Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Weekend Hotspot - Ballinkeele House Co Wexford AT the beginning of the19th century there were over 4,000 big house country estates in Ireland – today there are less than 100. The success of Downton Abbey and our love affair with the workings of these stately homes continues to transport us back to life upstairs & down. Hidden Ireland a fascinating collection of historic private houses across the island is the most enjoyable way to capture some of that authen-
tic big house magic. My first “Hidden” experience was at one of Ireland’s historic and listed buildings.Ballinkeele House in Co Wexford. After a late Friday night arrival we were greeted by Val and Laura Maher, the sixth generation of Maher family to have resided here. After Val’s father passed away last year mother Margaret decided to retire and pass on the family pile to her son & daughter in law and their passion & determination to bring the Ballinkeele story to the fore is impressive.. John Maher, whose family had been farming Ballinkeele lands since 1808, purchased the estate from the Hay family in 1825.
■ Ballinkeele House Co Wexford from Hidden Ireland
The acclaimed architect Daniel Robertson designed Ballinkeele in 1840 as a magnificent Italianate mansion, the architectural merits of which are quoted in guides published on Irish country houses. The interior of this historic house has totally retained its Victorian elegance with grand old fireplaces, original vintage furniture & a sprinkling of modern family painted art. The hall is a great spacious room flanked by two impressive Corinthian columns and on cold days a large warming stove welcomes guests inside. The drawing room a haven of relaxation was one of my favourite public rooms where I was able to unwind in one of the comfortable chairs with the weekend Irish Times in one hand & my Ipad in the other. Each morning guests are served a full Irish breakfast as they sit together in the rich red dining room and later a
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com three course set dinner menu which promotes the use of naturally produced ingredients by using locally sourced meat and fish, accompanied where possible, with fresh fruit and vegetables from the house garden. The communal dining experience created a warm and friendly environment. Upstairs all five uniquely decorated bedrooms are filled with antiques and each space enjoys wonderful views over the surrounding parkland and countryside. A ll rooms have large comfortable beds made up with crisp fresh linen & nightly turndown is also offered. The superior rooms enjoy ensuites with large baths and showers, and the two deluxe rooms have either a shower or a bath. The Maher family will also consider requests for house parties and private weddings where you are guaranteed a fairytale setting in the heart of the sunny south east. Ballinkeele is the perfect location for exploring County Wexford, with a wide range of historic and archaeological sites, beautiful gardens and many fine sandy beaches nearby. There are six golf
courses within one hour’s drive and riding stables minutes away. Wexford town is also home to many fine restaurants, boutiques and the internationally acclaimed Wexford Festival Opera. Visitors enjoy unlimited activity choices including trekking, horseback riding, fishing for salmon and trout, water sports & simply sightseeing. As ■ Dream W far removed Co Wexford edding’s at Ballinkeele Hous e from the modern hotel as you could possibly imagine, House Hidden Ireland is an eclectic after my weekend visit mix of 35 handsome homes determined to be Hidden that provide the rare treat of Irelands newest ambassador an insight into a different kind www.hiddenireland.com/ of life, and a continuation of a ballinkeelehouse-wexford distinctive and luxurious Irish Robert Walshe is a travel history. Rates at Ballinkeele are broadcaster with Q Radio in available from: €75pps for de- Northern Ireland and Travel luxe or €85pps for superior. Editor for River Media newsA single supplement of €20 paper titles across the island applies and dinner is €30pp of Ireland. www.robertwalshe. on request. I left Ballinkeele com