Bed & Breakfast Archives - Ireland Family Vacations

County Cavan is a place that many tourists miss or pass through as they make their way across the northern half of Ireland.

Located on the border of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland halfway between Dublin and Sligo, Cavan (Irish for ‘the hollow’) is an outdoor retreat, an area of lakes and open countryside.

Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 194

Cavan is said to have 365 lakes – one for each day of the year – which makes it an ideal location for boating, fishing, kayaking, and other watersports.

A variety of terrain, including mountains and caves, makes Cavan a terrific place to explore.

Parts of Cavan falls within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. Within this area you’ll find rivers, lakes, mountains, ancient sites, cycling paths, and plenty of stunning walks.

Within the geopark you’ll also find the Cavan Burren. Though not as barren as the Burren in County Clare, you’ll find similar limestone terrain, ancient dolmens, and evidence of settlements from 4500 BC.

Cavan is also becoming a ‘foodie’ destination with two celebrity chefs bringing attention to the county. Nevin Maguire operates MacNean House & Restaurant, which also has a cookery school, and Richard Corrigan owns Virginia Park Lodge and The Deerpark Inn.

Mother-daughter duo, Pauline and Samantha Rodgers, are your welcoming hosts at Hawthorn Lodge B&B, a 4 star, class 3 sustainable property that is ranked among the top 3% of accommodations in Ireland.

Situated within the Cuilcagh Lakes Geopark, Hawthorn Lodge is a terrific base for exploring the area, providing a ‘home away from home’ experience (but with made-to-order breakfast).

Book your stay at Hawthorn Lodge via Booking.com or Kayak.

Visit the Hawthorn Lodge website or follow on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower This site dates back to 555 AD and is under the care of the OPW.

Cavan Adventure Centre Can arrange land and water based activities.

Cavan Burren Park Walking trails, prehistoric tombs, and a terrific interpretive centre.

The post Explore County Cavan from Hawthorn Lodge appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

Barnahown is a new luxury guest house and experience centre opening in Mitchelstown, County Cork in 2024.

Mitchelstown and the Galtee Mountains also lie in the regions of Ballyhoura and the Munster Vales. Both are areas that are known for outdoor adventure and a slower, more relaxing, experience for visitors.

Traveling in Ireland Podcast Episode 191

Barnahown is a mid-1800s farm house that has been undergoing a loving and sensitive restoration over the past few months.

Ciara O’Brien was raised in Mitchelstown before moving away for a corporate job that took her around the world. Deciding to leave corporate, Ciara invested in a local property to transform it into the type of accommodation and attraction she would like to experience, a ‘full service’ local experience.

Cork is the largest county in Ireland and Mitchelstown is located in the northern part of the county near where the counties of Cork, Tipperary, and Limerick meet.

This area of Cork is known as the Golden Vale; a very rural area known for the quality of its farms and producers. The historic landowners of the area, the Kingston family, were good landlords to the Irish and left a fantastic Georgian architectural heritage.

Mitchelstown is a lovely juxtaposition of rural Ireland. You’ll see farmers driving through town on their tractors, passing buildings dating from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. St. George’s Arts & Heritage Centre is newly restored and hosts live entertainment. Mitchelstown is also home to a famine workhouse.

The Galtee Mountains are the highest inland mountain range in Ireland, stretching 30 km from County Tipperary to County Limerick, just north of Mitchelstown.

The Galtees are filled with outdoor adventure from gentle walks to the challenging 3000 foot hike up Galteemore.
Download the Ballyhoura Trails Guide App to find your adventure.

Barnahown is an Irish farmhouse B&B experience – with a focus on local producers and artisans.

Breakfasts will be locally sourced – some from right outside the window. Decoration and design has been done by local artisans and artists. The on-site honesty bar will feature Irish tipples to enjoy in the evening.

Book your stay at Barnahown

Learn more

Barnahown website – follow on Instagram – email: [email protected]

Lough Curra walks. From the car park to the lake is about a 90 minute walk.

Mitchelstown walking tour. Explore the Georgian town – and learn the history of Mitchelstown Castle which was forcibly occupied by the IRA before being burned to the ground.

O’Callaghans Cafe & Delicatessen – a lovely restaurant that offers dine in or deli showcasing Irish produce.

The post Barnahown B&B and Adventures in the Galtee Mountains appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.