Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
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 William Flower an Irish politician and peer. They moved into their new home in 1716 and the castle stayed in the fam-
ily 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 mid1990s, Peter and Shelly Stokes formerly of Cooper’s Restaurants in Dublin renovated Castle Durrow into a fine country house hotel maintaining the magnificent period features
■ Castle Durrow Suite
■ Castle Durrow Dining
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
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com radius 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 ■ Castle Durrow the finest stately Co Laois from Ireland's Blue houses in Ireland Book and worth a visit. The house is a magnificent full Irish breakfast example of neo-classical style, with Continental Buffet from ish hideaways reflecting the architecture €210 per night. Stay a second are the perfect choice for a of ancient Greece and Rome. night and save €50 per couple. midweek or weekend break The house is surrounded by Castledurrow are also run- and those seeking a romanbeautiful gardens and park- ning a French themed wine tic getaway. Activities vary land which were first laid out & tasting menu on Thursday from golf, fishing, spas and in the 18th Century and con- 22nd May 2014. Begin this cookery schools or just relaxtain formal lawns, a lake and fantastic evening with an in- ing in warm and comfortable woodland walks with many formative wine talk & tasting, surroundings. For further infine trees and shrubs. Guided followed by a 7 course tasting formation please visit www. Tours of the House are avail- menu from €250 per couple. irelandsbluebook.com Robert Walshe is a travel able (May -September).Gar- Castledurrow is a member of dens are open to the public Ireland’s Blue Book a collec- broadcaster with Q Radio all year round. Castledurrow tion of Irish Country House Network and Travel Editor are offering one night’s din- Hotels, Manor Houses, Cas- for River Media newspaper ner, B&B for 2 people shar- tles and Restaurants. Located titles across the island of ing in a master or deluxe throughout the island of Ire- Ireland. www.robertwbedroom, evening meal and land these charming and styl- alshe.com