Elegant & Romantic - Relaxing Stay

Georgian townhouse, central Birr. A spacious, elegant room with touches of luxury, add to the experience of sleeping in an antique four-poster bed. Non-suite guest bathroom. Wallow in the original bath by candlelight (Prosecco extra!) This B&B has been greatly enjoyed over many years by writers, musicians, visitors & tourists from around the World. Listed in renowned guidebooks, it's a home with art, antiques & many books. Indulgent *breakfast. (*Or Light Breakfast option.) Free street parking. The space From the welcoming drink by the drawing room fire, to the hearty and healthy breakfast menu choices, this is a peaceful and special place to stay, in the heart of the town. Lovely for a one-night treat at the beginning of a holiday, or onward journey. And a two-night stay (or longer!) offers an opportunity to fully experience the town, castle demesne and beautiful area around. The Slieve Blooms for hill walking, horse-trekking and mountain biking are short kilometers away; as well as beautiful gardens, historic houses, castles and ancient monastic sites open to the public, and canal-side strolls and gentle cycles. COMING BY BUS/TRAIN? We recommend Kearns Busses, the local privately owned company. Trains run from Dublin and Galway to Tullamore (approximately 35 kms from Birr) or Dublin/Limerick to Roscrea (approximately 12 kms to Birr) We can suggest good, friendly, local taxi services). Ask about options for your public transport route searches For longer stays, the hosts are happy to bring visitors to Lough Boora, or Kinnitty Castle (arranging for a taxi back to Birr) and act as guides for short walks in the mountains. 1) Linger in Tranquility - An extended check-out time after a two-night stay - with 2 - 3 course breakfast, served any time from 10am - midday. 2) The Brief Visit - Ideal place to stay for the more introvert wedding guests who prefer a more serene place to unwind after the parties but departing after one night, and for onward journeyers. This comes with a 2-course, light breakfast. (Request special offer for a full breakfast) served to the room from 9.15 am - 11am. For all visitors, a welcoming and delicious glass of fine local liqueur is offered by the drawing room fireside. Though there are no televisions, there are lots of books on many topics, writing and drawing materials, and some board games. The big, deep, colourful, antique bath can be wallowed in by candlelight, with scented oils. There are pampering touches in the room such as vintage dressing gowns and Moroccan slippers, et cetera, as well as the treat of breakfast being brought up to your bedroom, in courses. Come to write, sketch, revive, or rest. Birr is a lively small historic town - a place of the unexpected, from a World-renowned giant telescope to a charming little theatre. It has a surprising list of historical 'firsts' from a human rights law enacted here well over a thousand years ago, to five arts festivals per annum in our contemporary years. There are walks and tours within the castle gardens, and a self-guiding Famous & Notables Trail through town, 27 diversely remarkable people are commemorated, including poachers to revolutionaries and performers to poetic geniuses. Take time in this 'Middle Kingdom' though even a day and one night is a special, soothing retreat for imaginative souls. However, the host's suggestion is a two-or three night stay, to explore the town, and the facinating and gentle pleasures of the region, such as woodland and river-side walks from the house; hikes in the Slieve Blooms (mountains in Offaly & Laois); visiting renowned gardens; music in haunted castles, and the serenity of ancient monastic sites. Brendan House 'The Flag House' and Tin Jug Studio (see Arts Studio) are close to Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre, as well as the town's charming shops, good cafés and restaurants. This is the home of an artist/writer and a journalist/poet. It is the 'secret' B&B of Birr, with no sign outside the door and no hoards of people staying. Guests have said and written that they felt very relaxed and welcome in this bohemian and elegant home, filled with paintings, prints, local artists' works, antiques, books about Birr and by Birr authors, some creaking original floorbards, a piano to play, and much more. Creative and a few famous folk have stayed, from musicians and composers to dancers and poets. This is the largest of three period-style guest rooms at Brendan House. It is for one or two people. (The two single rooms are under a separate listing, and have canopied, cushioned beds). The antique four-poster bed belonged to Rosalind's mother, and the bed cover was embroidered by her paternal grandmother. Each room has its own wash-handbasin, and though guests share one unusual bathroom, bookings for all rooms at once are rarely taken unless for a family - or dear friends! Therefore the bathroom is most usually purely for the use of those staying in the four poster room. It was the second bath installed with running water in Birr in the 19th century, the first having been installed for the visiting Bishop at Drumbawn House. When the Fannings purchased their home, the bath had been painted white and was flaking. The original rich and marbled colours were discovered underneath, revealed and then restored by a specialist. It is a very personalized experience to stay here, with hints of luxury. There are little extras such as spring water and chocolate in the room and of course, electric blankets. No need to get dressed to rush to the dining room in the morning. Relax. Breakfast is usually served from around 9.15am (to include bread fresh from the bakery) and up until around 11.30am. The guest wing corridor has been painted and decorated as if an Arabian tent, and with