Words are barely adequate to describe my “house party” at Ballycumber House. To celebrate a big “0” birthday, I decided to rent a big house and invite my friends and family to join me. Over the course of 3 weeks, 20 people came and went, and the house handled us all, even the night we had 15 for dinner!
Connie is an absolute delight, and I am so glad I got a chance to know her. She is incredibly responsive, and her gracious warm welcome set the tone for our stay. The house became our home, and the perfect base for day trips all over the country. I was surprised at how much there was to see and do just within a short drive, and we loved exploring the Clara Bog.
I hired a private chef, and when we returned from our excursions, there was coffee, tea and some little tasty treat waiting for us, along with the turf fire. Chef Chris prepared remarkable food in the small kitchen, and no one had to argue about who was going to shop, cook, and clean up after.
If you are looking for a centrally-located house, you can’t do better than Ballycumber House. It never felt too small, but when our numbers dwindled, it never felt too large either. The donkeys and the ponies grazing in the front pasture were delightful, too. The house (built as a castle in 1627) overlooks a 5,000-year-old ford and trade route, and is the starting point for a pilgrim walk to Clonmacnoise. How fun is that! Stay here. You will not be disappointed.