Luxurious Low-Impact B&B, Barnahown, In Mitchelstown Expands With The Opening Of A New Wing Of Accessible Accommodation, Dog-friendly Rooms & More!

press release

Luxurious Low-Impact B&B, Barnahown, In Mitchelstown Expands With The Opening Of A New Wing Of Accessible Accommodation, Dog-friendly Rooms & More!

Pet Friendly

Award-winning boutique B&B, Barnahown, near Mitchelstown in Co Cork, has increased its total guest capacity to fourteen people per night with the addition of a contemporary new ‘Kildrum’ wing of accessible accommodation, comprising wheelchair-friendly and dog-friendly rooms. 

The slick new adjoining structure to the lovingly-restored 1800’s farmhouse, which opened the doors to its first four guestrooms in July 2024, has seen the 99m² footprint previously occupied by its neighbouring barn used to create the stunning modern addition. Kildrum’s three ground floor dog-friendly rooms, ‘Ballard’, ‘Lough Gur’, and ‘Bay Lough’ (also wheelchair-friendly), each measure a spacious 25m² - almost twice the size of Barnahown’s cosiest farmhouse room.

The luxurious new guestrooms have been named by Barnahown’s owner & host, Ciara O’Brien, to celebrate some of her favourite local hot spots and honour the three counties surrounding Mitchelstown - crediting the impact that the influx of visitors from counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary have on making her hometown such a vibrant rural market town.

The new Kildrum building has an A-level energy rating - the highest possible - and also has an additional fourteen solar panels. The aim is for the new extension to be carbon neutral.

Summer is coming to Barnahown. Are you?

Accessible To All

The roominess of the new phase two accommodation is further accentuated by the addition of private patios with outdoor seating for all three that overlook the courtyard herb garden to the rear of the property and offer up views of the dairy pastures and Galtee mountains beyond.

Guests can choose to access the communal outdoor spaces directly from their patios - ideal for wheelchair users, or guests travelling with their dogs as Barnahown has a one-acre plot for their four-legged friends to roam and explore. And, after a day of exploring the local area, its northwesterly facing patios provide the perfect setting for sundowner drinks.

The en-suites for all three rooms have the same gorgeous waterfall showers that guests staying in Barnahown’s farmhouse have become firm fans of, and Stonebridge bathrooms have added to the contemporary look with a new aqua tile. Guests can also expect to see more pre-loved furniture finds incorporated into the new room designs.

Ciara feeding the hens. All pics by Kirsty Lyons

Luxurious Wheelchair-Friendly Room

Focused on creating more accessible accommodation for a wider variety of guests, as part of Barnahown’s impressive phase two expansion, owner Ciara has created what she hopes will be one of Ireland’s most beautiful fully wheelchair accessible bedrooms, ‘Bay Lough’. To celebrate its launch, Ciara commissioned local artist , Clare Kenneally, to create a bespoke mural for the room, which also has its own private access VIP parking.

Since opening the doors to Barnahown in July 2024, Ciara has been hosting guests with a range of unique requirements that have helped her better understand exactly what it is that elevates their experience beyond a standard accessible room. While complying with legislation, Barnahown has gone well beyond the statutory requirements with consideration given to everything from clothing rails and make-up mirrors, to joining friends for drinks on the patio.

Ciara was determined to ensure that the luxury aesthetic throughout Barnahown was equally strong in the wheelchair accessible bedroom, en-suite and WC for guests - so, it’s a case of out with white hospital-style handrails, and in with beautiful brushed brass fixtures and fittings.

Catering To Your Four-Legged Friends

Barnahown’s three new ‘doggie’ suites will also offer dedicated canine hampers including towels for the dog-friendly shower and grooming area for after long leisurely walks in nearby Glengarra Woods and maps of Mitchelstown - which has recently been designated a 'dog-friendly destination' with many local cafés, restaurants, and shops actively welcoming dogs. 

And, for those needing to work, or study during their stay at Barnahown, all of the new rooms have their own dedicated work space separate from the main bedroom.

Eggs, from the hens in the yard. Couldn't be fresher.

