Set against the lush backdrop of the Galtee Mountains, the brand new Barnahown Guest House in Mitchelstown offers a new base for those looking to discover one of Munster's most beautiful yet little-known areas.
Or, in essence, it is a convenient stopover for those travelling onwards to West Cork or Kerry.
Situated on the outskirts of Mitchelstown, the roadside farmhouse is framed to the rear by Friesian grass pastures and the Munster valleys visible in the distance.
This makes Barnahoun an attractive location for walkers and cyclists, and although there are no trailheads around the estate, car parks for walkers such as Galte More are 15km away.
Reception at Barnahoun
Originally an 1800s farmhouse, Barnahown has been restored and reimagined by owner Ciara O'Brien, who offers accommodation focused on sustainability and the spirit of regenerative tourism.
The building makes an impressive appearance from the façade, with a well-kept garden and a path leading into the house.
Inside there is a reception room, a guest drawing room and a bright breakfast room at the rear, furnished with locally made furniture and the walls are adorned with an exquisite selection of local maps and retro prints.
The pink staircase also adds a pop of colour. It's a stunning transformation and although I feel the light walls and polished concrete on the ground floor take away from the cosiness of the property, it's clear that a lot of thought and attention has gone into the proposal.
Ciara O'Brien is the friendly and chatty hostess of Barnahown Guest House (she also lives on site in a stylish annexe).
As a local resident and hiker, she has plenty of local advice to offer and has created a number of handy downloadable guides to the region that highlight local hiking trails, businesses and food vendors.
The Barnahown polo shirt uniform may look a little corporate for a small guesthouse, but Ciara's warm personality and passion for advocating for local businesses is evident.
The Barnahown grounds feature a west-facing hot tub overlooking a wildflower meadow. It's a nice complimentary extra, although the courtyard around it is a bit stark and could do with some toning down.
There is also a handy wash station in the yard where you can take a shower before or after swimming, or perhaps rinse off some dirty paws… The area is dog-friendly and is a great place for a four-legged friend.
Outside the hotel, guests can enjoy the local mountains and waterways, as well as sheltered attractions such as Mitchelstown Caves.
Double room in Barnahown
Barnahown is an intimate venue with four rooms, two of which overlook the front of the building and two of which overlook the backyard and the mountains in the distance.
The rooms feel fresh, comfortable, and although some have details like original floorboards or exposed walls, I would classify them as almost boutique or rustic.
My double room is compact, but has a surprisingly comfortable bed and a stylish Art Deco bathroom.
Toiletries from the wonderful Irish Hand Soap Company and Irish LanaiBlo hair dryers are also provided. Rooms also feature a small wall-mounted TV.
Guests will enjoy welcome treats from Mitchelstown' Praline Pastry & Chocolate Shop, as well as elderflower syrup.
There are no tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms, and although complimentary Solaris tea is available downstairs, coffee is only served at breakfast.
Common room in Barnahoun
Barnahown does not offer dinner. However, guests can order locally sourced dishes with 48 hours' notice for €25.
The guest house also has a charming self-service bar serving exclusively Irish drinks, including Five Farms cream liqueur, Valentia Island vermouth and even Perry sparkling wine from Killahoura Orchards in Glowtown.
Breakfast at the guest house includes a small continental buffet, which includes berries, muesli, yoghurts and local cheeses.
Notably, there's no orange juice here, to showcase local options like local Con Trass apple juice, and the coffee comes from nearby The Town Coffee Company.
For a hot meal, choose from porridge, full Irish breakfast or scrambled eggs on toast, all served on gluten-free soda bread and drizzled with Rívesci's Cashew Paradise chilli oil.
Like Barnahoun, it's wholesome and a little edgy.
Prices start from a reasonable €150, although minimum stay restrictions may apply on some dates.
Rugs and soft furnishings can create a cozy, rustic feel in common areas, while additional landscaping can make your stay even more comfortable.
No
Yes
Very welcoming, no extra charge.
Barnahoun; Mitchelstown, County Cork; Barnahown.com