Welcome to
Roundwood House

Roundwood House is less like a hotel and more like visiting a favourite aunt’s house in the country: fantastic accommodation, a warm welcome, rooms full of stories in a house with centuries of history, and a garden and outbuildings that invite you to wander and explore.

Situated in the heart of Ireland at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, just outside Mountrath in County Laois, and just over an hour from Dublin, Roundwood House is perfectly placed for a well-earned break, a gathering of friends and family or a quiet escape for two.

Library

Settle into a quiet corner of Frank’s Library, home to more than 2,000 books ranging from ancient civilisations, philosophy and religion to history, art, literature and poetry.

B&B

Roundwood House is not a typical B&B. It is a lived-in Georgian home that opens its doors to guests. This 300-year-old house offers the classic country house experience & accommodation.

Groups

Whether you’re gathering friends, bringing family together for a special occasion or planning a work stay away from the usual hustle, Roundwood House is well suited to welcoming groups.

About Roundwood

Roundwood House is an 18th-century Georgian country house offering relaxed bed and breakfast accommodation, private group stays and evening dining in a peaceful rural setting. Guests have access to period reception rooms, Frank’s Library, gardens and woodland, with mountain walks and outdoor activities close by.

The house has been family-run for over forty years and is now cared for by Hannah and Paddy Flynn. Their day-to-day presence ensures the house is run with care and attention, offering quality accommodation and allowing guests to settle in easily, whether staying for a night or a few days.

Your Stay

Accommodation

Roundwood House is an 18th-century Georgian country house with ten guest bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi.

Rooms are individually furnished and reflect the character of the house rather than a standardised style.

Guests are welcome to use the Drawing Room, Frank’s Library and the surrounding gardens and woodland throughout their stay.

Breakfast is included for guests staying in the house, with the option to add breakfast for cottage guests.

Dinner is served in the evenings and is booked in advance.

Things to Do

Roundwood House sits at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Mountrath, County Laois, offering easy access to a mix of outdoor and indoor pursuits.

Mountain walks, quiet roads and open countryside are close by, but time at Roundwood can also be spent closer to the house.

Guests often choose to read by the fire, play Scrabble in the Drawing Room, explore Frank’s Library or simply enjoy the gardens and grounds.

Nearby towns, historic sites and scenic drives provide further options for days out.

Massage & Treatments

Guests who would like to include massage, facial or reflexology treatments during their stay can arrange sessions with Sinéad from Serene Beauty.

Treatments take place in a quiet room within the house and are booked directly with Sinéad in advance of arrival, subject to availability.

Appointments are usually scheduled for afternoons or early evenings.

Details of treatments, timings and bookings can be discussed when planning your stay.

Dining

Dinner at Roundwood House centres around seasonal, thoughtful cooking using ingredients sourced as locally as possible.

Paddy cooks a four-course set menu on the evenings that we are open, usually served communally in the dining room, with private dining also an option.

Meals begin with the breaking of Paddy’s sourdough and unfold at an easy pace, with good conversation by the fire and, now and again, a song after dinner.

To make a dinner reservation, call +353 57 873 2120
or get in touch via our contact form HERE

House & Grounds

History & Family

Roundwood House has been a lived-in place for centuries, shaped by the people who have cared for it.

Bought in 1983 by Rosemarie and Frank Kennan, the house was gently restored and opened to guests, offering quality accommodation, while remaining a family home.

Today, Hannah and Paddy continue that approach, balancing everyday life with welcoming visitors into a house that is still very much in use.

Perimeter Walk

The Perimeter Walk follows the outer edge of the grounds, moving through meadow, woodland and old farm tracks.

It is mostly level and can be done as a short stroll or a longer loop, depending on the day.

Along the way you will pass native trees, wildflowers, old outbuildings and the flax mill, with the house never far from view.

Library

Settle into a quiet corner of Frank’s Library, home to more than 2,000 books.

Ranging from ancient civilisations, philosophy and religion to history, art, literature and poetry.

Lovingly assembled over decades, it is a room that invites you to browse the shelves at your leisure and happily lose track of time.

Every historic house deserves a good library and Frank has certainly created that here in Roundwood.

Testimonials

“Roundwood House in County Laois is one of Ireland’s finest mid-size houses of the Georgian period…”

Maurice Craig
Classic Irish Houses of the Middle Size, 1976

“From the minute we turned into the driveway, we were in raptures, as the house is filled with character, style and history. You have to eat dinner here; please don’t even think about going anywhere else! And breakfast couldn’t be better. Hannah was a wonderful host.”

Joanne W.

“Hannah and Paddy are wonderful hosts who go out of their way to make you feel at home… The food is divine… Paddy is not only an amazing cook but a talented musician too.”

Richard & Fiona, Killiney, Dublin

“We stayed in Writers Cottage. Pictures do not do this little Cottage justice… This hidden gem in the woods is packed with atmosphere & character… I highly recommend this accommodation”.

Tim T.

“A group of 12 enjoyed a perfect overnight stay here with ducks, hens and dogs in the grounds to greet us… Hannah was a perfect host, warm, welcoming, available but never intrusive. Paddy the chef produces the best meal I ever tasted.”

Margaret T.

“We found the house magical and the hospitality extended to us above and beyond. We had the 4 course dinner prepared by Paddy both nights of our stay and it was phenomenal.”

Toby M.

“Hannah and all the staff offered a masterclass in hospitality at its best. A gracious host, everything was managed exactly as you’d want it to be. The food was spectacular. The house and library are so charming.”

Alice Simington

Stay

Roundwood House is a place to settle in, spend time together, and enjoy accommodation in a house that is still lived in and used as it was meant to be.