Kilbawn House

It was a message from an impressed guest that led us to Kilbawn House, and it was a journey well worth taking.

Set in lush countryside 15 minutes’ drive south of Kilkenny city, Elizabeth and Jim Byrne’s immaculate B&B is surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds and it’s easy to spot, on a rise just outside the village of Dungarvan (not to be confused with the Co Waterford town of the same name).

Elizabeth and Jim are the friendliest of hosts, and nothing is too much trouble to ensure comfort and enjoyment for their guests – who are even welcome to join them when they go along to their Sunday night’s dancing session.

Elizabeth is a great baker and arriving guests are sure to find there’s a treat of the day with their welcome cuppa, which is served in the cosy guest lounge. With a stove, comfy chairs and satellite television, this is a home-from-home where guests can settle in for the evening if they don’t feel like going out – sometimes just what you need when travelling.

In the morning, a choice of continental or full breakfast is served in a spacious dining room, where there’s a fridge and facilities for making tea and coffee available to guests at all times.

Although the four attractive bedrooms are all different, they’re all en-suite and have television – and they share views of Mount Leinster and the lovely countryside surrounding Kilbawn House, which make this a very special place to wake up.

And there’s plenty to do in the area to keep you here for weeks, with charming places like Borris, Graiguenamanagh and Bennettsbridge to visit nearby, as well as Kilkenny city; equestrian activities (including racing at Gowran Park); golf (nearest courses include Gowran Park and Mount Juliet); fishing; walking; and other more energetic activities like karting and paint-balling too.

All round, it’s a wonderful area to visit, and Kilbawn House would make an ideal base.