

Why not take advantage of September and have a break away at The Castle, Castletownshend?

Warm Welcome

At The Castle guests can wander the grounds or the village of Castletownshend. In the evening you can make use of the honesty bar to relax and unwind in this peaceful setting. At the Castle each bedroom is individually named and decorated. The balcony in “Army”, large four poster bed in “Archbishops”, or double bath in “Chavenage”, all make for a unique and memorable stay. Breakfast is served each day in the Dining Room on the East side. The morning light streams in on the fresh buffet table or order a hot Irish breakfast.

Bedrooms

Six of our unique rooms have sea views and King size beds which help you to enjoy the luxury of the accommodation offered at The Castle. A ground floor room is also available upon request if stairs are problematic, all our rooms have private ensuite bathrooms.

Visit https://hiddenireland.com and book your stay today!