Our Online Reviews
We pride ourselves on creating a positive experience for our guests and are always keen to receive feedback, be it good or otherwise, as it helps to ensure that we maintain our high standards and improve things if necessary. See below for a list of recent reviews on TripAdvisor, Facebook and Google.
We were delighted to make it into the Top Ten Small Hotels in Ireland in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards 2020. Winners of Travellers' Choice Awards are among the top 1% of all listings on Tripadvisor.
Some TripAdvisor Reviews ...
- Good food and wine We had a fantastic meal this evening at Roundwood House. We sat a a shared table ( our choice) with seven other guests. The food was beautifully presented and tasted wonderful and our fellow guests each had their own story to tell. Wonderful company and food. Would. Definitely recommend - 09/08/24read moreread less×Lorraine G- 09/08/24Good food and wine We had a fantastic meal this evening at Roundwood House. We sat a a shared table ( our choice) with seven other guests. The food was beautifully presented and tasted wonderful and our fellow guests each had their own story to tell. Wonderful company and food. Would. Definitely recommendevening meal visited for an evening meal. The hotel is set in lovely grounds and is very rustic both inside out out. Met by staff who were very friendly
had drinks in lounge in front of the fire before moving to dining room were we sat with another couple. food was good - 01/04/24read moreread lessLovely place to stay We spent two nights at the Roundwood House and enjoyed everything. Hannah , Paddy and team were so nice and eager to make our stay lovely. The home offered a glimpse into the past, with antique furnishings, art and the surrounding grounds and the home itself embracing what one would expect of a 280 year old home.
Hannah is a wealth of knowledge about the area and always happy to help with directions, activities and history of all that Roundwood and the area has to offer.
Paddy’s chef skills are fabulous, from the presentation to the flavours he deserves 5 stars. The four course meal was spectacular and the breakfasts delicious.
The grounds offer lots of area to roam and explore and the library on the grounds is impressive.
The main sitting area was a lovely place to have a drink and chat with other guests. The fire in the fireplace made such a homey feel. The team was always checking in to ensure we had what we needed. I would have loved to spend more time roaming the area and would certainly recommend anyone looking for a relaxed stay with great service and food to stay at Roundwood.
Janice and Alan from Canada - 01/10/23read moreread less×Wanderer322001- 01/10/23Lovely place to stay We spent two nights at the Roundwood House and enjoyed everything. Hannah , Paddy and team were so nice and eager to make our stay lovely. The home offered a glimpse into the past, with antique furnishings, art and the surrounding grounds and the home itself embracing what one would expect of a 280 year old home.
Hannah is a wealth of knowledge about the area and always happy to help with directions, activities and history of all that Roundwood and the area has to offer.
Paddy’s chef skills are fabulous, from the presentation to the flavours he deserves 5 stars. The four course meal was spectacular and the breakfasts delicious.
The grounds offer lots of area to roam and explore and the library on the grounds is impressive.
The main sitting area was a lovely place to have a drink and chat with other guests. The fire in the fireplace made such a homey feel. The team was always checking in to ensure we had what we needed. I would have loved to spend more time roaming the area and would certainly recommend anyone looking for a relaxed stay with great service and food to stay at Roundwood.
Janice and Alan from CanadaRoundwood House: Magical This place is special. We had a really emotional connection with fellow guests just minutes after arriving. It was a genuinely special moment, aligned by chance and giving me goosebumps whilst I am writing.
We were shown to the Green Room, Georgian grandeur at its finest, and then to the drawing room for a pre dinner drink. The food is magnificent, served to all the guests at the same time. You can chose a private table, but the shared experience was a really great moment.
The attention to detail, the attentivness of the staff, the timing of courses, the intuition of knowing when to step in was like a choreography. The staff were brilliant, friendly and most important looked happy with their work.
Then, drinks in the drawing room and the treat of a Bowie classic from Paddy. How unfair is it that a pure artist in the kitchen gets to be this good on guitar and singing?!
The following morning we looked around the library, the woodshed. Strange description, woodshed .its more like an art installation.