Private Group Stays

The new Kildrum wing is also ideal for groups of up to six people to book, with private access and group patio space available on request.

One night bed & breakfast stays in the new ‘Ballard’, ‘Bay Lough’, and ‘Lough Gur’ guestrooms start from €175.00 per night for two people sharing, or €225.00 per night including a ‘Producer Plate’ dinner.

Book your Barnahown stay online via their website, www.barnahown.com.  

Mitchelstown Food Community Experience

Guests visiting Barnahown also have the option of choosing to combine a stay in the Golden Vale with a scheduled tour to the local Galtee Honey Farm, or a chocolate making class with award-winning Chocolatier, Norma Kelly (of Praline Pastry & Chocolate), as part of the Mitchelstown Food Community experience. These can be booked via the concierge service that Barnahown’s Owner, Ciara, offers.

Commenting on Barnahown’s expansion, owner Ciara O’Brien, said: “Inclusiveness is a really important design element for me, both in how the building flows and how each guest feels when they arrive to meet us. 

So, I am particularly excited to launch our new ground floor Kildrum wing, which will open up the Barnahown experience to a whole new group of guests. I've worked really hard with the construction and design team to ensure that every accessible finish matches the thoughtful aesthetic that we've become known for at Barnahown. I'm also very grateful to a number of local people who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, and who have been kind enough to come on-site and give us their honest feedback.

Along with the new bedroom openings, we also have a number new surprises for guests which have been added over the past year; our Barnahown mural by local artist Clare Kenneally, our courtyard herb garden designed by my friend Kloë Wood Lyndorff from Two Green Shoots, and our Siopa Beag where guests can now buy the jam, porridge and cashew chilli crush they loved so much at breakfast time. 

All these features have been added to create a more immersive experience and to open up conversations about sustainability and biodiversity with our guests in an innovative and enjoyable way. And of course, the solar powered hot tub remains a firm favourite!”

Every Detail Has Been Carefully Considered

As has become synonymous with stays at Barnahown, guests booking into the new Kildrum accommodation can expect creature comforts aplenty. When guests return to their base in Mitchelstown after a busy day immersing themselves in nature or taking in the town’s rich culture and renowned Georgian architecture, Barnahown will provide them with a luxurious home away from home. 

Every detail has been carefully considered. The twenty years that owner, Ciara, spent working at home and abroad for large multinationals, most recently with Google, means that she experienced her fair share of hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb’s during her corporate career.

This invaluable knowledge of a guest's particular requirements and the little quirks and luxuries that make their stay as memorable as possible has helped inform every creature comfort she offers at Barnahown.

Those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the local food culture can make their stay even more memorable by enjoying a ‘Producers Plate’ dinner that includes either a glass of Irish bubbly in the form of Killahora Orchards’ Fine Perry - a favourite of Ciara’s - or a craft beer from Mitchelstown’s own Eight Degrees Brewing.

Barnahown’s fast charging EV stations will give you peace of mind and take the stress out of having to keep your electric car battery topped up during your stay, while high-speed broadband will keep you connected and enable you to easily share all of your highlights.

Convenient outdoor showers allow you to immediately freshen up after a day full of adventures, with a separate area to hose down any dirty boots or bikes, and there’s no better place to relax than the solar-powered hot tub overlooking the hills and wildflower meadows. An idyllic spot in which to sit back, relax, and savour sunset and the surrounding birdsong.

And if all of that wasn't enough, an honesty bar stocked with tipples from Ireland's top artisan drinks producers including Valentia Island Vermouth, Five Farms’ Irish Cream Liqueur, and Wicklow Way Wines will provide the perfect toast to your day.

When you rise the following morning, a breakfast showcasing free-range eggs from Barnahown’s speciality hens served alongside foods from across the region that are all grown and produced within a 20 kilometre radius will provide all the nourishment you need to fuel an action-packed day ahead.

Local Golden Vale artisan producers, O’Callaghan’s Café & Delicatessen, Horgan’s Delicatessen, Praline Pastry & Chocolate Shop, The Town Coffee Company (all based in Mitchelstown), Little Deer, Rivesci, The Apple Farm, West Cork Coffee, Cotter's Farm, and Galtee Honey are all proudly showcased at breakfast. 

