• About
    • About Us
    • Assessment Process
    • Contact Us
    • Quotes & Testimonials
    • Award Winners »
      • Awards Presented
      • Awards Received
    • Info for Owners »
      • Info for Owners
      • Industry Register/Login
  • Awards
  • Eat
  • Drink
  • Stay
  • Buy
  • Learn
  • Producers
  • 10 of the Best
    • Eat
    • Drink
    • Stay
    • Buy
    • Learn
    • Producers
  • Articles
  • Blog
  • Recipes
    • By Georgina Campbell
  • Special Offers
  • Competitions
  • Shop
    • Recipe Cards
    • Buy Guidebooks
    • Buy Cookbooks
    • GPS POIs for Garmin
    • « Ireland Apps
      • iPhone App
      • Blackberry App
      • Samsung App
      • Nokia App
      • Ireland for Food Lovers App
    • « Cooking Apps
      • iCook - Recipes & Cooking with Neven
      • APPetiser - Recipes & Cooking with Derry Clarke
      • For the Love of Food – Kevin Dundon
  • More+
    • Gardens
    • Golf
    • Self Catering
    • What's On
    • Tourist Attractions
    • Wedding Venues
Ireland Guide
Ireland Guide

- ireland -

Graphics Version | 
Ireland’s Leading Independent Food & Hospitality Guide
  • LOGIN/SIGNUP
    • My Ireland Guide
    • Industry
Home > Eat & Stay > Roundwood House

Eat & Stay

Comments(0) Add Comment

Roundwood House

Country House

Dislike Like
14 votes (98%)
Print page Send to a friend
Has Good Hotel Guide Url Denotes genuine Irish food culture, ie special Irish food products/companies/producers, and highlights the best places to shop for regional and artisan foods; the selection excludes obvious 'non-Irish' elements regardless of quality, eg ethnic restaurants and specialists in coffee, wine and other drinks, unless relevant to local production or history. Eat & Stay establishments are chosen for their commitment to showcasing local produce and Irish hospitality. Highly Recommended as a Special Place to Stay Outstanding Location, building or atmosphere The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Roundwood House

How could anyone fail to love this unspoilt early Georgian house, which lies secluded in mature woods of lime, beech and chestnut, at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains - a sense of history and an appreciation of genuine hospitality are all that is needed to make the most of a stay at this magical place
Small conferences/Banqueting (30/40). WiFi. Rooms 10 (all en-suite and no-smoking, 3 family, 2 ground floor. B&B from c.€90pps depending on room. DB&B from c.€205pps. Children welcome (under 5 free in parents' room, children over 5 sharing €25, cot available without charge; babysitting arranged). Set 5 course D daily €60. Non-residents welcome if space allows. Self-catering cottage & apartment available. Garden, music, croquet, boules, walking - there is a mile-long walk in the grounds and garden. Stabling available at the house; horse riding nearby. Hillwalking and golf nearby. No pets. Establishment closed over Christmas. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa. abbreviations

How could anyone fail to love this unspoilt early Georgian house? Lying secluded in mature woods of lime, beech and chestnut, at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains (famed for good walking), a sense of history and an appreciation of genuine hospitality are all that is needed to make the most of a stay here.


Frank and Rosemarie Kennan put over a quarter of a century of renovation work into this wonderful property, and clearly derived immense pleasure from it, before having the recent satisfaction of handing the reins over to their daughter Hannah and her husband Paddy Flynn - who “retain the philosophy of the old, with no introduction of wide screen televisions or trouser presses”, much to Frank and Rosemarie's relief.


While proudly unconventional in some ways, the house is extremely comfortable and well heated, and (although it might be wise to check if there is a large group staying, in which case the bedroom above the drawing room may not be the best option) each bedroom has its particular charm. All this and a beautiful area to explore: what more could you want?


Well, you will certainly find some things that you never knew you wanted so much until you see them here - Frank's wonderful library, for example, a beautiful and atmospheric escape in an apparently ordinary outbuilding that houses a treasure trove of rare and wonderful volumes. Nearby, an extraordinary (and historically unique) barn is also a must-see, and there are two cottages - The Forge and the Writer's Cottage - available for self-catering.