Paddy and Hannah are great hosts. They are friendly, welcoming and they manage a brilliant experience for their guests. I defy anyone to not fall in love with the place. We will be back. - 01/09/23read moreread less×James T- 01/09/23Roundwood House: Magical This place is special. We had a really emotional connection with fellow guests just minutes after arriving. It was a genuinely special moment, aligned by chance and giving me goosebumps whilst I am writing.
We were shown to the Green Room, Georgian grandeur at its finest, and then to the drawing room for a pre dinner drink. The food is magnificent, served to all the guests at the same time. You can chose a private table, but the shared experience was a really great moment.
The attention to detail, the attentivness of the staff, the timing of courses, the intuition of knowing when to step in was like a choreography. The staff were brilliant, friendly and most important looked happy with their work.
Then, drinks in the drawing room and the treat of a Bowie classic from Paddy. How unfair is it that a pure artist in the kitchen gets to be this good on guitar and singing?!
The following morning we looked around the library, the woodshed. Strange description, woodshed .its more like an art installation.
Paddy and Hannah are great hosts. They are friendly, welcoming and they manage a brilliant experience for their guests. I defy anyone to not fall in love with the place. We will be back.Hidden gem, unique wonderful experience. Wife and I treated my sister to a couple of nights here as a big birthday present. Roundwood House has a wonderful ambience and if you are unable to relax here then . There is a wonderful informality about the place and you feel as though you were at home. The owners and staff are totally committed to ensuring your every need is attended to. The food is exceptional. We have eaten in the finest restaurants in Dublin but none can compare with dinners that were served to us both nights. Superb experience. - 01/09/23read moreread less×Nemo- 01/09/23Hidden gem, unique wonderful experience. Wife and I treated my sister to a couple of nights here as a big birthday present. Roundwood House has a wonderful ambience and if you are unable to relax here then . There is a wonderful informality about the place and you feel as though you were at home. The owners and staff are totally committed to ensuring your every need is attended to. The food is exceptional. We have eaten in the finest restaurants in Dublin but none can compare with dinners that were served to us both nights. Superb experience.Great time in Roundwood A lovely place to rest and recharge, with a very welcoming staff. Our room was very comfortable and we loved the relaxed atmosphere of the house. Gorgeous drawing room and sitting room with loads of fascinating historical items all over the property. Grounds are gorgeous and the hens, geese etc. give it a very original and inviting feel. Particularly fascinated by the robotic lawnmower, very impressive. The staff work incredibly hard and the whole experience is very special and unlike anywhere we have stayed previously. We'll absolutely be back very soon. - 01/08/23read moreread less×Jhampson- 01/08/23Great time in Roundwood A lovely place to rest and recharge, with a very welcoming staff. Our room was very comfortable and we loved the relaxed atmosphere of the house. Gorgeous drawing room and sitting room with loads of fascinating historical items all over the property. Grounds are gorgeous and the hens, geese etc. give it a very original and inviting feel. Particularly fascinated by the robotic lawnmower, very impressive. The staff work incredibly hard and the whole experience is very special and unlike anywhere we have stayed previously. We'll absolutely be back very soon.Perfect - Great value Searched pet friendly accommodation and found this gem.
Met Hannah (&Clyde) on arrival for our stay in The Forge which is just perfect for us with our 2 dogs. The library is a must. Perfect location for exploring all the area has to offer or as in our case to visit relatives. We will be back ASAP for a longer stay. - 01/08/23read moreread less×SilieD- 01/08/23Perfect - Great value Searched pet friendly accommodation and found this gem.
