Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – Castledurrow Co Laois from Ireland’s Blue Book
Castle Durrow is situated 65 miles from Dublin near the village of Durrow, in the centre of Ireland. The castle built in a pre Palladian style comprises of the main building, two wings and outbuildings. The grounds stretch out over 30 acres which include paddocks, an orchard and woodland overlooking the River Erkina. The property was originally built in 1712 as the family home of Wil-
n Castledurrow Restaurant.
liam Flower an Irish politician and peer. They moved into their new home in 1716 and the castle stayed in the family for over 200 years. After two other owners the castle eventually fell into the hands of the Land Commission who divided up the lands for farming leaving the castle empty until 1929 when the Parish of Durrow purchased the estate turning it into St Fintan’s College and Convent. In the mid-1990s, Peter and Shelly Stokes formerly of Cooper’s Restaurants in Dublin renovated Castle Durrow into a fine country house hotel main-
taining the magnificent period features including high ceilings and wooden floors. In all public areas chandeliers drape from the ceilings. The Library with its hand painted silk wallpaper, the cocktail bar with comfy leather sofas, and the drawing room all provide an ideal location to relax and unwind. Castle Durrow’s restaurant overlooking the gardens is relaxed and informal with perfect ambient lighting. The modern cooking style is inspired by regional and international favourites which are all prepared from the finest local produce. It is open to non residents so reservations are recommended. Visitors can also wander through walled organic gardens. A path along the river joins the ‘Leafy Loops,’ a series of walks through Durrow’s scenic countryside. Within a twenty-mile radius
(074) 9131018 there are five golf courses and the hotel is keen to organise golf and any other arrangements for guests. If that’s not enough, there is fishing, hiking/ walking, clay-pigeon shooting, archery, and cycling which are available locally and on the estate. Nearby Emo Court and Gardens, four miles from Portlaoise is one of the finest stately houses in Ireland n Castledurrow Co and worth a visit. Laois. The house is a magnificent example of neo-classical style, reflecting the architecture of ancient or deluxe bedroom, evening Greece and Rome. The house meal and full Irish breakfast is surrounded by beautiful with Continental Buffet from gardens and parkland which €220 per night. Stay a second were first laid out in the 18th night and save €50 per couCentury and contain formal ple. Castledurrow is a memlawns, a lake and woodland ber of Ireland’s Blue Book a walks with many fine trees collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Manor Houses, and shrubs. Guided Tours of the House Castles and Restaurants. Loare available (May -Septem- cated throughout the island ber).Gardens are open to of Ireland these charming the public all year round. and stylish hideaways are the Castledurrow are offering perfect choice for a midweek one night’s dinner, B&B for or weekend break and those 2 people sharing in a master seeking a romantic getaway.
www.keeshotel.ie
Activities vary from golf, fishing, spas and cookery schools or just relaxing in warm and comfortable surroundings. For further information please visit www. irelandsbluebook.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com