Ballynatray Estate – With a Spring in our Step

Spring on the beautiful Ballynatray Estate is a magical time. Dream Escape takes a seasonal walk through this incredible setting...

The warm Spring breeze ripples through the long grass, and in the distance the distinctive primrose yellow of Ballynatray House appears amid the gently sweeping hills. Located in West Waterford, which is known locally as the sunniest place in Ireland, with up to 1,700 hours of sunshine per year, the specific location of Ballynatray on the bend of the Blackwater River, in the Blackwater Valley provides a unique, almost Mediterranean microclimate. And with over 850 acres of parkland, this beautiful country estate is the perfect wilderness retreat from the pace of modern life. Ballynatray House itself is a magnificent 18th-century Georgian mansion, surrounded by a rich and diverse landscape that is home to an impressive array of Irish wildlife and migratory visitors. Guests at Ballynatray, who can stay in any of the estate’s beautiful lodges, are welcome to take a picnic of delicious local produce with them and explore the fields, streams and woods around the main house.

A WORLD OF NATURE

Ballynatray has a varied mix of habitat, ranging from mature oak woodland to open fields and grassland, as well as riverbanks and marshes. In the spring and early summer, grey seals can be seen on the Glendine tributary, feeding and playing, while close by, families of otters dart and splash in the cooling waters.

The estate also is proud to be home to abundant numbers of songbirds – the sound of their morning calls is a wonderful aspect of a stay on the estate. It is also one of the largest nesting grounds in Europe for egret, and home to some of Ireland’s rarer birds, including falcons, buzzards and sea eagles, who are only found in small numbers in parts of Norway and Scotland, in addition to the Ballynatray Estate. In the evenings, settle on your terrace or private garden and listen out for the rare sound of barn owls, and long eared-owl, calling from their nests in the banks and hedgerows.

Every day during the spring and summer, in the early mornings and late evenings, the estate’s large natural deer population offers up the sight of newborn fawns, tottering in the grass on unsteady legs, while the very rare red squirrel is actually a common sight at Ballynatray; all over the estate where it thrives in the carefully conserved woodlands.

SECRET GARDENS

Aside from plentiful wildlife, the estate’s two kitchen gardens are a wonderful example of creative planting and inspiring landscape architecture. Hedges and small paths weave around an abundance of flower, vegetable and herb beds, while mature fruit trees flank striking Georgian greenhouses, home to tomatoes and exotic fruits.

Close by, the estate’s beautiful renovated and refurbished garden house can be found. With views of the kitchen gardens and stable yard, this beautifully appointed cottage has access to its own private walled fragrant garden, as well as an open fire and sense of real tranquillity.

Nearby, next to the stable yard, is the two-bedroomed Coach House and the four-bedroomed Garden Flat, both of which accommodate larger groups in the heart of the garden complex, complete with stone floors and open fires.

UNDISCOVERED JOYS

Further afield, around the estate there is a wealth of beauty to discover. The Blackwater Valley Opera Festival takes place at the end of May in the grounds of Lismore Castle, and showcases a creative and imaginative programme of opera and classical music that enriches the cultural life of the region.

Lismore Castle itself is well worth a visit. Dating back to 1170, it was once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh, and through the years has also hosted the likes of Cecil Beaton, Lucian Freud, Fred Astaire and JFK. Still part of a private home, the gardens are open to visitors and have spectacular views of the castle and surrounding countryside. The yew avenue, upper walled garden and several pieces of contemporary sculpture, by the likes of Antony Gormley and Eilis O’Connell, are particular highlights. From here, you can walk into Lismore village, voted one of the ten most picturesque villages in Ireland, and also the gateway to hiking and outdoor adventure in the Knockmealdown Mountains.

With stunning views down the valley to the Celtic Sea and set amid natural forests of rhododendrons, which are in full bloom from mid-May until early June, the location provides a great opportunity to either walk off a delicious lunch or build up a healthy appetite for dinner.

Before you set off for a hike, stop in at Vinilo Bakery, a microbakery specialising in sourdough bread and pastries that bakes its naturally leavened bread on-site in its Lismore shop. And make sure to pop into Lismore Food Company too – a luxury delicatessen, its hampers are renowned throughout Ireland.

Stop for lunch at The Bakers Table of Lismore, a unique dining experience, or stock up on local produce to take back to your cosy cottage on the Ballynatray Estate and cook up a beautiful Irish supper, surrounded by the tranquil sights and sounds of this wonderful landscape.

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Emer Mortell, Head of Sales

“Located in my home County of Cork, Ballynatray is the perfect destination for a special celebration, such as a milestone birthday party or anniversary party with friends and family. For those who relish country pursuits, stunning gardens and luxurious surrounds in wonderful comfort with delicious wholesome food, hospitable Irish service and a peaceful atmosphere, Ballynatray is the perfect country house to stay in and a firm Dream Escape favourite.”

⬥ emer@dreamescape.co.uk

www.dreamescape.co.uk

WORDS | EMMA JOHNSON