Met Hannah (&Clyde) on arrival for our stay in The Forge which is just perfect for us with our 2 dogs. The library is a must. Perfect location for exploring all the area has to offer or as in our case to visit relatives. We will be back ASAP for a longer stay.A Yearly, Perfect, Adventure There is no where like this house in all of Ireland. It's a stop for us ever year. Half-way between the two major airports makes it perfect for a last evening stay. Don't miss the walk around the grounds or a dinner prepared by Paddy. Make sure you enjoy the breakfast and arrive in time to spend your moments with all. - 01/06/23read moreread less×Mekie- 01/06/23A Yearly, Perfect, Adventure There is no where like this house in all of Ireland. It's a stop for us ever year. Half-way between the two major airports makes it perfect for a last evening stay. Don't miss the walk around the grounds or a dinner prepared by Paddy. Make sure you enjoy the breakfast and arrive in time to spend your moments with all.Charming country hotel Roundwood House is a hidden gem. A beautiful historic Georgian manor house set in woodlands in county Laois in close proximity to the Slieve Bloom mountains. A friendly, family run hotel. Hannah is a delightful host. The food is fabulous. The evening meals created by Patrick are exceptional. We are always made to feel most welcome and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. - 01/06/23read moreread less×gwen w- 01/06/23Charming country hotel Roundwood House is a hidden gem. A beautiful historic Georgian manor house set in woodlands in county Laois in close proximity to the Slieve Bloom mountains. A friendly, family run hotel. Hannah is a delightful host. The food is fabulous. The evening meals created by Patrick are exceptional. We are always made to feel most welcome and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. - Ladies leisurely break Just back from the most amazing stay at beautiful Roundwood House. We're 4 ladies who like to escape every so often and this has to be the most enjoyable breakaway we've ever had. Everything about Roundwood is so special and unique - Hannah and Paddy are the perfect hosts and their staff are all so lovely and couldn't do enough for us. The food was delicious, preceded by equally delicious drinks in the beautiful drawing room beside a lovely fire. We walked around the grounds the following morning and it is all so peaceful - I was particularly taken with the 'wood shed' which is more of an Art Installation to be honest, I could happily spend the day in it! We then visited the Library, a most beautiful space - I could see myself ensconced in a book there for the day. I've booked one of the lovely cottages for next Easter but I've a feeling I (or any/all of my friends) will be back before then. Treat yourself - it's good for the soul - 01/04/23read moreread less×clearday3- 01/04/23Ladies leisurely break Just back from the most amazing stay at beautiful Roundwood House. We're 4 ladies who like to escape every so often and this has to be the most enjoyable breakaway we've ever had. Everything about Roundwood is so special and unique - Hannah and Paddy are the perfect hosts and their staff are all so lovely and couldn't do enough for us. The food was delicious, preceded by equally delicious drinks in the beautiful drawing room beside a lovely fire. We walked around the grounds the following morning and it is all so peaceful - I was particularly taken with the 'wood shed' which is more of an Art Installation to be honest, I could happily spend the day in it! We then visited the Library, a most beautiful space - I could see myself ensconced in a book there for the day. I've booked one of the lovely cottages for next Easter but I've a feeling I (or any/all of my friends) will be back before then. Treat yourself - it's good for the soulFantastic athmosphere and experience. Fantastic atmosphere and experience. Great venue, Hannah and Paddy are great hosts. All staff very helpful and friendly. Food superb, must be close to Michelin star standard . Caters very well for food allergies.
Would highly recommend. - 01/04/23read moreread lessMagical, Intimate Stay We found ourselves ready to say “I do” for the second and last time. My desire was for our special day to be in a magical place that I had never visited before. It was kismet that we ended our search in Ireland. We traveled with only immediate family and closest friends to give our day the perfect, intimate feeling we desired. The Roundwood House was the perfect find. Hannah was so amazing from our first Zoom meeting. Since we were traveling from another country, I had many questions, and she was so patient with answering every one of them. Once we arrived, we were blown away by our experience! Since we rented the entire house, we had our pick of the many fabulous rooms in the main house and the yellow house. The food was amazing and truly Michelin star worthy. Meals require the perfect wine, and we were not disappointed with our extensive options. Each space, both inside and outside, had such character and we loved being able to explore it all. Several moments even made our stay more personalized, magical