Abhainn Ri

It’s no surprise when Niamh Byrne tells us that new arrivals are always slow to ring the door bell, so captivated are they by the view on arrival. As fifth-generation owners of this handsome farmhouse B&B boasting magnificent views down to Blessington’s lakes, Joe and Niamh Byrne clearly take pride in maintaining the property to the highest of standards, with lots of thoughtful touches throughout both inside and out.

The property consists of the main farmhouse with two couple-friendly B&B rooms, an adjoining garden suite with kitchenette and four separate self-catering cottages suitable for larger groups and families. Afternoon tea is available to book for non-residents, as is breakfast when a broad range of modern and traditional dishes give pride of place to Abhainn Rí fresh farm eggs.

What now functions as the breakfast room is quite unusual and an interesting mix of traditional and modern decor. They’ve kept some of the old features of the original stone farmhouse and extended a modern farmhouse around it, so what would have been the central room in the old farmhouse with a small mezzanine bedroom above it is now a bright and high-ceilinged breakfast room with a white-washed stone and wood-panelled walls, wood-burning stove set into the original fireplace on one side, and window-framed views to the lake on the other. An eclectic collection of curiosities – ceramic figurines and Child of Prague statues, old oil-burning lamps, cast iron fireside and farming tools – make interesting talking points and give a real sense of place and history.

Lots of thought has gone into making the best of the experience for guests. A bright and modern kitchen with a central island is an attractive setting for the regular baking classes offered to guests of all ages – and Niamh’s afternoon tea of light and fluffy scones and tangy lemon cake are testament to her baking skills.

Outside there’s a nice barn set up for children, with a covered playground area, chickens to feed and lots of signage explaining how and what to feed them, plus lots of wellies of all sizes for exploring the farmland. The Byrnes have also developed a looped mindfulness walking trail through the varied farmland landscape, and guests can roam the property’s land as far down as the lake and as far up as a hilltop high cross.