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Ballyknocken House & Cookery School

Perfectly placed for walking holidays in the Wicklow Hills, playing golf, or simply for touring the area, Catherine Fulvio's charming Victorian farmhouse provides comfort, cosiness, home-cooked food and hospitality. The farm has been in the Byrne family for three generations and they have welcomed guests for over thirty years - Catherine took over in 1999, and she has since refurbished the house throughout in old country style.

A gently Victorian theme prevails: bedrooms have been charmingly done up, with antique furniture and very good beds - and pretty bathrooms, five of which have Victorian baths.

The dining room, parlour and sitting room are in a similar style and her energetic quest for perfection also extends to the garden, where new fruit tree, roses and herbs were planted, and her cookery school - which is in a renovated milking parlour in the grounds.

Catherine cooks four course dinners for guests, based on local produce, including vegetables and herbs from the Ballyknocken farm (with wine list, including some specially imported wines). The cooking style is modern Irish. All this, plus extensive breakfasts and great picnics - and a relaxing atmosphere ensure guests keep coming back for more.

Short breaks are offered, also self-catering accommodation; details on these, and Ballyknocken Cookery School, on application.

*Ballyknocken was our Farmhouse of the Year in 2004.

Rooms 7 (all en-suite, 1 shower only, 1 family room, all no smoking). B&B €59-67 pps, ss €32. Residents D Tue-Sat, at 7.30. Set 4-course D €42.00; Lighter suppers also served midweek; houses wines €20.95. No D on Sun or Mon. Closed Mid Dec & Jan. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

From Dublin turn right after Texaco Petrol Station in Ashford. Continue for 5.5km (3 m).House on right.