Hidden Ireland Houses

Castle Townshend is a stunning 17th Century castellated house overlooking the harbour of Castlehaven. Built by the Townshend family, the house gradually expanded with the towers being added in the 1800’s. Now 11 generations on and rejuvenated in 2016, The Castle offers both an authentic historic home, with its wood panelled walls, family portraits and museum like ornaments, and all the expected modern facilities such as ensuite bathrooms, heating and wifi.

Renowned for its warm hospitality and tranquility, Mornington captures the true spirit of Hidden Ireland amidst the sparkling lakes, rolling hills and ancient forests of County Westmeath. This has been the home of the O’Hara family since 1858 and is now in the careful stewardship of Warwick and Anne O’Hara.

Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, just over an hour from Dublin, Roundwood is a beautiful and historically significant 18th century that offers a total escape from the hustle and bustle of city life…

Coolclogher House built in 1746 is a historic manor house set on a 68 acre walled estate near Killarney on the Ring of Kerry. Luxuriously restored by Mary and Maurice Harnett, Coolclogher has spacious reception rooms and large, comfortable bedrooms with magnificent views over the gardens and pasture to the dramatic mountains of the Killarney National Park.

Kiltariff Hall is a Victorian Country House on the outskirts of the small market town of Rathfriland within 20 mins drive from Newry which is on the Dublin-Belfast railway line. The house retains its original Victorian features and you will be welcomed with afternoon tea/coffee in the drawing room. From here you can look out onto the view of the stunning Mourne Mountains, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Glenlohane is a house of great character, comfort and tranquillity. It contains furniture and memorabilia that reflect the family’s two and a half centuries of residence. In a parkland setting overlooking terraced lawns, the house is surrounded by stately trees and the rolling fields of the 250 acre farm.

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, and it now run by their son Justin and his wife Jenny.

Perched on the edge of Clifden Harbour, The Quay House is just minutes from the centre of this vibrant, engaging town. Dating from 1820, it is Clifden’s oldest house, originally built for the harbour master.

Glanleam was built as a linen mill in 1775 and later converted into a house by the Knight of Kerry, who planted the magnificent sub-tropical gardens. In 1975 Meta Kreissig bought the estate which had declined for 50 years.

Dating from 1863, Lorum Old Rectory sits beneath Mount Leinster in the peaceful valley of the River Barrow. Its warm, yellowish, locally cut granite gives it a distinctive and pleasing appearance. The house sits peacefully on the slopes above the River Barrow at Kilgreaney, about halfway between Bagenalstown and Borris. Behind the house are Mount Leinster and the Blackstairs Mountains while in front, across the river, are the plains of Kilkenny. Bobbie Smith and her daughter Rebecca are known for their warm welcome and splendid home baking. They know the area intimately and are always a fund of local knowledge.

Ashley Park House has a magical quality that is particularly appealing. The avenue winds along the shore, through deep woods of oak and beech, until–suddenly–you reach the Georgian house, surrounded by tall trees, with beautiful views over a private lake. Inside, the rooms are large, comfortable and well equipped so offering a truly relaxing break away from the busyness of modern life.