How Roundwood House can inspire your New Year’s Resolutions in 2025

Posted on 22/12/202422/12/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

As we approach the end of the year, it is the ideal time to think about New Year’s Resolutions.

To plan how we are going to make better use of our time in 2025 and work on self-improvement, seeking out new experiences and finding the perfect work-life balance for a healthier, happier existence.

One particularly motivating way to do this is to combine our good intentions with an exciting trip to Ireland – and a warm and welcoming stay at Roundwood House in County Laoise.

Here are four ways that Roundwood House and its surroundings can inspire you to choose your New Year Resolutions – and stick to them in 2025.

Keep fit

Roundwood House is located close to the Slieve Bloom mountains, which offer a plethora of walking routes, cycle tracks, bridleways and waymarked paths.

The stunning views provide a great incentive for visitors to walk further and thus keep fit while enjoying all that the countryside around them has to offer.

The wider area also have a great many options for hill walking, jogging, mountain biking and hiking and cycling – all excellent pursuits to keep fit and explore the local area.

Learn new things

Visiting somewhere new allows space and time to discover new things and see new sights.

Why not make 2025 your year for embracing novel experiences and trying out unfamiliar activities?

You could learn about the flora and fauna in the Slieve Bloom mountains.

Or spend a morning, or even a whole day in the cosy Library of Civilization at Roundwood House, discovering new books to enjoy with a pot of tea and cake.

Regular guided foraging walks take place locally, where you can learn all about mushrooms and toadstools and the different types of fungi that you can and cannot eat.

Travel and explore

If you spend more than a couple of days at Roundwood House, you can indulge your wanderlust even more with trips to see places that are further out from the accommodation.

Delve into Irish history with day trips to surrounding villages, towns and visitor attractions such as the pre-Palladian Damer House with its fascinating architecture or Birr Castle with its award-winning gardens, rare wildlife and lake.

Dublin is easy to reach by car and offers all the excitements of a modern capital city, from lively music and sporting events to fascinating history, excellent shopping and delicious food and drink.

Spend more time with family and friends

Roundwood House is the perfect venue for a get-together with friends, or a family reunion.

The main bed and breakfast accommodation offers a number of attractive ensuite rooms for two to three people, while Writers Cottage offers a peaceful retreat for loved ones to relax together and restore energy for whatever 2025 has in store.

Home cooked dinners and breakfasts are provided on site for even more opportunities to talk and spend time together.

Booking a break in Ireland with friends or family at the start of the year will help get things off to the perfect start, reminding you of what is truly important in life – deciding to keep friends and family front of the mind is perhaps the best New Year’s Resolution of them all.

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Winter warmer: Getting to know Irish whiskey in the heart of Ireland

Posted on 18/11/202404/12/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

Now that the days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping like a stone outside, winter in Ireland is the ideal season to warm up with a glass or two of the warming alcoholic beverage that the country has long been renowned for – Irish whiskey.

Not to be mixed up in the mind with Scottish whisky, this version comes with an unmistakably, smooth taste and a rich golden colour that stimulates the eye as well as the taste buds.

A brief history of whiskey

Irish whiskey was one of the earliest drinks to be distilled in Europe and was made by monks during the 11th Century.

Whiskey cannot be formally named ‘Irish whiskey’ until it has spent at least three years maturing on the island of Ireland.

The word ‘whiskey’ literally means ‘water of life’ as derived from the Gaelic ‘uisce beatha’. Irish whiskey can be served straight (as it comes) or on the rocks (with ice).

Whiskey is also a versatile base for many hot and cold cocktails and mixed drinks, including Irish coffee (hot coffee and whiskey served with sugar, cinnamon and a cream topping); Old Fashioned (whiskey, sugar and bitters served with ice and an orange garnish); Whiskey Sour (whiskey, sugar syrup, lemon juice and egg white) and a Hot Toddy (warm whiskey, honey and lemon), said to help soothe a sore throat.

Unlike Scottish whisky (note the difference in spelling), the Irish version uses a mix of malted and unmalted barley to produce a more neutral, smoother taste (Scottish whisky just contains malted barley).

There are four main types of Irish whiskey, which are blended, single grain, single malt and single pot still (where heat is directly applied in the form of steam to the pot, or still, in which the whiskey is being distilled).

At Roundwood House, guests can enjoy locally distilled whiskey as part of their evening meal, or have a glass at one of the many pubs or bars located nearby.

Tullamore Irish whiskey distillery

For visitors to Ireland who are keen to learn more about the nation’s signature drink, there are several whiskey distilleries around the country that offer free tastings, opportunities to be guided round the site by experts and then purchase bottles of whiskey to take home that have been crafted on site.

One such attraction is Tullamore Irish Whiskey Distillery.

Located in Tullamore in County Offaly, it is a straightforward, half-hour drive away from Roundwood House via the N80 (please drink responsibly and make alternative arrangements to travel to and from the distillery if you plan to sample the whiskey while you are there).

