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Ballinkeele House

Set in 350 acres of parkland, game-filled woods and farmland, this historic house is a listed building; designed by Daniel Robertson, it has been the Maher family home since it was built in 1840 and remains at the centre of their working farm.

It is a grand house, with a lovely old cut stone stable yard at the back and some wonderful features, including a lofty columned hall with a big open fire in the colder months, and beautifully proportioned reception rooms with fine ceilings and furnishings which have changed very little since the house was built.

Nevertheless, it is essentially a family home and has a refreshingly hospitable and down-to-earth atmosphere. Large bedrooms are furnished with antiques and have wonderful countryside views - all are large and comfortably furnished but one has been upgraded to a more luxurious standard, and now has a bath and shower.

Margaret, who is a keen cook and a member of Euro-Toques, enjoys preparing 4-course dinners for guests (nice little wine list to accompany too).

There’s croquet on the lawn, a long sandy beach nearby at Curracloe, and bicycles (and wellingtons!) are available for guests’ use; horse riding, fishing and golf can be organised nearby - and work continues in the leisure grounds: two walled gardens are under restoration (the smaller for flowers and the larger one the orchard and vegetables), and a recently completed lake is to be stocked for coarse fishing.

Restaurant : Rooms 5 (all en-suite, 2 shower only, 1 family, all no smoking); children welcome (cot available, €15). No pets. B&B €85 pps; ss €20. Residents Set D €45 at 7.30 (book by 11am); house wine from €19.50. Private parties up to 14. Garden. Closed 30 Nov - 1 Feb. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

From Wexford N11, north to Oilgate Village, turn right at signpost, follow to next signpost.