Flora and fauna: wildlife in and around Roundwood House

Posted on 26/04/202426/04/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

Roundwood House offers nature lovers the perfect location this spring for a spot of wildlife watching.

It is situated in the middle of 18 acres of native woodland that is teeming with local flora and fauna.

The House is also within easy reach of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, which are home to an expansive nature reserve full of trees and flowers, not to mention numerous majestic birds of prey.

How to go wildlife watching

There are so many different options for wildlife fans to immerse themselves in nature at Roundwood House this spring and summer.

From woodland walks around the local area to birdwatching in the mountains.

There are also plenty of animals and birds waiting to give visitors a warm welcome inside the grounds of Roundwood House.

These include cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hens, ducks and a rooster named Brewster who specialises in providing the last word in early morning alarm calls.

The team can also give recommendations on where to look for flora and fauna.

There are never any guarantees that you will see specific birds or animals, nor that the Irish weather will be in your favour, but your chances will increase if you know where to look.

Pack suitable clothing and shoes and remember to bring your camera, binoculars and wildlife books or website addresses to help you work out what you have seen.

The birds and the bees

Many fascinating avian species call the Slieve Bloom Mountains home.

These include the hen harrier and the red grouse. Both nest on the ground, so it is important to tread carefully and not disturb any nests, especially when there are hatching eggs or young chicks present.

Other birds commonly found in the area are meadow pipits, woodpeckers and skylarks, who fill the air with enchanting birdsong.

Birds of prey are prevalent too, such as kestrels, owls, merlin and peregrine falcon.

Insects also abound in the mountains and woodlands around Roundwood House, with many butterflies, bees and moths re-appearing with the warmer spring weather.

You can even hear bats flitting about after dark if you are quiet enough.

Plants and flowers

The diverse habitats around Roundwood House and the wider County Laoise countryside provide for many different species of flowers, plants and trees.

Animal magic

As well as the domestic pets and farm animals pottering around the garden and grounds at Roundwood House, animal lovers can enjoy heading out to see what other native mammals they can find out and about in the woodlands and mountains nearby.

Regular sightings have been recorded of hedgehogs, badgers, red foxes, red squirrels, hares and pine martens.

Good times for spotting these often shy and nervous animals are early mornings and later evenings.

Go quietly and keep your eyes peeled and ears pricked for tracks, signs of half-eaten food and rustling in the undergrowth.

Another benefit to setting the alarm clock early and getting up and out before or at sunrise is the chance to listen to the dawn chorus.

Truly the most tuneful way to herald the start of a new day in the glorious Irish countryside.

If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE

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Capturing scenes of Roundwood House in the Spring: a photographer’s guide

Posted on 22/03/202422/03/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

Spending time at Roundwood House in the Spring months brings a whole raft of stimulation for the senses, not least sight.

The vibrant flowers and greenery that reappear after winter and the soft sunlight are ideal for taking magical photos this month.

Many of the insects, birds and animals that live in the gardens and grounds of Roundwood House make frequent appearances in the Spring to add interest to visitors’ photographs.

A long weekend in the heart of Slieve Bloom mountain country offers the ideal opportunity to get the camera out and capture pictures of the beautiful local countryside. Read on for some more seasonal photography inspiration.

Weather proof photography

Despite it being Spring, the weather does not automatically play ball at Roundwood House.

So, whenever you are heading out on a walk into the Slieve Bloom mountains, or exploring nearby Castletown or Mountrath dress warmly and consider how you might protect your camera or smartphone against any rain.

Don’t avoid taking photographs when it is raining, or the weather is mistier then you would have liked. You can get some beautiful pictures, even in softer light, as well as some really interesting close-ups of raindrops on tree branches and reflections in the puddles along a wet mountain trail.

Patterns, reflections and shapes

Watch out for quirky reflections, not only in puddles, but in ponds, shop windows and car mirrors. Use shadows to create unusual shapes in your photographs too.