Children, who love the playing with the family's animals and their young in the back yard, have always been made very welcome and a separate tea is prepared for them.


Dinner is served at 8 o’clock, at a communal table, and based on the best local and seasonal ingredients (notably locally reared beef and lamb); good home cooking without unnecessary frills. Less formal alternatives are available on most nights too, a simpler 3-course supper perhaps, or just a  bowl of soup and an artisan cheese platter served at the fireside - and lunch can be arranged any day for groups of six or more.


Frank's hand is still to be seen in the informative and surprisingly extensive wine list, which includes a generous choice of half bottles and tempts with plenty of treats to linger over.


Breakfast, which is served until 11am, is another especally enjoyable experience. 'Local and seasonal' will again decide on what make it to your plate - garden fruits in season, for example, are used for a delicious fruit compote, to enjoy with homemade yogurt and muesli, and breads are freshly baked. And as for the full Irish, it is carefully cooked using the best quality ingredients, simply presented - and it tastes wonderful.


And do try not to rush off straight after enjoying this tasty meal, as a good walk is called for - and there is much to discover in the gardens and woodland surrounding the house.


A very special place.


 

Less
Read More
  • Activities
  • Facilities/Features
  • Restaurant/Dining/Pub
  • Croquet
  • Equestrian (nearby)
  • Forest / Woodland with trails nearby
  • Garden Visits (nearby)
  • Golf nearby
  • Walking (established walks)
  • Walking - Hillwalking (recommended routes or guides available)
  • Breaks - Short
  • Broadband WI/FI
  • Broadband WI/FI (No Charge)
  • Children's Baby Sitting Arranged
  • Children's Playroom
  • Family Friendly
  • Ground Floor Bedrooms (accessible for less able)
  • Location - Peaceful
  • Location - Scenic
  • Open New Year
  • Self Catering Also Avail
  • Wedding Venue
  • European Classic
  • Atmospheric
  • Attractive Views
  • Business Meal
  • Coeliac Friendly
  • Daytime/Coffee
  • Extensive Wine List
  • Formal
  • MSG Free
  • Vegetarian Friendly (always at least 1 starter & 1 main course)
Last Updated: 16-11-2022
Author: Georgina Campbell
Click here if you are the owner or marketing manager
array(13) {
  ["numpages"]=>
  float(2)
  ["firstpage"]=>
  int(1)
  ["lastpage"]=>
  float(2)
  ["pages"]=>
  array(2) {
    [1]=>
    int(0)
    [2]=>
    int(6)
  }
  ["current"]=>
  int(1)
  ["maxpages"]=>
  NULL
  ["prev"]=>
  NULL
  ["next"]=>
  int(6)
  ["remain"]=>
  float(1)
  ["to"]=>
  int(6)
  ["numrows"]=>
  int(7)
  ["from"]=>
  int(1)
  ["limit"]=>
  int(6)
}

Might also like

Eat & Stay

The Killeshin

Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Hotel

This four-star hotel on the edge of Portlaoise town dates back to the 1970s and - having been bought by the Galway businessman Pat McDonagh in 2015 - it is now part of his S0 Hotels group, well known for their friendly welcome and good value.   Just off the M7 ...

Read more
Eat & Stay

Clanard Court Hotel

Athy, Co. Kildare

Hotel / Restaurant

On the edge of the town and set well back from the road, this is a hotel with a difference: how many hotels have a welcoming array of exotic animals like Jacobs sheep and alpacas grazing in grassy enclosures? Beside them, a well laid out (and well lit) car park is set ...

Read more
Buy & Eat & Stay

Firecastle

Kildare, Co. Kildare

B&B / Café / Deli
Denotes genuine Irish food culture, ie special Irish food products/companies/producers, and highlights the best places to shop for regional and artisan foods; the selection excludes obvious 'non-Irish' elements regardless of quality, eg ethnic restaurants and specialists in coffee, wine and other drinks, unless relevant to local production or history. Eat & Stay establishments are chosen for their commitment to showcasing local produce and Irish hospitality. Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

A reason in itself for a visit to Kildare Town, Firecastle isn’t your usual type of place. First of all, check-in for overnight guests happens inside the kind of food shop that we would all love to find everywhere – stuffed full of the best of Irish artisan f ...

