Flat Screen TV

   Easy to use flat screen TV with satelite channels, DVD player and random DVDs.   We have an small, yet eclectic DVD stash, which means one less bag for you to pack!

Full Kitchen

Bring your own chef!  Or order in/take out, dine in the garden or indoors, seating for 6 persons either way.  Just don't take the indoor dining furniture outdoors and vice versa.  It lowers the tone of the neighbourhood... so we're told.  Gas hob for the hardcore chefs and electric ovens for normies.  An 'as new' microwave, no one seems to use it but we feel we have to have it... 

Large Private Garden

Enjoy the garden in your own way, uninterrupted.  Sit and relax by the pond and watch the wildlife which depends on  it.  Read that book you always wanted to read, paint by the pond or paint the pond!

We have had many wild visitors, from the usual rabbits and birds etc to red squirell all the way up to deer!

Private Parking

Adequate parking for at least two vehicles, several bicycles (no MAMILs please), motorbikes, a camper van, the odd tractor and one medium sized Zimmer frame. 

Washing Machine

 Do your own washing (laundry) and hang it out in the fresh air!   We have not lowered our standards by having a tumble dryer, Greta would be so pleased... There's nothing better than that fresh 'off the line' smell! 

And nothing quite like the panic you feel when it begins to rain and you are miles away with a line full of washing hung out!  We Irish really need a Support Group for this...

WiFi

 WiFi available in most rooms, remember, this is an old cottage, the walls are thick!  You may even need to step outside to make a phone call... yes, even in the rain... so, in theory, we help you save money on your phone bill.

You're welcome!

Slieve Bloom MountainsOne of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe and it's right on our doorstep, almost.  You can see it if you go up the driveway...   The Slieve Bloom MountainsTHE place to go for hiking,
cycling and waterfalls - Glenbarrow is quite the hidden gem, photograhpy, you name it, you can do it, most probably anything, with a little imagination...

Mountrath & Surroundings

It's not all mountains and farm animals here.  The local town, Mountrath and surrounding area has lots to offer.  There's a theatre in nearby Portlaoise - Dunamaise Art Centre.  And a charming cinema in Mountmellick Community Arts Centre.

Emo Court & Parklands

Why not visit the wonderful Emo Court and Parklands.  Designed by the eminent architect James Gandon.  A fine country estate, with parking, tea rooms and beautiful walks by the lake, the Parklands are open 365 days in the year, with the house opening at specific times.

No visit to Laois, or Ireland for that matter, would be complete without a visit to The Rock of Dunamaise ! You haven't heard of it?  Where have you been?  Under a rock?  You will find an audio guide for The Rock by Abarta Heritage here.  The amazing thing is it's absolutely free to roam around.  Which is probably why those pesky Vikings raided the place in AD 844!

National Ploughing ChampionshipsWe have many returning guests who attend the National Ploughing Championships as exhibitors and visitors when it takes place in Laois (a lot of the time) or neighbouring counties.

Donaghmore Workhouse MuseumStep back in time on a visit to this important museum in a former famine workhouse.'As a result of the Great Famine era of 1845-1849 about 1,200 people, or 10% of the population of the area, was forced to seek refuge here.'

Electric Picnic - EP

The Electric Picnic, or EP for short, is , according to themselves, 'Ireland's largest gathering of music & arts, and the ultimate rock n' roll circus', well, self praise is no praise as they say but it's doing quite well all these years!

St Fintan's Well 

Now for something completely different... St Fintan, the man, the myth, the legend... the Catholic church (a must visit for the size and beauty alone) in neighbouring Mountrath is named after him and so is this holy well.  You're nobody if you haven't been, and while there, you might as well pop in and see the ruins of the church in Cromogue.  Say hello to the ancestors from us!