and special; the shared musical talents of Paddy and the family, and the special ringing of the bell! - 11/03/23read moreread less×Carol B- 11/03/23Magical, Intimate Stay We found ourselves ready to say “I do” for the second and last time. My desire was for our special day to be in a magical place that I had never visited before. It was kismet that we ended our search in Ireland. We traveled with only immediate family and closest friends to give our day the perfect, intimate feeling we desired. The Roundwood House was the perfect find. Hannah was so amazing from our first Zoom meeting. Since we were traveling from another country, I had many questions, and she was so patient with answering every one of them. Once we arrived, we were blown away by our experience! Since we rented the entire house, we had our pick of the many fabulous rooms in the main house and the yellow house. The food was amazing and truly Michelin star worthy. Meals require the perfect wine, and we were not disappointed with our extensive options. Each space, both inside and outside, had such character and we loved being able to explore it all. Several moments even made our stay more personalized, magical and special; the shared musical talents of Paddy and the family, and the special ringing of the bell!Magical! Amazing! Anyone visiting Ireland should stay here! From the minute you arrive, you feel like part of the gorgeous family. Hannah and Paddy-with their 2 gorgeous daughters, Amelie and Lucie, plus a melange of gorgeous dogs, ducks, geese, chickens and Guinea fowl- are wonderful hosts, with Paddy’s culinary skills worthy of a Michelin Star, coupled with his excellent guitar playing and singing, accompanied by Amelie and Lucie. The breakfast was divine! The house is so cosy and the grounds are fab! The library in the barn is gorgeous and the log store has to be seen to be believed! Who would have thought of combining a log store with an art gallery!!! We stayed at Roundwood House to celebrate a wedding for 13 and it was truly perfect! The bride, groom and most guests travelled from the USA and they were absolutely thrilled with the decision they made to get married in this gem of a house. We can’t wait to return on our next trip to Ireland. Thank you so much! - 09/03/23read moreread less×HexhamCharsoph- 09/03/23Magical! Amazing! Anyone visiting Ireland should stay here! From the minute you arrive, you feel like part of the gorgeous family. Hannah and Paddy-with their 2 gorgeous daughters, Amelie and Lucie, plus a melange of gorgeous dogs, ducks, geese, chickens and Guinea fowl- are wonderful hosts, with Paddy’s culinary skills worthy of a Michelin Star, coupled with his excellent guitar playing and singing, accompanied by Amelie and Lucie. The breakfast was divine! The house is so cosy and the grounds are fab! The library in the barn is gorgeous and the log store has to be seen to be believed! Who would have thought of combining a log store with an art gallery!!! We stayed at Roundwood House to celebrate a wedding for 13 and it was truly perfect! The bride, groom and most guests travelled from the USA and they were absolutely thrilled with the decision they made to get married in this gem of a house. We can’t wait to return on our next trip to Ireland. Thank you so much!Wonderful stay We stayed for one night after Christmas to get a night away to relax as a family. We had the nicest experience, beautiful house and very welcoming family. The surroundings were perfect and peaceful. Comfortable, cosy bedroom and very relaxing sitting room with open fire to relax in and plenty of books on the shelves to immerse yourself into. The food was fabulous both dinner and breakfast freshly cooked, a fine dining experience. We loved it and will definitely return. Thanks for a 5* stay. - 02/02/23read moreread less×Honeybeegarden- 02/02/23Wonderful stay We stayed for one night after Christmas to get a night away to relax as a family. We had the nicest experience, beautiful house and very welcoming family. The surroundings were perfect and peaceful. Comfortable, cosy bedroom and very relaxing sitting room with open fire to relax in and plenty of books on the shelves to immerse yourself into. The food was fabulous both dinner and breakfast freshly cooked, a fine dining experience. We loved it and will definitely return. Thanks for a 5* stay.5-star hospitality in lovingly maintained 300-year house Just home from a wonderful break in Roundwood House. Paddy and Hannah are fabulous, relaxed hosts and run their guest house with 5-star precision. The accommodation was immaculate and very comfortable in lovingly maintained, spacious bedrooms complete with stunning Georgian features. Drinks were served each night by a gorgeous open fire and the waiting staff were courteous, professional and friendly. Premium drinks and mixers were on offer and the wine list was varied and well-priced. Dinner was a culinary delight both evenings. Paddy is a talented and innovative chef. The 4-course meal each evening was perfectly executed and balanced and catered for all tastes. The homemade crackers with the cheese plate were divine! Breakfast was another treat and