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.

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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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.

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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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!

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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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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