Spring flowers such as daffodils or bluebells, combined with bright green leaves and stems, create really beautiful photographs of Spring at Roundwood House. Look out for beautiful sunrises and sunsets to photograph during an early morning or dusk walk or from a bedroom window while sipping on a cup of coffee. Or explore the house to see what other shapes, patterns and details you can find inside the rooms.

Frame your photos

You don’t have to wait until you return home from your break at Roundwood House to frame your images for display.

If you are clever and creative, you can find plenty of natural frames to add interest to the photo itself.

Examples include hedges, trees, arches, gate posts and doorways, which can all be positioned at the edges of a photograph to help draw the eye in towards the centre of the scene.

Use the dramatic Slieve Bloom mountains as a backdrop, or distant woodland trees to add interest in the background.

Keep it simple

We often crave the simplicity of a quiet break to enjoy the tranquil and uncomplicated pleasures of Roundwood House and other attractions in the area.

So, many people also enjoy the same effect when deciding what to photograph to remind them of their holiday.

Look for smaller details that are characteristic of your location, rather than trying to capture a wider scene. See what animals and other wildlife you can spot wandering around the grounds.

Focus on the flowers that particularly caught your eye during your daily woodland walks.

When you look back at your photographs later and show them to other people, it will often be these smaller details that will trigger a happy memory of your Roundwood House experience, or start a conversation that inspires you to reminisce about your time here – and think about when to book your next stay!

If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE

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Exploring the Roundwood House library and literary links

Posted on 29/02/202412/04/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

Staying in a country house that has beautiful places to sit quietly and watch the world go by must surely count as one of life’s great pleasures. Now add shelf after shelf of fascinating books, and the picture becomes even more appealing. At Roundwood House, a firm favourite with guests is Frank’s library. This cosy room is piled high with books and offers a secluded nook for some reading, quiet chat and even a tray of afternoon tea.

Located in the quiet Coach House in the grounds of Roundwood House, the library is is home to 2000+ books, organised across two levels. There are armchairs and desks for the use of guests and tea and refreshments can be arranged for anyone wishing to spend a few hours engrossed in literature, art, history or general escapism through the pages of a book.

Literary links

The Roundwood House library is eclectic in its contents, reflecting the many and varied interests of its creator. In a similar vein, Ireland is home to many literary luminaries, writing across several genres down the centuries. From playwrights to poets, critics to novelists, the Emerald Isle has inspired a high number of writers. Here are just a few with links to Dublin and other locations that can be reached from Roundwood House for anyone interested in a literary day trip or two. Perhaps you will find some of their works nestling in the shelves of Frank’s library at Roundwood House this year…

Wilde and Joyce

Oscar Wilde is arguably one of Ireland’s most famous playwrights, known for his biting wit and flamboyant, often scandalous lifestyle. Known for such plays as The importance of Being Earnest and Lady Windermere’s Fan, Wilde was born in Dublin in 1854. Dublin also produced the novelist and poet, James Joyce, who was born there in 1882. His novel, Ulysses was written in 1922 and set in the capital city. It has many passages in it that describe the vibrancy of early 20th-century Dubin in detail.

Beckett and Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw was born in Dublin in 1856 and was a prolific literary critic and writer of plays. These included Arms and the Man, Man and Superman – and Pygmalion, which later inspired the musical, My Fair Lady. Bernard Shaw won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925. Playwright Samual Beckett was born in County Dublin in 1906 and died in Paris aged 83. He was another Irish Nobel Prizewinner for Literature and wrote in both English and French. His best-known play is Waiting for Godot, which looks at the absurd nature of human existence.

Irish Booker Prize Winners

Irish authors have made a significant impact on the literary world, with several winning the prestigious Booker Prize. Notable winners include Anne Enright for “The Gathering” in 2007, Roddy Doyle for “Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha” in 1993, and John Banville for “The Sea” in 2005. These authors have captivated readers with their unique perspectives on Irish life and culture. The most recent Booker Prize winner for 2023, Paul Lynch, is also Irish. He won it for his haunting and lyrical novel, “Prophet Song”.