worth spending time over- largely homemade- as well as beautifully presented. Well done to both Paddy and Hannah- this is truly a 5-star experience with a very personal touch and we will be back. Thank you! - 29/01/23read moreread less×LondonIrish11- 29/01/235-star hospitality in lovingly maintained 300-year house Just home from a wonderful break in Roundwood House. Paddy and Hannah are fabulous, relaxed hosts and run their guest house with 5-star precision. The accommodation was immaculate and very comfortable in lovingly maintained, spacious bedrooms complete with stunning Georgian features. Drinks were served each night by a gorgeous open fire and the waiting staff were courteous, professional and friendly. Premium drinks and mixers were on offer and the wine list was varied and well-priced. Dinner was a culinary delight both evenings. Paddy is a talented and innovative chef. The 4-course meal each evening was perfectly executed and balanced and catered for all tastes. The homemade crackers with the cheese plate were divine! Breakfast was another treat and worth spending time over- largely homemade- as well as beautifully presented. Well done to both Paddy and Hannah- this is truly a 5-star experience with a very personal touch and we will be back. Thank you!Amazing home Spent one night here and it was too short! Beautiful house, full of character and you could spend hours looking at all the pictures on the walls. Beds were so comfy, the rooms were lovely and toasty. Dinner and breakfast was just amazing. Some of the nicest food I’ve eaten in a very long time. Had a really enjoyable trip sitting by the fire, a glass of wine in hand, catching up with friends. I’d highly recommend a trip away here and make sure you book in for dinner! - 01/01/23read moreread less×Sullyone1- 01/01/23Amazing home Spent one night here and it was too short! Beautiful house, full of character and you could spend hours looking at all the pictures on the walls. Beds were so comfy, the rooms were lovely and toasty. Dinner and breakfast was just amazing. Some of the nicest food I’ve eaten in a very long time. Had a really enjoyable trip sitting by the fire, a glass of wine in hand, catching up with friends. I’d highly recommend a trip away here and make sure you book in for dinner!Roundwood house the forge My little dog died but we came here anyway . How good for the soul . Rustic magnificence we could be in the Dordogne. Quirky,gorgeous just fantastic. Pleasant humans and amazed by the ducks,chickens etc all living the best life . I wouldn't change a thing - 22/08/22read moreread less×Jacqueline P- 22/08/22Roundwood house the forge My little dog died but we came here anyway . How good for the soul . Rustic magnificence we could be in the Dordogne. Quirky,gorgeous just fantastic. Pleasant humans and amazed by the ducks,chickens etc all living the best life . I wouldn't change a thing
Our Reviews on Facebook...
- Rick RichardsonBlissful Serenity & A Grand Celebration
Our family spent 3 days at Roundwood House as a part of our celebration of my wife's 70th birthday. Our hosts, Paddy and Hannah, were amazing! Attentive, welcoming, and a wonderful addition to our family celebration. The mansion and grounds were remarkable, and steeped in the history and lore of Ireland. Paddy was the lead chef (with Ted as his assistant) and the 5-course meal he prepared for my wife's birthday dinner was FANTASTIC! We all agreed that it was among the best we've ever had anywhere. Too many wonderful moments to mention them all, but I will add that when my stepsons, my son-in-law, and I caught fresh trout in a nearby lake. Paddy prepared one of the trout (filleted) in a lemon, butter, and wine sauce that was exceptional. 3 hours from lake to table! If you want a true experience that immerses you into the landscape and warmth of rural Ireland, spend a few days with Hannah and Paddy in their wonderful home. And did I mention the fantastic food? You won't be disappointed! - 04/06/19read moreread lessMary Ellen McGrawIt has become an annual event to visit Roundwood. What a welcome for all, including three very active boys. The house is a treasure, the meal is beyond description, and if you miss it, you will have missed one of the greatest guest houses in the country. - 11/05/19read moreread lessAshleigh ConnorsThank you for sharing your magical space with us. I felt we walked straight into the movie The Secret Garden. We stayed in the Writers Cottage which was so warm, cosy and every small detail was thought about for our stay. Right down to the lovely soaps that were by Irish artisans. I was amazed by the beautiful trees and wild flowers all over the grounds. We were taken on the most curious walk by our guide, Rococo (the kind dog). We got the tasting menu which was phenomenal. A fantastic display of locally sourced ingredients which were so tasty ! The vegetarian options were amazing also! We went on a hike in the mountains which were on the door step of Roundwood house the next morning.
We cannot wait to go back. Thank you for the warm welcome to a very special hidden gem in Ireland 💚 - 27/04/19read moreread less
We have great reviews on Google too...