Sustainable On-site Housekeeping

In addition to Kildrum’s new guest capacity, Barnahown has also added a solar-powered in-house laundry, including a commercial washer and dryer. One of owner Ciara O’Brien’s main learnings since opening her boutique B&B in July 20204 has been the importance of high quality linen to delivering a premium guest experience. 

Combined with Barnahown's commitment to sustainable operations from the get-go, creating a dedicated in-house laundry will ensure that guest stays have a minimum impact on the environment. The addition of this new housekeeping capacity means that Ciara has been able to create employment in the local community, hiring her first team member. 

Over time, Barnahown hopes to also provide a laundry service to businesses and neighbours in the local area who are seeking a sustainable laundry service in terms of energy supply and chemical free detergents.

Barnahown Backed By Ciara’s Community

Since welcoming her first guests in summer 2024, owner and Mitchelstown native, Ciara, has been overwhelmed with the level of support she has received both from her local community and people living further afield. Many people around the country saw Barnahown featured on RTÉ’s At Your Service receiving invaluable guidance from the Brennan brothers.

Spurred on by her community’s backing encouraged Ciara to run a crowdfunding campaign that raised over €20,000 which she invested in the phase two expansion, and in particular the costly removal of asbestos on-site which was required before the initial construction works could commence.

The crowdfunding experience helped Ciara to think outside the box and opened the door to a variety of on-site courses such as 'Immersive Interiors' and 'Run Your Own B&B' experiences. She is incredibly grateful to all those who bought vouchers to support her expansion efforts and attend workshops during summer 2025 as the project they supported came to life.

Wishing Steps, Sheep, Sculpture and Daffodils at Blarney Castle Gardens

Wishing Steps and Daffodils at Blarney Castle Gardens

11.03.2026 

Short videos of the Wishing Steps (remember you must walk backwards to have your wish granted!)

Fancy a flight? Flights. And Bites. At Old Brennan's Wine House

Fancy a flight?

Flights. And Bites. At Old Brennan's Wine House

Mead (nearest camera)

Local Delights

The list of flights at Old Brennan's Wine House mostly include wines, of course, but Frank and the team also give you the chance to try some local delights, such as the Killahora drinks from their south-facing Glounthaune orchard and the trio of Kinsale meads that I chose.

Kinsale Mead Flight

Mead is the world's oldest alcoholic drink, with honey as its main ingredient, and we are lucky to have a couple of mead masters in Kinsale. While I was sampling the Hazy Summer Mead, it was winning gold in Poland, another honour for Kate and Denis, a nice way to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary. An indication too of the quality Old Brennan's have included in their flights.

I had started with Atlantic Dry Mead, a traditional style “white” Mead, crisp with citrus honey flavour. A promise of good things to come as my next sample was that gold-winning Hazy Summer Mead, now officially the best dry mixed berry mead in Europe. The meadery describes it as  “an off-dry berry mead with generous strawberry and raspberry aromas”. It is well worth seeking out!

The finalé was their Wild Red Mead. Beautifully off-dry with those standout Wexford blackcurrants aided by dark cherry, its smoother style makes it a favourite with wine drinkers.

Killahora. Pic by Brennans

White Wine Flight

The Picpoul de Pinet from France rarely disappoints and the Trieze Vents, full of flavour and with the typical zesty freshness, certainly didn’t.

Something new appeared next, the Gasper from Slovenia, a crisp, silky, fruity blend of Chardonnay and Rebula*. Quite impressive.

Always love a good Pecorino (the cheese as well as the wine!) and the full-bodied Beri from Abruzzo, didn't let us down.

A very well chosen trio indeed.

The Pecorino grape is so called because a bunch resembles a sheep’s head (see pic on right). Another story is that the bunches are a favourite treat for the sheep. Wine-Searcher.com says: Pecorino cheese is, coincidentally, a surprisingly good food match for Pecorino wine.