Finally, County Laois celebrates its own links to literature at the annual Leaves Festival of writing and music every November. A line-up of workshops, performance and other literary and musical events will be presented across the county. It’s never too early to book your accommodation at Roundwood House in readiness for some literary inspiration later on in the year.

If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE

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Love is in the air? Valentine’s Day at Roundwood House

Posted on 25/01/202425/01/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

No sooner has Christmas and the festive season ended than plans are being made for Valentine’s Day.

Couples everywhere are getting ready to celebrate the most romantic day of the year.

Where better to celebrate your love than at Roundwood House and the glorious Irish countryside that surrounds it?

Just the two of us

The cosy accommodation at Roundwood House is perfect for a couples to spend a few days in each other’s company, particularly for Valentine’s Day, away from the rest of the world.

The grounds and wider countryside offer many different routes for romantic stolls.

If the weather is a bit too cold to venture very far outside, the beautiful guest rooms and reception areas are ideal for curling up with a book each, playing a board game or simply enjoying a quiet conversation over coffee and homemade flapjacks. Or linger over breakfast together while you plan what to do with the long and luxuriously stress-free day ahead.

Literary lovers

One particularly appealing indoor space that is unique to Roundwood House is its attractive and well-stocked library. Shelves of intriguing books line the warm and inviting room, which also has plenty of comfortable chairs. If you are looking for some literary love stories to read during your stay, you are welcome to browse the shelves and take down any titles that attract your attention – we are sure you’ll find something to pique your interest!

The way to a man’s (or woman’s) heart

Top quality food and drink have long been considered an essential part of any courting couple’s repertoire.

At Roundwood House, our talented chefs, Paddy and Blanka, can create totally tempting meals and succulent snacks to keep the hunger pangs at bay and the mind on more romantic endeavours.

They say that the way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach. Let us help you navigate your way through with our delicious home-made and locally sourced fare.

Natural inspiration

The tranquil setting of Roundwood House, located close to the picturesque Slieve Bloom mountains, offers a rural idyll that will win over the hardest of hearts this 14th of February. For more active couples, the mountains offer a wide range of physical activities, including hiking, mountain biking and road cycling. Perfect for spending a fun day outdoors, work up an appetite together and enjoy getting to know each other even better while out and about in stunning scenery.

Popping the question

Not only is Valentine’s Day the ideal date for getting down on one knee, 2024 is a leap year. That means that it’s time for the women to pop the question as per leap-year tradition. Of course, we don’t mind what traditions you do or do not choose to follow. However, if you do want to pop the question during your stay at Roundwood House, the team would be delighted to help you create the ideal setting for a proposal to remember your entire life.

Out and about

However loved-up you may be, it could be that the spirit of adventure prevails and you feel ready to head out and explore some of the local attractions. There are several pretty villages nearby, just waiting for you to stroll around. Castles and heritage sites abound with fascinating tales of historical intrigue. The shopping outlet at nearby Kildare Village is home to many jewellery stores and internationally known fashion brands, should there be a need to hunt for an engagement or eternity ring to seal your love and remind you of your Irish Valentine’s Day adventure!

If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE

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Get on your (mountain) bike in 2024 at Roundwood House

Posted on 21/12/202312/04/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

Who fancies a new fitness challenge for 2024?

Mountain biking in Ireland is one of the best hobbies out there for getting fit, learning new skills, getting out into the fresh air and meeting new people. It is an environmentally friendly way to see the glorious Irish countryside too, without the need for lots of driving or worrying about where to park the car.

There’s good news for ardent fans of mountain biking who are looking for the perfect place for their first adventure of 2024. The Slieve Bloom mountains in central Ireland are well set up to welcome mountain bikers of all abilities. The region is one of the most beautiful in Ireland and jam-packed with picturesque trails that range from flat forest roads for beginners to challenging ‘hilly’ routes for the more experienced. Helpful signage and downloadable trail maps help make navigating your way a simple task.