- Jim UA phenomenal place to stay! You can feel the history. |The hosts are the best, as is the food. Our dinner was as fine and elegant as can be had anywhere, including Paris, Rome, and Milan.|For fishermen/women, you are very close to Irish Fly Craft. Jimmy is a true artist, and an excellent guide.|The whole experience was exceptional, and a tremendous bargain! We had a party of eight, and will be booking every time we return to Ireland. - 14/07/24read moreread lessMary ColbertA beautiful piece of tranquility in the countryside. So peaceful , quiet and relaxing. The hosts Hannah and Paddy were gentle and gracious. Paddy is a superb cook and I rate his evening meal one of the best ever ... The drawing room was quaint and a venue to meet the other guests. A place to mingle and introduce yourself. This is definitely not a child centered retreat. It was very pleasant sitting with the other guests around the dining room table and being served delicious impromptu food off a secret menu. .The house wine delicious well priced as was the Italian Prosecco..It was dry, not sweet ,crisp and as good as any champagne . ... There are 10 bedrooms and we stayed in the old main historic house... lovely high ceilings and windows. The decor and furnishings are simple , maybe a huge interior decorative refurbishment could start jump the building into a higher category but then that would reflect on the price. ..... We just loved it the way it was... A true Irish experience.. - 28/04/24read moreread less
- Ruadhan O LaoiI don't often write reviews, but felt compelled on this occasion.Before we even arrived, I had e-mailed Hannah and felt very welcome at Roundwood House. On arrival, the house looked absolutely stunning, and Hannah and Paddy were both lovely, warm people.The food was incredible. We had the 4-course menu on Saturday night, which didn't shy away from our vegetarian request and could have easily been served in a high-end restaurant. On Friday night, we were delayed and arrived late at 9pm, a little hungry, and were welcomed with soup, homemade bread, cheeses with homemade crackers and chutney, and a mouthwatering dessert by the fire. The rooms were large and luxurious - we were three people, 1 couple and 1 single, so the room with a double and single bed suited perfectly. On walking into the room, Hannah kindly asked if we "wanted a third bed" which was just about the nicest thing to offer. We declined, but I am still curious as to what she would have done if we said yes. Massive original fireplaces dotted the building and were perfect to cosy up beside and read a book, or sit beside in the evening with some local liquers and a game of cards.Only an hour drive from Dublin, but down the back roads of Laois, which felt very rural. Close to Slieve Bloom mountains, where we went for a lovely 2-3 hour walk. Hannah and Paddy also directed us to Cathole waterfall (10 min drive) for an icy Winter dip, which we loved. Small villages nearby with cute pubs (Hogan's in Coolrain - small, thatched roof, lovely staff), and very close to Portlaoise nearby for additional food options if you need.Overall an excellent value stay in an 18th century home. Definitely recommend for a peaceful, relaxing weekend. - 29/01/24read moreread lessTara GyenisOur stay at Roundwood House was perfect! Hannah and Paddy are lovely hosts and have wonderful staff and family to make guests feel at home. Very special to celebrate the start of the New Year there with delicious food and great craic! We look forward to visiting again and taking longer walks. - 10/01/24read moreread lessSaoirse LennonA group of us visited last weekend and we all had such a lovely time. I was first to arrive and spent some time in the beautiful drawing room chatting with Hannah, figuring out our Galway connections!Every room has such character. The bedrooms are fabulous, the service is fantastic, and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and breakfast. Everything was top notch, would love to return on a family gathering at some stage.Thanks Hannah and Paddy! - 30/11/23read moreread lessRITA RYANHad a beautiful restful night's 😴 sleep in a restored Georgian Farmhouse at the foot Hills of the Sliabh Bloom with wonderful food served at dinner and breakfast my Halloween experience completed by a walk to their Library and a visit to the old Flax Mill ....History in the making ...much appreciated - 04/11/23read moreread lessBernard RocheFantastic Georgian family house. Hannah and Paddy are phenomenal host, welcoming warm and knowledgeable of the area.Paddy certainly knows his way around a kitchen serving a meal that would not be amiss in any top restaurant.Would highly recommend and will definitely be back. - 15/10/23read moreread less
See all our reviews on...