Grapes

Killahora Orchards Flight 

Just a few short years ago, Killahora made their first and lasting Impression on the local drinks scene with the cheekily named Johnny Fall Down Bittersweet Cider, full bodied, complex and right up there with the best of them.

Pom O, with the juice from bittersweet apples with the finest apple brandy and aged in Irish whiskey barrels for at least a year, is a beauty, lightly chilled as an aperitif and also favourite in cocktails.

My favourite is perhaps their Rare Apple Ice Wine. Here they employ freezing temperatures to obtain a rich must, which gets slowly fermented over a year to create a luscious balanced dessert wine.

50ml servings here, 70 for the wines.

Rose

TheRosé Wine Flight includes a fresh and crisp Pinot Grigio, Bosco Brush from Italy; 

Baron de Ley’s blend of Garnacha and Cabernet, a Rosada from Rioja, a fruity and refreshing with strawberry notes, is a very interesting, not to say unexpected  choice. But that’s the idea behind Frank’s flights. 

Kennel, Côtes de Provence Rosé France, is indeed one that you’d expect - very few would leave Provence out of a selection or rosés. 

All three come in 70 ml measures.

Sparking Wine Flight

Bedin Prosecco Spumante Rosé Millesimato N.V. A subtle pale pink hue with perfumed scents of rose and eglantine.

Pares Balta, Cava Brut NV, Penedes N.V

Pure, lean and crystal clear organic Cava. The flavour is of apples, pears and a touch of white peach.

Dezzani, Moscato d'Asti

Low alcohol, slightly sparkling sweet wine with big floral notes.

All 70m

Gubbeen Chorizo Patatas Bravas. Pic by Brennans

Red Wine Flight

The three reds on offer were:

1 Bourg Laschamps Pinot Noir, Ardèche France

2 Bevi, d'Abruzzo Italy Montepulciano,

3 Saparavi Bedoba, Kakheti ,Georgia 

Mixed Wine Flight

1 Gasper, Goriska Brda, a Chardonnay/Rebula blend from Slovenia 

2 Baron de Ley, Lagrima Rosado, Rioja Spain has Garnacha and Cabernet Franc in the mix.

 3 Bevi, d'Abruzzo Italy  Montepulciano, that you also see in Red flight.

• an ancient, high-quality white grape variety 

Bites

Quite a large choice of food here these days, very tempting also. The menu is divided into Nibbles, Small Plates, cheese, charcuterie and fish Sharing Boards.You could well start with some of the Bar Bites such as Marinated Olives or Smoked Almonds. 

Crudités. Pic by Brennans

We probably spent more time checking the Small Plates than other parts of the menu with the likes of Garlic Butter Prawns on Toast, The Burrata and Beetroot, and the Hoisin Duck Carpaccio, all tempting us. 

What we did enjoy, with the flights, were the Crudités and Buttermilk Ranch (Crisp seasonal vegetables with creamy herb buttermilk ranch for dipping). I knew I was on a winner here as my love of raw vegetables goes back to when I was a kid working in nearby farms and the home garden, always had a penknife handy to clean and chop up a carrot or, if really hungry, a turnip. 

Our other dish was their equally enjoyable Wild Mushroom Pâté (whipped wild mushroom pâté, finished with a herb crème fraîche. served with toasted brioche). 

Quite a buzz here early on a Thursday evening and to add to the pleasure of the drink and the food was an excellent front of house team.

More signs of Spring at Blarney Castle Gardens

Green buds of Cherry Blossom

 More signs of Spring at Blarney Castle Gardens

Pictures 3rd March 2026

Castle, river, and Ester Barrett's St Hubert's Stag

Blarney House, opens to the public for a few weeks at the peak of the season

Castle, its tall watchtower and river.

Castle and Ester Barrett's Catch

Castle and its tall watch tower.

Castle, crocuses

Crocuses

Cut branches are used to make this fence.

Morning sunshine highlights moss on the branches.

THE METROPOLE HOTEL LAUNCHES MOTHER’S DAY MENU.

press release 

THE METROPOLE HOTEL LAUNCHES MOTHER’S DAY MENU 

The Metropole Hotel is inviting people to show their appreciation for their mother this Mother’s Day.

