Activities
Activities
There’s plenty to do around Roundwood House, whether you’re in the mood for the great outdoors or taking things easy closer to the house.
Many guests begin with the perimeter walk around the grounds. It’s an unrushed way to get outside and get a feel for the place.
The Slieve Bloom Mountains are close by and offer excellent walking and hiking, as well as well known mountain bike trails.
Within easy driving distance, there are golf courses, along with opportunities for horse riding, fishing and wild swimming.
Foraging walks can also be arranged with a local guide.
Some guests enjoy visiting nearby villages or local heritage sites. Others are just as happy to stay close to home, reading by the fire or settling into the library.
Activities here tend to fit around the day rather than dictate it, and can be enjoyed at whatever pace feels right.
Explore Activities
Mountain Biking
If you like fast action, you will love the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail.
The Slieve Bloom Mountains
The Slieve Blooms are full of great walking trails and stunning views of the area.
Walk with Irish Wolfhounds
Take a stroll through quiet forest paths alongside Jade and her two Irish Wolfhounds. Contact us for details.
Horse Riding
Birr Equestrian Centre offers a daily trekking experience in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
Fishing
Located just 10km from Roundwood, the Laois Angling Centre has 4 large spring fed lakes situated on the beautiful grounds of Clonohill House.
Hill & Mountain Walking
In the Slieve Bloom Mountains you’ll find a great choice of walking trails to suit all levels of fitness.
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
Keep Up To Date
If you would like to hear from us, you can leave your name and email address below.
We will email you when there is an event coming up at Roundwood House, or something specific we think you might like to know about.
Or simply get in touch with us for more information.