Valentines at Lorum Old Rectory

Posted on 14/02/202214/04/2023 by Aidan Gallagher

This is the perfect opportunity to treat your Valentines at Lorum Old Rectory. The house sits peacefully on the slopes above the River Barrow at Kilgreaney, about halfway between Bagenalstown and Borris. Bobbie Smith & her daughter Rebecca welcome you to their home, both renowned for their warm welcome and splendid home-baking.

Special Mention

Special thanks to Nicola Brady who included us in “Grown-up getaways: 10 adult-only hotel, spa and country house breaks in Ireland” in the Irish Independent on Sunday. Nicola captures what is so special about Lorum Old Rectory. Nicola describes it as ‘home to a gorgeous collection of homely guest rooms, complete with overflowing bookcases and four-poster beds.

Staying at Lorum Old Rectory

Treat your Valentine at Lorum Old Rectory simply because we offer guests relaxed, Country House style Bed & Breakfast Accommodation where the emphasis is on making guests feel ‘at home’.

The broad, high-ceilinged hallway at Lorum is both elegant and inviting. With a commanding presence is the 18th century grandfather clock marking time with its comforting chime. The glow of fresh flowers reflected in the mirror over the hallstand. All adding to the sense of warmth and generosity is immediately conveyed to the visitor. The spacious, pleasingly-proportioned drawing room, where our Bed & Breakfast guests may enjoy afternoon tea, drinks before dinner and coffee afterwards, has large windows that frame magnificent views of Mount Leinster and the western hills. Three large couches – ideal for perusing the many books that the family has collected or continuing a lively dinner conversation. The room’s many curios and photographs give a lively sense of the family’s and the area’s past. The graceful dining room, small “snug” and the family’s study (where Bed & Breakfast guests may watch television) are also off the main hallway.

Click Here to book a stay in Lorum Old Rectory and treat your Valentine!

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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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Amazing Food at Roundwood House

Posted on 08/02/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

Amazing food is essential, especially when you go away for a few days! Roundwood House specialises in amazing food!

Hannah, Paddy and their family are the proud owners of Roundwood House in Mountrath, Co Laois. Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains which is just over an hour from Dublin. Roundwood House is surrounded by mature trees, lawns, gardens and delightful, extensive outbuildings. It is a historic home of architectural interest and was once described by Desmond Guinness, co-founder of the Irish Georgian Society, as having a “marvellous doll’s house-like quality”.

The rambling avenue leads you through a welcoming committee of animals and into a bright, spacious hall. There is a drawing room, study and dining room, where the combination of log fires, antique furniture and absence of televisions may actually make you believe you’ve been transported back to the 18th century. (A bottle of wine tends to hasten the trip.)

Amazing Food

Hannah & Paddy are very much the hands on type! Paddy has an amazing skill with the wooden spoon and a whisk because every dish that leaves the kitchen has character, flavour & indeed a work of art! Paddy’s attention to detail on the plate ensures that you will not forget your dining experience at Roundwood House! Accompanied by a well chosen bottle of wine means you have little or no worries while you stay at Roundwood House!

Click Here to book a stay in Roundwood House and enjoy amazing food!

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Birdhill House and Gardens

Posted on 06/02/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

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 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.

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Stay at Ashley Park House

Posted on 05/02/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

Book a stay at Ashley Park House where you can enjoy the 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. The rooms are large, comfortable offering a truly relaxing break away from the busyness of modern life.

The owners, Margaret & David McKenzie run their home in a relaxed and informal way in the style of the traditional Irish country house, ideal for family and friends taking a break to celebrate a special occasion. Book a stay in Ashley Park House and you can row around the lake, undoubtedly one of the best views of the estate.

The House

Ashley Park House sits in the middle of 76 acres of beech woodland and formal gardens in the heart of County Tipperary. Six miles north of the busy market town of Nenagh with its famous circular keep. This beautiful 18th century country house has sweeping Edwardian verandas overlooking the lake. Approach the house through a rusticated stone arch, down a long tree-lined avenue with lovely views across Lough Ourna.

