Around & About
Things to See & Do
From great gardens and houses to wonderful heritage sites, you’re spoiled for choice with attractions within easy reach of Roundwood House.
We’ve put together some suggested itineraries for half-day and full day trips in the local area, taking in castles, ancient sites and medieval marvels.
Gardens
Gash Gardens
Gash Gardens are small but beautifully designed and packed with interesting and unusual plants.
Heywood Gardens
The enchanting Heywood Gardens consists of 50 acres of gardens, lakes, woodland and some exciting architectural features.
Gardens & Parklands at Emo Court
The gardens and parklands of Emo Court House were first laid out in the 18th century and are a glorious example of Irish formal gardens.
Clonohill Gardens
A Country Garden on one acre with mature trees, woodland, herbaceous borders and walled garden overlooking lake.
Dunmore Country School
Dunmore Country School is not a show garden, but rather a working kitchen garden dedicated to teaching.
Big Houses & Castles
Charleville Castle
Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural beauty of this stunning Offaly landmark.
Birr Castle
From parklands to the Great Telescope and scenic trails, Birr Castle delivers on the perfect day out.
Emo Court
A Neo-Classical mansion with gardens, designed in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington.
Damer House
Damer House, built in 1722 shares its grounds with a magnificent stone motte castle dating from the 1280s.
Heritage Sites
Rock of Dunamase
The Rock of Dunamase is an imposing and magnificent example of an early Celtic fortification that later became an important Anglo Norman stronghold.
Aghaboe Abbey
In the village of Aghaboe, people can visit the site where St Canice founded an abbey in 576.
Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum
This haunting museum is a restored Workhouse dating to the 1850s.
Timahoe Round Tower
St Mochua founded a monastery in Timahoe in the 7th century and this wonderful round tower still remains.
Child-Friendly Outings
Lough Boora
One of the best sculpture parks in Europe, Lough Boora is a family friendly environment with picnic and play areas and bikes available to hire to explore the many trails.
Birr Castle Adventure Area
Ireland’s largest treehouse along with sand pits, climbing frames, slides and much more…
Castlecomer Discovery Park
An 80-acre activity park featuring a wide range of exhilarating activities for all ages.
Rock of Dunamase
The Rock of Dunamase is an imposing and magnificent example of an early Celtic fortification that later became an important Anglo Norman stronghold.
Local Villages
Castletown
Picturesque town on the banks of the River Nore, with Georgian architecture & castle ruins & old mill.
Clonaslee
A largely 19th century village but with many older ruins in its surrounds reminding us of its former importance.
Kinnitty
Nestled at the foot of Knocknamann where the Festival of Bealtaine, a pre-Christian agricultural festival to mark the end of Summer, was held.
Shopping
Kildare Village
Just over 30 minutes from Roundwood House, Kildare Village shopping outlet is home to over 120 boutiques and shops, with major brands represented.
The Store Yard
The Store Yard is an award-winning antiques shop with more than 25,000 sq ft of the best architectural salvage, vintage, period, retro furniture and curios in the country.
Nook and Cranny
A range of inspiring gifts and quality brands, carefully sourced in Ireland and overseas
Music
Hannah and Paddy have music at the heart of the home in Roundwood House. As a musician himself, Paddy can easily be persuaded to play a tune or two for guests after dinner.
Events
Forest Fest takes place each summer in nearby Emo and has quickly become one of the Midlands’...
The Festival of Gardens and Nature at Ballintubbert is held each summer in the beautiful grounds of...
Abbeyleix House & Farm Open Day takes place annually at the historic estate in nearby Abbeyleix and...
Electric Picnic is an arts-and-music festival that takes place every year in late August/early September at Stradbally...
The Slieve Bloom Walking Festival takes place in Spring every year and offers a wonderful choice of...
The Leaves Festival of Writing and Music, runs in early November every year, and celebrates the diversity...
The Half-Door set dancing & traditional music festival is a four-day event that takes place in Castletown,...
The National Steam Rally, held on the beautiful grounds of Stradbally Hall in August every year, is...
The Gordon Bennett Cup Race, dating back to 1903 in Ireland, paved the way for modern Grand...
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.
Dining
Dinner at Roundwood House centres on seasonal, thoughtful cooking using ingredients sourced as locally as possible.
Gift Vouchers
Roundwood House gift vouchers can be used towards a stay and/or dinner. They suit birthdays, anniversaries or simply giving someone time away.
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
Gallery
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