Killiane Castle

Historical 17th century guesthouse built onto a Norman tower house in peaceful Wexford countryside

Kathleen Mernagh and her husband Jack have been offering bed and breakfast at their lovely farmhouse home for many years.  The house is Jack’s childhood family home - a working farm which forms the base of the business here.  With sons David and Colin, the couple offer superb guest facilities and a real taste of life on a farm. 

Killiane Castle is formed around a Norman Tower which stands at one end of the house.  The tower is open for guests, and one of the boys is always happy to take a tour up to the top, where fine views of the countryside are to be had.  It’s heavenly peaceful in these parts, but still a great spot for accessing bustling Wexford town only three miles away and Rosslare harbour and beach just eight miles away.  Once you drive up the winding lane and to the front of the Killiane Castle, you’ll appreciate the architecture of the magnificent 17th century home which is to become your home during your stay.  And when you get inside, that feeling of relaxation will descend with a welcoming cuppa and one of Kathleen’s homemade biscuits, enjoyed in the fine drawing room.  This room has all its period features, and large windows overlooking the lawn.  A roaring fire in the grate adds a special touch.  There are magazines to browse, and comfy sofas and armchairs to relax in.  We bet you will find yourselves nodding off to the sound of the logs crackling as they burn and the haven of tranquillity of the countryside!

The grand staircase up from the hall is a stairway to a cosy stay here.  Eight guest bedrooms on two floors are well appointed and spacious, in keeping with the age of the house.  All have views of the gardens and surrounding fields – and as this is a working farm you’ll be bound to see the Mernagh dairy herd grazing quietly outside.  Antique furniture and homely touches in all the rooms include reading material, TV, electric blankets to snuggle up on, and a useful hairdryer -  just in case you forgot to bring one with you.  Luxurious linen, throws and cushions on all the beds make for sleeping on a cloud!  In the bathrooms, simple sanitary ware and fluffy towels add to the country feel.  We were so impressed with the quality of the accommodation here we just had to tell you all about it!

Kathleen is an instinctive cook – if you decide you want dinner it’s likely to be whatever she’s in the mood to make on the day!  That’s a good thing, because it means she uses what’s fresh and available in season from the local area, plus a lot of creative talent in whipping those ingredients into something delicious.  The fayre is simple and sustaining. It could be one of her quiches with salad or hearty stew with the farm’s own lamb or free range pork, or a bake of fresh fish from the Wexford coast, all dependent on the time of year you visit.  You can enjoy your supper with wine of course – Kathleen understands the marriage of good food with good wine very well indeed, and her concise wine collection shows that.  Of course dietary requirements will be met if need be – but we reckon you’ll just love tucking into what comes naturally to her in the kitchen.  Kathleen is a good Irish farmhouse baker too – she makes all her own scones and cakes plus Irish soda bread.  From this season, she’ll be happy to take you into the kitchen on request after breakfast and give you a demonstration of any of the breads or baking you’ve eaten and enjoyed.  So you can learn something during your stay – a secret recipe to take home with you.  Here at Good Food Ireland we call that true hospitality - and added value in passing on the message of great Irish farmhouse food.  There’s a special technique to making light as a feather scones or moist Irish soda bread and Kathleen is happy to show her guests how it’s done properly.  You’ll be baking in farmhouse style before you know it!

In the morning, the house’s original dining room, with its panelled walls, muted colours, country décor, and white cotton clad tables laid with antique blue delph and fresh flower posies, is a very pretty room to enjoy the hearty breakfast here.  A large buffet table along one wall holds a wealth of goodies – home made Granola, fresh fruit, fruit compotes, cereals, juices, and home made yogurt from the milk of the cows on the farm.  If you fancy a real taste of farm life, you can get up early and go out to watch the cows being milked before breakfast!  Then you’ll know exactly where your yogurt came from!  After a browse of the buffet, you’ll be offered a basket of warm scones at your table and a choice from the cooked breakfast menu.  The full Irish here features the farm’s own free range sausages and bacon when available, or if not – those from a reputable butcher in town, plus the farm’s own free range eggs cooked whatever way you choose.  A true taste of Wexford, we all agree!  If you aren’t rushing off anywhere in particular after breakfast, and we don’t think you’ll be in a hurry to leave once you arrive here - you might take an energetic a walk to the top of the castle, to take in the history and the views.  Or perhaps a gentle ramble through the beech wood and farm walk, a wake up game of tennis or gentile round of croquet.  Even just another cup of coffee on one of the garden tables outside on the lawn is bliss.  Whatever you find yourself indulging in – Killiane Castle Country House is full of character and charm which always beguiles its guests.  They come back time and again because of it.  We’re looking forward to our next visit already! 

Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

Killiane Castle Drinagh Wexford
+353 (0) 53 9158885
Email: killianecastle@yahoo.com
Web: www.killianecastle.com

 

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