Perimeter Walk

Upon arrival at Roundwood House, home-made biscuits, tea and coffee are served in the drawing room, followed by a walking tour of the land and outbuildings, usually accompanied by an extra tour guide, Rococo, the Flynn family dog, a floppy yellow lab, named after an Arcade Fire song. She who know the route by heart and may just nudge you back on course should you stray from the itinerary.

Upon arrival at Roundwood House, home-made biscuits, tea and coffee are served in the drawing room, followed by a walking tour of the land and outbuildings, usually accompanied by an extra tour guide, Rococo, the Flynn family dog, a floppy yellow lab, named after an Arcade Fire song. She who know the route by heart and may just nudge you back on course should you stray from the itinerary.

Jane Cooper Ford, Bold Magazine, Fall 2019

Jane Cooper Ford, Bold Magazine, Fall 2019

Perimeter Walk ...

Roundwood House is surrounded by native Irish woodland, now sadly accounting for less than 2% of all Irish woodland. Follow the meandering path of the Perimeter Walk around the grounds & enjoy our patch of this unique ecosystem. Most of the trees on the estate are 300+ years old, species of which include oak, ash, birch, hazel, holly & hawthorn. The path will also lead you through a meadow of wonderful old strains of grass mixed with dandelions, daisies & other wildflowers providing nourishment for the bees & the butterflies.

Chances are you will meet Hannah’s father Frank along the way, chopping wood or puffing on his pipe, always willing to get into a deep political discussion with unsuspecting passersby!  See the map HERE.

Wildlife and Pets ...

Our woodland supports native mammals & birds. We have a wonderful array of both on our 18 acres. Badgers, hedgehogs, red squirrels, hares, pine martens & foxes (ducks beware!).  All spotted here on a regular basis, usually on late night or early morning walks. We also have bats, barn owls, cuckoos, willow warblers, woodpeckers & lots of little song birds. If you’re an early riser, tuning in to the dawn chorus is a magical experience in Spring & Summer at Roundwood.

In addition to the wildlife we have lots of outdoor pets here - cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hens and ducks. Amelie & Lucie are always delighted to take any of our smaller guests, or bigger animal-loving guests, on an introductory tour.

Outbuildings

As you stroll around the grounds at Roundwood you will encounter numerous 18th century outbuildings and feel the hum of a previous time. The Greeks called it kairos - a sense of the past that intrudes into and challenges the present. Keeping all these buildings standing is certainly a challenge for us but without them Roundwood would lack the balance and sense of history that makes her so special.

There is a beautiful Georgian stable block, an old Coach House and Forge, a tiny little Gardener's Cottage and the piece de resistance: a wonderful and unique stone flax mill, now wood shed/exhibition space and breathtaking in its beauty. It is also without a doubt the most photographed woodshed in Ireland!

Click on a Gallery image to see more ...

Roundwood’s extensive grounds are storybook beautiful.

Roundwood’s extensive grounds are storybook beautiful. 

Darina Coffey, The Taste, August, 2017

Darina Coffey, The Taste, August, 2017