Kilronan Castle is proud to have been included in Lucinda O Sullivans Little Black Book of Great Places to Stay & Eat for 2010
*Review taken from http://www.lucindaosullivan.com/Ireland abounds with beautiful old heritage houses and castles and if many of them could speak for themselves no doubt the tales they would tell would be fantastic.
In Ballyfarnon, Co. Roscommon, lies the beautiful Kilronan Castle which has recently been developed into a luxurious 5 Star Hotel. Kilronan comes from the Gaelic ‘Cill Ronain’, which means Ronan’s Abbey, the ruins of which are close by, as well as St. Ronan’s Holy Well. St Ronan seems to have been an interesting chap who got around a bit because he also lived at Locronan in Brittany which I visited last year. Locronan means the hermitage of Ronan and this is where his relics are. The original castle was built in the early 1800’s and belonged to a Colonel King Tenison, who originated in Oxfordshire in the era of Edward 1st, but fought with the Irish Brigade in France on behalf of Bonnie Prince Charlie. They were a colourful lot and featured at the Battle of Waterloo and in the Boer War.
Enough of history. This place is absolutely beautiful from the magnificent parquet floors and panellled walls to the elegant drawingroom which has uninterrupted views of Lough Meelagh. Just think of sitting here enjoying 3 tier afternoon tea by the blazing fire in the splendid Inglenook fireplace - a major architectural feature to enjoy and absorb. In fact it is striking that Kilronan retains its splendour including historical documents, artifacts, decorative stone and glass. It has just been so sympathetically transformed into an elegant space that can now be enjoyed by us all.
Set in forty acres of breathtaking scenery and green pastures, the Castle will overlook its own Nick Faldon Championship Golf Course which will be completed this year.
Bedrooms and suites are lavishly and sumptuously furnished – magnificent fabrics have been used in the drapes and bed coverings to compliment the antique furnishings. We stayed in a room which opened out onto a divine little formal garden which is a lovely touch. Bathrooms are luxurious with marbled walls and floors.
When you have finished your day of country pursuits and exploration, or maybe that round of golf, you can recall the day’s activities over a drink in the Dungeon Bar, or maybe an aperitif before dinner in the lovely Douglas Hyde Restaurant. Douglas Hyde was the first President of Ireland and he was born in Roscommon.
Food is excellent concentrating on local seasonal produce, organic where possible. There is always an abundance of duck, beef and delicious lamb, and game in season, as well as those special treats such as foie gras and beautiful salmon and shell fish. Wines at Kilronan have been selected from vineyards both in the Old World and New World.
This is a wonderful part of the world which remains largely undiscovered and Kilronan Castle has opened that door of opportunity to discover somewhere special.