Ballinkeele is your home away from home - a bit grand, but equally as comfortable. This Irish country house was made to entertain and is perfect for vacations, get-togethers, birthdays and anniversaries. It is such a calm welcoming place and there is such a wonderful feeling of peace here. It's packed full of history but so relaxed that it isn't at all stuffy!
Built in the 1840s by the Maher family, the hosts are the 5th and 6th generation of the original family, so the owners really care about the old place and love sharing it with people. It has been decorated by the present and previous generations in a classic style blending heritage with modern comforts. It's got everything guests could need – WiFi throughout, efficient thermostatically-controlled heating, so the house is always warm and cosy. It has a stunning bespoke modern kitchen with every kitchen appliance needed to cook up a storm.
Guests enter the front hall with its original stove and columns which leads through to the library. The library is a cosy room lined with books, collected by the Mahers over generations. Settle by the fire here, under the benevolent eyes of John Maher, and enjoy a good read. There is loads of space for relaxed dining in the kitchen or for more formal occasions, or just putting on the ritz (!), there is the rich red formal dining room which can seat up to 18 around the original mahogany dining table with the lead crystal chandelier sparkling above.
Guests can also venture out the bay window, down the steps out to the garden, there’s a patio with table, chairs, umbrella and barbeque to enjoy with friends and family on sunny days. Follow the paths leading away from the house to explore our rural idyll. Over 200 acres of grounds and farmland, with woodland and forestry, lakes, ponds and walled gardens. Guests might see our resident buzzards wheeling overhead or pheasants dashing into the rhododendrons for cover.
Upstairs are seven large bedrooms, six with their own private bathrooms. All the beds are either king size or super king and all are antiques, most original to the house, with bespoke comfortable mattresses and fresh linen. Two of the rooms have super king beds which can be converted to twin beds - one extra bed can also be set up and two travel cots are also available, with bedding. This can be arranged with prior notice. All beds are dressed with beautiful linen and there are soft white towels, shampoo, shower gel, hand soap and beach towels for trips to the beach.
For the little ones a high chair is available and even a few toys and books you can borrow to keep them busy. The laundry room is tucked away in the wing off the grand staircase, with a washer and dryer.