Located in the heart of the VQ area of Cork City, the team of chefs at the Metropole Hotel have designed a three-course menu using locally sourced and seasonal produce. 

Served in the newly refurbished Merchant Restaurant overlooking the River Lee, the three-course meal will be available from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and costs €55 per person. There will also be a children’s a la carte menu available on the day.

For those who prefer a lighter option, there is a seasonal afternoon tea available from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. The afternoon tea is €45 per person and includes three layers of patisseries, scones and savouries with options such as The Met “Swiss Roll”, freshly baked scones and West Cork smoked salmon on brown bread.

For those opting for the three course meal, the menu includes:

Starters 

• Homemade Seasonal Soup with Buckley’s Bakery Brown Soda Bread & Glenilen Butter

• Roaring Water Bay Mussels with Lime & Soy Butter, Fresh Scallions, Toasted Sesame

• Fior Di Latte with Pea and Mint Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Focaccia

• Classic Chicken & Bacon Vol au Vent with Pickled Wild Variety Mushrooms, Confit Leek, Shaved Vegetable Salad 

 

Main Courses 

 

 

• Spiced Cauliflower with Puree, Pickled Leaves, Pickled Cauliflower, Orange Dressing

• Wild Atlantic Cod with Warm Tartar Sauce, Caramelised Celeriac, Wilted Baby Gem 

• Roasted Striploin of Irish Beef with Roasted Beetroot, Horseradish, Spinach Emulsion, Peppered Jus 

• Confit Duck Leg with Pressed Potato Pavé, Kale & Wild Mushroom Fricassee, Elderberry Jus 

 

All Served With Seasonal Vegetables & Roast Potatoes 

 

Desserts   

• Luker 80% Dark Chocolate Delice with Sauternes Poached Pear, Malted Barley Brittle, E.V.O. 

• Poached Apple & Five Spice Mousse Cake with Crème Anglaise, Toasted Walnut, Walnut Dressing   

• Black Treacle Tart with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream 

• White Chocolate & Berry Cheesecake with Caramelised White Chocolate, Wild Berry Compote 

 

Freshly Brewed Tea and Coffee  

Booking is essential and all reservations can be made on https://www.themetropolehotel.ie/dine/the-met-dinner/ or call 021 464 3700.

MUM’S THE WORD AT DUNLUCE LODGE!

press release

MUM’S THE WORD AT DUNLUCE LODGE!

 

Give the gift of breathtaking beauty, indulgent pampering, and timeless memories this Mother’s Day at Dunluce Lodge in Portrush, perched along Northern Ireland’s dramatic north coast. From the awe-inspiring cliffs and Atlantic waves to the historic allure of Dunluce Castle and the legendary Giant’s Causeway, every moment here is a celebration of life’s finer pleasures.

Overnight Escape - Step into a world of serene luxury. An overnight stay at Dunluce Lodge offers elegantly appointed rooms with sumptuous bedding, stunning vistas across the sea, the gardens and Royal Portrush Golf Course.  Let her wake to the soft sound of waves and the scent of the sea in the air (From £310 B&B per room per night).

 

Spa Indulgence - From rejuvenating massages to bespoke therapies designed to restore mind, body, and soul, Dunluce Lodge’s spa experience is an invitation to indulge in serenity. Located in quiet building separate from the hotel, the intimate spa offers guests an opportunity to completely retreat from the world. 

 

Divine Lunch or Exquisite Dinner - Celebrate her with a culinary experience to remember. Whether it’s an elegant afternoon tea, lunch showcasing the finest local ingredients or an elegant dinner crafted with sophistication and flair, each meal is a feast for the senses and is always a real treat.

 

Flexible Gift Vouchers - Dunluce Lodge vouchers allow the recipient to pick what they would like to enjoy themselves—from an overnight escape to a spa treatment or a signature dining experience.

Every detail at Dunluce Lodge, from the sweeping coastal views to the exquisite interior comforts, reflects a commitment to creating unforgettable moments.

