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The Castle Country House

Set in several acres of landscaped gardens encompassing a circular walk overlooking the River Finisk, the Nugent family's unusual and wonderfully hospitable farmhouse is a substantial 18th century farmhouse built around remains of a 16th century castle.

Although most of the house seems quite normal inside, it blends into the original building in places - so, for example, the dining room has walls five feet deep and an original castle archway. Outside you can visit the cellar of the original castle and, on the other side, view the rock on which the house and castle are built and, as befits a farmhouse, you may watch the milking and whatever other farm activities are in season.

Spacious, comfortably appointed rooms have king size beds, television, tea/coffee facilities and neat shower rooms Well equipped with a selection of toiletries; (there is also a full bathroom available for any guest who prefers a bath). Bedrooms have comfortable easy chairs, good lighting, lots of books and the full history of the house in an information pack.

Meticulous housekeeping, a very pleasant guests' sitting room (more books, games, an open fire), interesting pictures and fresh flowers everywhere all add up to a very appealing farmhouse indeed, and Joan and her daughter and daughter-in-law provide excellent breakfasts beginning with a wide selection of home grown fresh fruit, fruit compôtes and fruit juices, porridge and home baked bread.

In addition to the traditional Irish breakfast you may choose from dishes like smoked salmon and scrambled free-range eggs, French toast with bacon and maple syrup. Dinner is served at separate tables in the lovely dining room, set up with crisp white linen and silver, more like a small restaurant than a farmhouse dining room; it is only available by arrangement so you must book when making a reservation, when you will be asked about your likes and dislikes.

The menu changes daily and might include home-made soups with freshly baked bread, poached salmon with hollandaise sauce and a rhubarb, ginger and orange crumble followed by good coffee; some well chosen wines are available, around €19.

The family are constantly improving the house - decorating, renewing furniture and linen and re-doing bathrooms.

Rooms 5 (all en-suite, shower only and no smoking); B&B €50pps, ss €20; children welcome (under 5s free in parents' room, cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged). Pets permitted by arrangement. Garden, walking, fishing (fly). Dining Room: Seats 20 (+5 outside); Residents D 7pm €30, House wine €16. Closed 1 Nov-31 Mar. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

Off N25 on R671.