Tullamore Irish Whiskey Distillery runs guided tours with a visitor centre open all year round except around the main Christmas period (closed 18 December until 2 January) Visitors can taste whiskey straight from the cask, sample premium blends and create their own unique concoction to bottle and take home.

A well-stocked shop provides a wide range of Christmas gift ideas, as well as supplies for festive parties and after-dinner drinks. You can even enjoy an Irish coffee on site or raise a whiskey-based cocktail to toast a great day out. More details available online: https://www.tullamoredew.com/en-gb/visit-tullamore-dew/.

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Frighteningly fantastic: Halloween at Roundwood House

Posted on 21/10/202421/10/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

October is the time for fearsome fun and games as Halloween arrives for another year.

Ireland’s connections with the spookiest time of year harks back to over two thousand years when Samhain – a Celtic festival that heralded the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter -was celebrated in the country’s Ancient East.

People believed that Samhain happened when the walls between our world and that of the dead were at their thinnest, allowing spirits and sprites to pass between the two unhindered.

Ireland has embraced Halloween ever since and in County Laois and Roundwood House, families and fun-seekers can have a lot of seasonal fun and adventures to make good use of the weeks between the end of the summer and start of the run-up to Christmas.

Here are some ideas to help you celebrate Halloween in style during a late autumn stay at Roundwood House – the perfect venue for a half-term break.

Pumpkins galore

Halloween would not be complete without some cheerful, orange pumpkins, carefully carved into intricate Jack o’ Lanterns and lit up from within with a candle or tea light.

You can pick and carve your own pumpkin at Castleview Open Farm anytime between 24 and 31 October (11am until 5pm).

Visitors can also pet farm animals and enjoy lots of indoor and outdoor fun and games. More pumpkin-y fun can be crafted after a visit to the Laois Pumpkin Patch, open for pick your own pumpkins, scarecrow dressing and family trails from Sunday 29 October at Clonad GAA Club in Port Laoise.

Dracula’s Dublin

Bram Stoker created the world’s best known vampire, Dracula and kickstarted a whole gothic literary genre.

He was born in Dublin in in 1847 and raised during the Great Famine, in which over one million people died. It was not all that surprising, then, that Bram Stoker took his inspiration from stories of horror and hardship a when he wrote his terrifying vampire tale.

Dublin hosts a Bram Stoker Festival every year around Halloween (running this year from 25 to 28 October).

Highlights include music, comedy, theatre, films and tours, as well as lots of chances to dress up for Halloween and indulge your inner goth.

An easy drive from Roundwood House.

Other reasons to visit Roundwood House this October

Even if you are not a fan of Halloween or gothic vampires, a late autumn visit to Roundwood House is still something special. Glorious autumn colours burst across the trees around our garden and grounds of and across to the far-reaching views and woods and forests nearby.

Glorious walks in the Slieve Bloom – one of the oldest regions of hills in Europe – are made even more special with autumn leaves, spiders webs strung with dewdrops in the trees and the cool autumn air enticing you on a bracing seasonal stroll or hike.

Afterwards, curl up with a book and hot drink in the library or enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal made from top-quality local ingredients in our beautiful dining room.

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The Company of Trees: a Celebration in Words and Music

Posted on 22/07/202422/07/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

At Roundwood House

On September 8^th 2024

Compiled by Michael James Ford and Philip Dodd
Performed by Susannah De Wrixon, Michael James Ford, Kyle Hixon and the Delamaine String Quartet
And featuring photographs and video by Brendan Keogh

The Company of Trees celebrates our long and complex relationship with the forest world through literature and music. Using some of the great poetry, prose, music and song that trees have inspired over the centuries, the show explores their emotional, aesthetic, environmental and philosophical impact on our daily lives.

The spoken word element will feature the work of such writers as Seamus Heaney, Gerard Manley Hopkins, John Clare, Mary Oliver, Herman Hesse, John Muir and Geraldine Mitchell, set alongside music by Natalia Hatz, Frank Bridge and Ryiuchi Sakamoto and interspersed with songs from both the traditional and classical repertoire.

The show will also feature striking photographic and video images by Brendan Keogh, including drone shots of native forests.

The Company of Trees will be performed by the actors, Michael James Ford, Susannah De Wrixon and Kyle Hixon, alongside the Delmaine String Quartet and has a running time of approximately one hour. It promises to entertain, inform, provoke and, above all, raise awareness of a relationship that all too often can be taken for granted.

“Never say there is nothing beautiful in the world anymore. There is always something to make you wonder in the shape of a tree, the trembling of a leaf.” Albert Schweitzer.

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Fitness and fun around Roundwood House

Posted on 22/07/202422/07/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

We are experiencing a summer of really exciting sport across Europe this year, from the Euros football tournament to Wimbledon tennis; Tour de France to the Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in Paris.

If all of this has inspired you to get active yourself, then we have several suggestions for how to increase your fitness levels during your summer stay at Roundwood House.

Hiking and walking

Roundwood House is close to the beautiful Slieve Bloom mountains, which are ideal for many physical activities this summer.