Perched beside the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club and just a few hundred metres from the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Lodge is one of Northern Ireland’s most luxurious and intimate five-star hotels. Opened just a year ago, the elegant property comprises 35 suites and a private residence, The Stookan, blending understated luxury, warm Irish hospitality and a spectacular coastal setting.

Dunluce Lodge, Dunluce Road, Portrush, BT56 8NB. For more see www.dunluce.com or call +44 (0) 28 705 31 700

 

***************************

 

Dunluce Lodge on the Causeway Coast Launches Restorative and Immersive ‘Sleepcation’ 

 

Winter asks more from the body than we often realise. With shorter days and reduced natural light, our circadian rhythm — the internal clock that regulates sleep, energy and hormone production — begins to shift. This can affect everything from alertness and mood to melatonin release at night, leaving many people feeling more tired, sluggish, sad or mentally foggy.

 

Sometimes the finest luxuries cannot rival the impact of a truly great night’s sleep. Problems feel less overwhelming, perspective returns and the day ahead becomes brighter after deep, uninterrupted rest. Acknowledging winter’s slower rhythm — and the body’s instinctive need for more sleep — is often the first step toward restoring balance.

 

Responding to this, Dunluce Lodge has launched its restorative and immersive ‘Sleepcation’, a stay designed entirely around rest, relaxation and deep sleep.

Perched beside the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club and just a few hundred metres from the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Lodge is Northern Ireland’s newest five-star retreat and one of its most intimate. Opened just a year ago, the elegant property comprises 35 suites and a private residence, The Stookan, blending understated luxury, warm Irish hospitality and a spectacular coastal setting into a refined escape designed for complete relaxation.

The Dunluce Lodge Sleepcation is a fully immersive experience centred on restorative rest. The stay includes an overnight escape, breakfast, a signature spa treatment, calming sleep tea and a curated bedtime wellness offering, with amenities including a Seabody Sleep Balm and a carefully considered night-time ritual designed to help guests fully switch off and unwind. (?580 per room for two people sharing).

 

At its heart is the sleep experience itself. Guests settle into ultra-comfortable Hypnos, handmade beds layered with natural fibres and cashmere guard duvets and Cheviot wool pillows by local brand, Ava Innes, chosen for their gentle weight and natural temperature regulation.  The brand pioneers a unique, sustainable duvet fill made from cashmere guard hair — a forgotten luxury fibre offering gentle weight, exceptional temperature regulation and a sleep experience grounded in natural wellbeing.

Outside, the only sound is the Atlantic rolling steadily onto the shore, while inside the Lodge, a deep quiet settles after dusk. A short bedtime story inspired by local folklore — tales of giants and heroes such as Finn McCumhaill — is left on each bed as part of the turndown ritual, encouraging guests to disconnect from screens and return to the simple comfort of reading before sleeping.

 

The woodland spa plays a central role in the experience. The Drift & Dream Ritual by Seabody begins with grounding breathwork, followed by a personalised massage using warm Lavendar poultices, aromatherapy oil and finished with Seabody’s brand-new Sleep Balm. Stretching, lymphatic drainage and gentle acupressure guide the body into deep relaxation, preparing both body and mind for rest.

 

Dining at Dunluce Lodge complements the experience, with Executive Chef Stephen Holland and his team showcasing the best of the region’s seasonal produce through thoughtful, locally inspired menus. Evenings unfold slowly — cocktails by the fire, oysters at the bar or watching the last light fade into the Atlantic — before retreating to suites where comfort, stillness and the rhythm of the sea take over.

 

Located along the iconic Causeway Coastal Route and moments from Whiterocks Beach via a private walkway, the Lodge offers a rare sense of calm in one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes, within easy reach of landmarks such as the Giant’s Causeway.

The Dunluce Lodge Sleepcation ultimately pays homage to the restorative power of sleep, embracing the rituals, environment and natural elements that support true rest. By bringing together sea air, silence, natural fibres and a slower pace of living, Dunluce Lodge invites guests to reconnect with their natural rhythms and rediscover the transformative power of deep, uninterrupted sleep. 

Dunluce Lodge, Dunluce Road, Portrush, BT56 8NB

 

For more see www.dunluce.com or call +44 (0) 28 705 31 700