Read more
Eat & Stay

Alumni Kitchen Table & Rooms

Rathangan, Co. Kildare

Restaurant with Rooms
For Cooking & Service Well Above Average Denotes genuine Irish food culture, ie special Irish food products/companies/producers, and highlights the best places to shop for regional and artisan foods; the selection excludes obvious 'non-Irish' elements regardless of quality, eg ethnic restaurants and specialists in coffee, wine and other drinks, unless relevant to local production or history. Eat & Stay establishments are chosen for their commitment to showcasing local produce and Irish hospitality. Previous Georgina Campbell Guides Award Winner The "Best of the Best" - Only the very best establishments across various categories have been chosen for this accolade

Deep within the Kildare countryside, diners won’t stumble across Alumni Kitchen Table & Rooms by chance. Secreted behind large gates and deep hedging on a country road, Alumni is a new self-styled destination restaurant, serving just eight guests two nights a w ...

Read more
Buy & Eat & Stay

Horse and Jockey Hotel

Thurles, Co. Tipperary

Hotel
Denotes genuine Irish food culture, ie special Irish food products/companies/producers, and highlights the best places to shop for regional and artisan foods; the selection excludes obvious 'non-Irish' elements regardless of quality, eg ethnic restaurants and specialists in coffee, wine and other drinks, unless relevant to local production or history. Eat & Stay establishments are chosen for their commitment to showcasing local produce and Irish hospitality.

A popular meeting point midway between Cork and Dublin, this family run four star hotel is very well located for both business and leisure, with good on-site amenities and access to a wide area with many visitor attractions, including Holy Cross Abbey, Cahir Castle ...

Read more
Eat & Stay

Athlone Springs Hotel

Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Hotel

This modern four-star hotel in the outskirts of Athlone is part of the So Hotels group which is owned by Pat McDonagh, founder of the popular fast food chain Supermacs. It is a well-run, well-maintained hotel which deserves its star rating and, while not perhaps the mo ...

Read more

Contact details

+353 57 873 2120
EMAIL
PLEASE MENTION IRELANDGUIDE.COM WHEN ENQUIRING

Address

Roundwood House
Mountrath Co Laois
Show me where this establishment is on the map.
Directions About Mountrath Trip Planning Tools
On the left, 5km from Mountrath, on R440.
  • Add to my Favourites +
  • View my Favourites
  • Local Recommendations
  • Hospitality
  • By Distance
    • All
      • Eat
        • Drink
          • Stay
            • Buy
              • Learn
                • Producer
                • By Category
                  • Comments

                  There are currently no comments

                  Leave a comment

                  You must be logged in to leave a comment
                  Not a member? Register for your free membership now!
                  Or leave a comment by logging in with:
                  Sign up with Twitter
                  Georgina Campbell's ireland-guide.com
                  Tweets by @IrelandGuide
                  © Copyright Georgina Campbell Guides 2023
                  • Disclaimer
                  • T & C
                  • Privacy Policy
                  • Site Map
                  • Links
                  • Advertise
                  • Ireland Hotels |
                  • Northern Ireland Hotels |
                  • B&B Ireland |
                  • Accommodation Ireland |
                  • Dublin Airport Hotels |
                  • Dublin Hotels |
                  • Dublin Restaurants |
                  • Belfast Hotels |
                  • Belfast Restaurants |
                  • Cork Hotels |
                  • Cork Restaurants |
                  • Galway Hotels |
                  • Galway Restaurants |
                  • Killarney Hotels |
                  • Killarney Restaurants |
                  • Kilkenny Hotels |
                  • Kilkenny Restaurants |
                  • Limerick Hotels |
                  • Limerick Restaurants |
                  • Sligo Hotels |
                  • Waterford Hotels |
                  • Westport Hotels
                  • My Ireland Guide - Log in
                  • My Favourites
                  • My Itineraries
                  • My Comments
                  • Special Offers
                  • Hire Cars
                  • Ferry Tickets
                  • Competition
                  This website uses cookies to help provide you with a better online experience. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Cookie Policy