Walking and hiking is a great place to start, as it is free, does not require much specialist kit and there are many different routes to suit varying levels of fitness and experience. There are 16 looped routes with online maps available to download.

These take in several different landscapes and views around the mountains, including woodlands, valleys, waterfalls and old settlement ruins.

Looped walks allow you to start and finish in the same place, making it easier to plan your travel there and find your way back home. Take a picnic and make a day of it.

Mountain biking

For a different way to explore the Slieve Bloom mountains, why not go by bike?

Mountain biking offers a lively, adrenaline-filled day out, with plenty of dedicated trails and places to explore on two wheels. Forest paths, rolling hills and winding country roads provide fantastic variety and plenty of challenges for biking fans of all experience levels.

Choose the right route for you from the online trail maps.

For more experienced mountain bikers, check out the new bike trails at Kinnitty and Baunreagh – all 35km of them!

You can bring your own bikes, or hire them locally at the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Centre in Kinnitty.

Road cycling

Another way to take inspiration from the Tour de France and get fit by bike this summer is to explore the local road network by bicycle.

There are many safe cycling trails around, with countless places to travel between for a day out filled with fitness and local fun. Cycle to the nearby market town of Mountrath to pick up some local produce.

Or travel further afield to Castletown to see the historical architecture. Kinnitty Castle is another great local attraction to explore.

Horse riding

If you missed out on tickets to the dressage or showjumping at the Paris Olympics this month, console yourself with a peaceful horse ride in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.

You can take a horse out alone or join a group for instruction as you go.

Either way, you will enjoy stunning views from your elevated position and enjoy the peaceful countryside as you gently trot along, or urge your horse into a canter on the flatter, safer paths.

Swimming

If you fancy a dip during your time at Roundwood House, there are several swimming pools and sports centres within easy driving or public transport distance, including Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Portarlington Leisure Centre or Ballinakill Outdoor Swimming Pool.

If wild swimming is more your thing, check out details of suitable spots online, including the village of Castleton on the banks of the River Nore, Glenbarrow Waterfall Loop at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains and Catholes Falls in Ballyhuppahane.

Stay safe in the water and never go wild swimming on your own.

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Local attractions and events to enjoy over the summer

Posted on 02/07/202402/07/2024 by RoundwoodBlog

If you are heading to Roundwood House this summer, you may well have a full agenda already planned to help you make the most of your holiday time.

The area is packed full of amazing things to see and do and the summer weather will hopefully help you see everything looking at its best.

There is something for everyone and, when you return to Roundwood House in the evenings tired, but happy, we will welcome you with home cooked food and cosy accommodation to sleep and recover for more fun the following day.

Here are some ideas for things to see, do and enjoy locally if you find yourselves with a gap in your plans and in need of some inspiration for summer fun.

Food, drink and walking in Mountrath

Roundwood House is located close to the market town of Mountrath in County Laois, between Dublin and Limerick at the foot of the picturesque Slieve Bloom mountains.

Mountrath has plenty to entertain visitors all year round. However ,the summer months bring with them an abundance of local food and drink to sample at the country market that runs on the first Saturday of the month.

There are many beautiful walks to enjoy, including routes that take you through forests and river valleys towards Monicknew and the waterfalls at Glenbarrow.

Laois sports and leisure

Active families and groups can enjoy many different sports and summer leisure activities that are just a short trip away from Roundwood House.

Laois Angling Centre is close by at Clonoghill, Coolrain and is suitable for novice and experienced anglers alike.

Portlaoise Leisure Centre is a short drive away and has a wide range of facilities including a large swimming pool.

Being Ireland, there are several golf clubs and courses in the county, including in Mountrath, Portlaoise and Carlow.

Slieve Bloom mountains

The showstopper of the local area has to be the majestic Slieve Bloom mountains, within walking distance of Roundwood House.

In the summer months, the mountains are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna that visitors can look out for.

There are many interesting walking and mountain biking routes that can lead you deeper into Ireland’s Ancient East and Hidden Heartlands.

A number of walking events take place all year round, including the annual Laois Walks Festival happening between 1 and 31 July.

Festivals and fun

County Laois is also home to several exciting events over the coming months.

Get down and dance to your favourite tracks at Electric Picnic, an eclectic music festival taking place 16 to 18 August at Stradbally Hall, the 600-acre ancestral home of the Cosby family in Stradbally, County Laois.

Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival returns to Birr in neighbouring County Offaly 2 to 10 August with its unique mix of music, theatre, pop-up performances, workshops, exhibitions and more.

Competitions and championships galore

Chance your luck on the horses at Kilbeggan Races happening on multiple days throughout the summer in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, just under an hour’s drive from Roundwood House.

Check online for the exact racing dates and times.

Or try something a bit different and come and watch some of the best agricultural talent that Ireland has to offer at the National Ploughing Championships, being held from 17 to 19 September at Ratheniska in County Laois.

You will never take beautifully ploughed fields for granted again!

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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!

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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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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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