Prepare your bike – and yourself

Many of the mountain bike trails in the Slieve Bloom mountains are challenging and require higher levels of fitness and bike maintenance. Follow up on that new year’s resolution to get to the gym and get your strength and cardio levels up. The fitter you are the longer you can carry on following the trails – and the less likely you are to sustain any injuries. The same goes for your bike. Book it in with your local bike shop for a full service before setting off on your trip. Give it a New Year’s present of new tyres, brake pads and chain. Even though you are bound to meet up with mud and dirt in the mountains, disassemble and clean your bike before you set off, so that you can start off with it in the best possible condition.

Choose your trails

Be realistic when working out which trails to follow – and especially when planning how long each one will take. You will doubtless want to stop for rest water and snack breaks. Factor in extra time in case of unexpected delays. Check out local websites for details of the trails you might want to ride. There are currently 35km of new, waymarked trails in the region, stretching from Kinnitty to the north-west to Baunreagh in the south-east. Each trail is marked for its difficulty level from blue (moderate, some single-track sections) to red (difficult with challenging climbs and tricky descents). Always stay safe and do not attempt the harder trails until you have built up enough relevant experience.

Safety first

As with any physical activity or adventure sport, safety must be paramount.

It is likely that you will encounter wet and windy weather, especially during the winter months and early spring. Dress warmly and wear or carry at least one waterproof layer. Always wear a helmet. Do not go out on the trail if there are weather warnings or severe conditions. Let someone know where you are going to ride and carry a mobile phone or other means to call for help. Always carry a first aid kit and bike repair equipment, including a tyre pump, spare inner tubes, basic tools and puncture repair kit. Take a map, GPS, compass and plenty of water and high-energy snacks. Warm up before setting off.

A warm welcome

Finally, book your accommodation at Roundwood House to ensure a warm welcome and practical base for your mountain biking Slieve Bloom adventures.

Our comfortable rooms are the ideal place to get a good night’s sleep ahead of your ride, and to wash off the mud and dirt when you get back for the evening.

Our home cooked meals will restore your energy and warm your feet and hand while the friendly team will be waiting to hear all about your day in the mountains. Roundwood House is perfect for couples and families as well as larger mountain biking groups.

We can tell you about the local wildlife that you may encounter on the trails tool, as well as the best places locally to buy supplies or meet other mountain biking enthusiasts.

If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE

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Plan the perfect Christmas break at Roundwood House

Posted on 14/11/202314/11/2023 by RoundwoodBlog

The perfect Christmas break at Roundwood House

How many times have you received a picture-perfect Christmas card depicting a cosy room decorated with fresh garlands, glorious countryside views out of the window and stockings hung by the fireplace?

You know that deliciously festive food and drink is waiting to be enjoyed in another room – and that’s after the whole family has enjoyed a brisk walk in the aforementioned glorious countryside, gently dusted with just the right amount of frost or snow.

Well, we may not be able to guarantee the frost and snow – and you might have to bring your own stockings – but the rest of this idyllic scene is just a Christmas booking away at Roundwood House.

We are warmly welcoming bookings in December and January for guests wanting to get away from it all in the run-up to Christmas, or to enjoy a few days away immediately afterwards (click HERE to check availability).

Festive food and drink

Whether you are planning a pre-Christmas break to get away from the planning madness, or a New Year getaway to start 2024 in style, food and drink are important aspects of any trip away. At Roundwood House, we firmly believe in the epicurean instruction to ‘eat, drink and be merry!’

Many of our guests say that the highlight of their stay is the home cooked fare, produced by Paddy using locally sourced ingredients – and served within the gorgeous surroundings of Georgian grandeur.

A recent guest had this to say about the food at Roundwood on TripAdvisor…

“Paddy’s chef skills are fabulous, from the presentation to the flavours, he deserves 5 stars. The four-course meal was spectacular and the breakfast delicious.”