Ashley Park House retains many of its original Georgian fittings and has been faithfully restored to its original appearance which makes this house so magical to stay in. This gives visitors the opportunity to appreciate truly authentic Irish country house accommodation. Recent renovations have created stylish new rooms in the Coach Houses next to the main house where modern comforts link with traditional styling.

Good Food

Ashley Park House has a fantastic in house culinary team who are eager to entertain you with the finest food. Enjoy a romantic break away with four course dinner in the Main House dining room overlooking the lake. Retire to the luxurious drawing room where you can enjoy a digestif from the residents bar. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, which is Highly Recommended by the Georgina Campbell Irish Breakfast Awards. This is a chance not to be missed because if you do, you only have yourself to blame. Book a stay now so you can treat yourself!

Click here to book an exclusive stay at Ashley Park House.

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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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Stay at Temple House

Posted on 26/01/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

If you are looking for somewhere to stay this Summer then look no further than Co Sligo! Stay at Temple House in Ballymote, Co Sligo and explore the best of the Irish countryside along the Wild Atlantic Way! Temple House is set in the centre of a beautiful 1000 acre west of Ireland estate and was remodelled in 1864.

Location:

The House overlooks the 13th century castle of the Knights Templar, who owned this land in medieval times. The Perceval family have lived here since 1665. The present house was built in 1864 by the owner’s forebear, having returned from China with a rich wife and an enormous fortune. As a result he trebled the size of his home. Whilst the house is of enormous proportions, it has the lovely sense of intimacy and warmth of a family home.

The House:

Roderick & Helena are welcoming hosts taking great pride in the character of their home and the special nature of Temple House Estate. Temple House is a vast classical house in the Georgian style. Temple House still retains its authentic decoration and furniture with delicate Chinese porcelain intermingled with solid County Sligo squires and their ladies. The main reception rooms are large, bright and comfortable. The bedrooms, several have canopied beds are particularly pleasant, with superb views. One of the bedrooms is so large that it has a well deserved reputation as ‘the half-acre’.

Temple House will reopen to welcome guests from mid April 2022. Click here to check availability!

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Hidden Ireland Gift Vouchers

Posted on 26/01/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

Are you looking for that perfect gift to say thank you? Maybe even someone you love is getting married and you want to wish them well. Hidden Ireland Gift Vouchers are the perfect gift for any occasion.

With a Hidden Ireland Gift Voucher you, or a friend, can choose from over 30 Irish Country Houses, B&Bs or Gate Houses and Lodges. A hidden Ireland experience includes luxury accommodation, fine foods and wines, cosy fires and great company.

A leisurely stroll before dinner to take in some of the breath-taking scenery before returning to a warm welcome and some amazing aromas coming from the kitchen. Enjoy a great night’s sleep! Then in the morning enjoy a fantastic selection for breakfast to set you up for the day ahead!

Hidden Ireland Gift Vouchers are available in a variety of values, so you can choose the right one for you.

All you need to do is choose the amount you want the voucher for and how you would like to deliver it and we are happy to look after the rest for you! Hidden Ireland Gift Vouchers can be used in any Hidden Ireland property. From our Country House Hotels to our Self-catering cottages & Gate Lodges.

Click here to buy your Hidden Ireland Gift Voucher

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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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Hidden Ireland Christmas Competition

Posted on 08/12/202114/04/2023 by HIBlog

The Hidden Ireland Christmas Competition is back! Take in the aromas of cinnamon, baked ham and Christmas Pudding. The Christmas tree is up and we are all ready to celebrate. If like us you are rapidly getting in the Christmas spirit this year we have a fantastic opportunity for you to share that Christmas spirit! Hidden Ireland is delighted to offer a fantastic competition to start the Christmas season!

To be in with a chance 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.

Just imagine…on arrival at the house of your choice being welcomed and invited to relax and unwind, simply because the house will be your home during your stay. Take a stroll through the gardens and enjoy some of the most breath-taking scenery that each house has to offer. Sit and relax in the library by the open fire and get lost in a good book. Enjoy the peace and quiet and erase all memories of the nine to five for the duration of your stay! Just visit our website and choose which house you would like to stay in.

Hidden Ireland 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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