Perimeter Walk
About the Perimeter Walk
Roundwood House is surrounded by precious native Irish woodland and wildflower meadows, which you’ll see on the Perimeter Walk. You might meet Frank, Hannah’s father along the way, ready for a chat on anything and everything.
The perimeter walk follows the outer edge of the grounds at Roundwood, which extend to about 18 acres, and runs alongside active farmland. It gives a clear sense of how the house has always been part of a working landscape.
This is not a designed or ornamental walk, but a practical route shaped over time by boundaries, farming, and daily use.
The route is mostly level, with grass paths and old tracks, and it goes through open meadow and woodland.
The meadow in front of the house is particularly rich in butterflies and bees in the warmer months. It can be done at a relaxed pace and works equally well as a short stroll or a longer loop, depending on the day and the weather.
Wildlife & Pets
Sections of the walk pass through native woodland, something that has become increasingly rare in Ireland. In recent years, we have added to this through the planting of over 2,000 native trees as part of a project called 100 Million Trees.
With native woodland come native animals. Depending on the season and time of day, you may see red squirrels, pine martens, bats, and a wide range of birds and insects.
Hedgehogs are sometimes released here by Kildare Wildlife Rescue after rehabilitation, and it is always a joy to see them making their way back into the hedgerows.
Spring brings native strains of bluebells, snowdrops, and daffodils beneath the trees and along the banks. Summer brings long grass, wildflowers, and plenty of pollinators.
Autumn and winter make the shape of the land and the old boundaries more visible again.
Outbuildings
The walk also passes several historic outbuildings, which give a real sense of times past and how the place once worked. Most notable of these is the old flax mill, dating from 1820, which is still there to be explored.
It was built as a steam powered flax scutching mill, with water piped from a local river to support the process.
Flax milling was once a common rural industry in Ireland, turning locally grown flax into fibre for linen, and scutching was the stage where the woody parts of the stalk were broken and removed so the usable fibres could be prepared for spinning.
Guests are often accompanied by Fauna, the house dog, who has a habit of joining in and showing people the route at her own steady pace. Why not get in touch to find out more.
Gallery
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
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