Walking in a Winter wonderland

If you enjoy getting outside for some fresh air to blow away the cobwebs, make sure you have plenty of options planned for a fresh festive walk.

Options in the area include a perimeter walking route that takes in the native Irish woodland surrounding Roundwood House and leads you through frosty meadows and past trees that are over 300 years old.

Or, for a harder challenge that rewards you with wonderful snowy views and seasonal photo opportunities (weather permitting), you can choose one of several stunning looped walks in the nearby Slieve Bloom mountains.

Christmas shopping

For a pre-Christmas break, Roundwood House offers the ideal mix of a rural retreat and a practical base for completing your Christmas shopping.

There are several towns within easy driving distance offering local delicacies, unusual gifts and fun Christmas markets.

If you want to venture further afield, Kildare Village, a designer outlet shopping village featuring year-round reductions on an exclusive selection of 100+ international brands, is only 40 minutes away.

If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE

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Why a rainy day at Roundwood House could be the perfect autumn tonic

Posted on 14/10/202314/10/2023 by RoundwoodBlog

So far, the October weather has been what you could call ‘varied’. From bright, sunny weekends to misty mornings and rainy afternoons, we really have seen a huge range of different weather types over the past couple of weeks.

Despite many of us welcoming the late appearance of summer-like conditions, there can be no doubting the therapeutic benefits that a rainy day can have on us. Rather than curtailing fun activities, the rain can bring into focus several different ways to enjoy some unexpectedly relaxing downtime. Here are some ideas for enjoying the rain at Roundwood House this month.

No such thing as bad weather…

Who was it who said “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing?” They were certainly onto something. So long as you can dress warmly to protect against rain and winds, there is no excuse not to venture out to explore the glorious countryside around Roundwood House, even if it is tipping down with rain. Choose from a gentle perimeter walk around the grounds, or head out into the Slieve Bloom mountains for a longer hike – 17 looped trials await your exploration.

Heading into town

Rainy days can be great opportunities to explore local towns and villages. At this time of year, most of the summer tourists will have gone back home and you can stroll around the streets in relative peace. Again, wrap up warm and don’t forget your umbrella. There are countless little shops, tea rooms, churches, museums and other historical buildings to dive into and wait for a break in the weather. Great local towns and villages to visit include Castletown, Kinnitty – and the aptly named Coolrain.

Lovely library day

The library at Roundwood House is an attraction not to be missed. Situated in the Old Coach House, it is a peaceful haven, lined with 2,000 English-language books covering all kinds of fascinating topics. It is the ideal place to while away a drizzly afternoon reading, reflecting and enjoying a cup of tea and slice of homemade cake. You can curl up in a cosy armchair or use the ample desks to spread out and compare books, in readiness for a lively, literary discussion. There’s nothing like an intellectually stimulating conversation to take your mind off the less than clement weather.

Treating all the senses

A rainy day can be a treat for all the senses, from the gentle sound of morning drizzle to a dramatic thunderstorm darkening the sky. Rain also has its own smell, signaling its imminent arrival. Add to the sensory satisfaction by enjoying a home-cooked meal in the beautiful surroundings of Roundwood House, with local ingredients that have been nurtured by the rain to bring you a taste sensation. After dinner, why not head outside for a short stroll in the garden and enjoy feeling the rain on your face? When you come back inside, we will be waiting for you with a warming cup of hot chocolate, coffee or tea.

Shopping in the rain

Finally, a rainy day can be a great excuse to head for nearby Kildare Village – the designer outlet shopping village featuring more than 100 international brands. Get ahead on the Christmas shopping, or look for some seasonal ‘finds’ to take you into winter. Bad weather needn’t stop play for intrepid shoppers, happy to dodge the rain and wind and enjoy a day of bargain hunting. There are restaurants and cafes on site to help you make a day of it. Perhaps you will find yourself a brand new umbrella or raincoat to remind you of your October visit to Roundwood House!

If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE

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Five ways to enjoy the Irish countryside this autumn

Posted on 18/09/202318/09/2023 by RoundwoodBlog

Summer may be coming to an end now, but that doesn’t mean that the fun needs to finish. Many people put Autumn at the top of their list of favourite seasons and it’s not hard to see why. At Roundwood House, we’re surrounded by gorgeous colours in the trees and plenty of countryside routes for a seasonal stroll, ramble or hike. In the kitchen, Paddy is cooking up a storm, adding delicious autumnal treats to the menu as the nights begin to draw in.

Roundwood House is nestled in expansive native woodland surroundings at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains – right in the heart of the Irish midlands. Here, we benefit enormously from the beauty of the majestic mountains acting as a backdrop to the reds, golds and browns of the autumnal trees all around us. For autumn afficionados, why not book a seasonal stay in one of the self-catering cottages or B&B rooms at Roundwood House? We can provide the perfect way to say goodbye to the summer of 2023 as we head towards the chillier climes of winter. Here are five ways to enjoy the Irish countryside this autumn.

· Autumn rambles
Visitors to Roundwood House are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the best walking routes the country has to offer. The Slieve Bloom mountains offer stunning views and challenging routes for the most seasoned of hikers. Our grounds contain gently meandering pathways that take walkers through wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands with trees aged more than 300 years, including oak, ash, birch, holly, hazel and hawthorn.

· Animal spotting
The woodlands of the Irish midlands are home to a wide range of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered or rare. These include red squirrels, hares, pine martens and hedgehogs. Don’t forget to look up as well as across, to see birds such as owls, woodpeckers and willow warblers. A stroll at dusk could include sightings of barn owls or bats going about their business.

· Changing vistas
The trees don’t stay the same colour for long here during the autumn months. If you return to the same view a few weeks apart, everything can look very different. If you are keen to see the best views in the area, ask the Roundwood House team where they recommend. A heady mix of changing colours in the leaves, lit up by the soft seasonal sunshine and gentle mists is a sight not to be missed. As autumn turns into winter, the falling leaves reveal skeletal shapes in the branches and previously hidden landscapes can change the whole view.

· Arts and crafts
Autumn’s vibrant colours have inspired all kinds of arts and crafts activities for children and adults alike. We love to see what creative talents our visitors can reveal and are happy to help identify the best places to inspire a painting or photography session. Mixing up just the right watercolours or oils to capture the glowing tones of an autumnal tree can be hugely satisfying. As can taking the perfect photo to capture the locality in its full seasonal glory. There are so many photo opportunities at Roundwood House, from the attractive main house and outbuildings to the woodlands and nature nearby.

· Harvest feast-ival
We’ve already mentioned Paddy’s delight at getting into the kitchen during autumn to cook up some amazing seasonal treats. He sources top quality local ingredients, including vegetables, herbs and cereal grains. Wild venison is also served at Roundwood and is a real treat at this time of year. Finally, our local forager, Wild Food Mary, drops by regularly in the Autumn season to provide Paddy with wild mushrooms, hazelnuts and damsons, all foraged from the woods and surrounding countryside at Roundwood.

If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE

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Calling all foodies: amazing food and drink at Roundwood House

Posted on 24/08/202312/04/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

If, like us, you believe that good holidays revolve around excellent food and drink, then you have come to the right place.

At Roundwood House, we take pride in offering our guests the very best that County Laois and Ireland has to offer.

Delicious, locally sourced ingredients, turned into mouth-watering dishes, cooked on site to your taste by our talented chef, Paddy. What more could you ask for?

Famous Irish foods

Ireland is well-known around the globe for a number of fabulous food and beverages that must be sampled and enjoyed.

Some favourites include Guinness stew, seafood chowder, treacle soda bread and, for those brave enough, black pudding.

For dessert, there is a slice or three of whiskey-laced cake or a brilliantly boozy sherry trifle.

There are multiple local cafes and restaurants in the area that are eager to serve up top quality Irish food and drink, or guests can sit back and enjoy delicious home-cooked treats at Roundwood House.

Home-cooked heaven

The kitchen at Roundwood House really is the heart of the home, buzzing with activity and wafting delicious aromas throughout the house as Paddy works his culinary magic.

Guests can enjoy amazing meals, cooked from scratch and served in cosy surroundings alongside excellent company.

The whole experience is made even better by just having a short climb upstairs to bed while someone else does the washing up.

Local produce

One of the main reasons why guests rave about the food and drinks served at Roundwood House is the fact that so many ingredients are sourced locally.

Meat is provided by Mick, the trusted local butcher, who supplies amazing grass-fed lamb and beef.

Vegetables are pulled out of nearby soil, mushrooms provided by a local forager, while artisan local producers supply cheese, oats, barley and wheat. Soda bread, crackers, yoghurt, muesli and flapjacks are freshly made for guests on site, every day.

Alcohol August

Ireland is just as famous for its alcoholic delights as it is for its fine food.

As well as the world-renowned Guinness, there is a wide range of whiskeys waiting to be sampled.

These form the basis for a number of other famous beverages, including the soul-warming Irish coffee, made by combining black coffee and cream with whiskey and sugar.

Irish cream blends whiskey and other spirits with dairy cream, chocolate and vanilla, to be enjoyed straight, on the rocks or as a cocktail ingredient.

The ultimate in indulgent after-dinner drinks!

If you want to find out more about Roundwood House or want to contact us about availability please use the form HERE

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How to plan the perfect country house weekend at Roundwood House this summer

Posted on 15/07/202312/04/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

There can be little better than gathering up a group of like-minded friends or family and heading off for a summer weekend together. Even more so if you choose to stay somewhere like Roundwood House with its beautifiul surroundings, friendly hosts and delicious, locally sourced meals. When planning the perfect country house weekend, it’s essential to think about what people want to get out of it – fun with friends? New experiences? Beautiful countryside? A chance to get away from daily life and relax? Here are five tips to help you and your guests get the planning underway.

Research the local area

Check out local websites and tourist guides for some ideas of places to visit and things to do. Roundwood House is situated in attractive woodland with the stunning Slieve Mountains nearby for hikes, mountain biking and scenic drives. If you want to immerse yourself in local history, the pretty towns of Mountrath and Castletown are just a few kilometres away with beautiful architecture, fascinating stories and friendly locals.

Enjoy a ‘home from home’

Arranging a country house weekend at somewhere like Roundwood House should give your guests the chance to unwind and leave their busy lives behind them for a while. Central to this is allowing people to go with the flow. Plan a loose agenda if you wish, but don’t insist on people following it to the letter. Often, guests who come to Roundwood House simply enjoy spending time exploring the Georgian house and relaxing in the extensive grounds.

Tuck into delicious food and drink

From a traditional Irish breakfast to start the day to a hearty supper to end it, make sure that your country house weekened includes plenty of local, Irish food and drink. At Roundwood House, you can be sure of menus full of home-made dishes, locally sourced ingredients and authentic Irish flavours, lovingly cooked by Paddy. No country house weekend is complete without sampling the wonderful food and drink that puts County Laois – and Roundwood House – firmly on the culinary map.

Read – and leave – reviews

Always check out reviews for anywhere you are staying or planning to visit during your country house weekend. Not only will they tell you where to go, they can also provide plenty of other useful information. For example, if previous guests mention the amenities available in your accommodation, you know what you do and do not need to bring with you. Check out the Roundwood House website for ideas of what to expect. Return the reviewing favour if you can – if you appreciated a place or an event local to where you have been staying, leave a review to say so and share your good experiences with others.

Have fun!

The main thing to do is to remember why you planned the summer house weekend in the first place – to enjoy time with friends and family in a beautiful location, away from the daily routine. So, relax, go with the flow and concentrate on having a wonderful time on your country house weekend!