shelves of books on travel. There are ornamental masks and lots of pictures with images of foreign places. Essentially, a silver tray has all one needs to make cupfulls of refreshing herbal or China tea at any time and biscuits too. There have been many compliments about our breakfasts, some written into the visitors book, such as, 'The best we've had, anywhere'. Much of the food served is local, organic and home-made, and presented with attention to the visual as much as to the flavours and variety offered. Breakfast options can be large or small; hearty or healthy. You'll be asked if you have any dietary needs/allergies before arrival - be sure to mention any! When the drawing room fire and candles are lit, it is a wonderful room to relax in. Occasionally an informal dinner is served (with advance booking) such as Rosalind's Casseroles of Lamb in Cider or Beef with Guinness, etc. There are no televisions but a good selection of DVDs of Hollywood and vintage films as well as Russian, French, Japanese classics and opera, favourite old TV series, comedy and children's films, etc. Tin Jug Studio, our arts studio and gallery, is open to the public on occasions for art exhibitions, poetry readings and film screenings, as well as seasonal, weekly art classes for children. Art classes for 'total beginner' adults can be booked - from one up to four people maximum - for a unique, encouraging two hours tuition in Still Life, etc. The studio is also available at certain times of the year for tourists budget, self-catering/semi-self-catering accommodation. The studio has also been loved by writers, taking three-night breaks to contemplate new works or for final edits of pre-publishing works. Please see the current listing 'Arts Studio'. It is also available during the Summer months for longer stays for those needing peaceful time for inspiration. Notes: This may not be the place for you if.... * You don't like old houses! * You are dashing through town, and plan to leave early to get to an event. * Early breakfasts (pre-8.30am) are only by special, advance arrangement with a basic repast of cereals and fruit. What's to see and experience in and around Birr? Many things: Firstly, whilst most people come for one night, it is suggested that visitors consider a longer stay - two or three nights - to indulge in this fascinating town's history: * Take the Birr Town Trail, and also the new, artist-created Famous & Notables of Birr Trail. SEE birrfantrail. * Explore more of the midlands region, to bike around the Lough Boora Sculpture Park, do looped or longer walks in the mountains nearby, and much more. * Performances and exhibitions at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre * Visit Leap Castle ('most haunted in Ireland') and ancient monastic sites. * Music Nights at Leap Castle (advance notice of interest is needed as these are not regular, but organized by an excellent music-promoter.) * Experience the landscape and sky in the expanses of boglands, or cycle around the former bog of Lough Boora Sculpture Park. * See glorious treasures in nearby religious places such as the Harry Clarke stained glass windows and St. Manchan's Shrine. * Outdoorsy stuff such as hillwalking in the Slieve Blooms * Extensive bike trails in the Slieve Blooms, near picturesque Kinnitty. * Horse-riding and trekking in the mountains. * Flying lessons at the small local airfield. * A custom small bus tour with an excellent guide, can be booked, to extend your tourism experience in the region, on day or half-day trips to local sights, or further afield to Kilkenny and beyond. * Depending on the night, or the time of the year there are also excellent traditional music sessions at pubs, or at Kinnitty Castle. You can book the bus to collect you and essentially, bring you back! There are also Trad Nights at The Chestnut (pub) in Birr. Birr has lots of arts festivals: * The Festival of Music * Scripts Playwriting Festival * The longest running festival in Ireland being Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival * OFFline Film Festival * Hullabaloo Children's Arts Festival Biorra le Gaeilge, founded by four friends to educate through Irish, usually holds some events for Seachtain na Gaeilge and at other times, special musical or poetry nights. On most Saturday mornings, come chat or listen at the Ciorcal Comhra at Birr Library. A welcoming group gathering of locals for beginners, listeners and fluent speakers all melding together. (There are also Irish language gatherings in Banagher, a short drive away.) ART BREAKS * Hire a noted landscape artist for en plein air tutorials, for half-a-day to full days. For 1 to 3 people. Recommended, and reasonable rates. * Still Life drawing lessons bookable at Tin Jug Studio - or simply borrow the key to paint and draw in our arts studio and courtyard garden. * Other arty options can include art buying-visits to artists' studios and current exhibitions. SPECIAL OFFERS: Healthy rather than full-hearty breakfasts are an option. In other words, a reduction in the nightly rate for a two-course, rather than three- course breakfast, or small breakfast on a tray. Other possibilities as extras for an even more romantic stay for two at Brendan House can include afternoon teas, Prosecco and chocolates, gourmet picnics, guided hill walks, castle tours. Or indulge in an excellent spa experience at Salann na Talún, in Lusmagh; Reflexology in Clonfert with Brenda (and see the stunning, ornate doorway of the ancient Clonfert Cathedral.) There are Birr beautifying parlours (recommended is Secret Essence). Just enquire about advance bookings. The Pros and the Cons of staying at Brendan House: * The four-poster is a double - not a queen sized, and therefore smaller than modern beds but very comfortable. Perhaps both partners in a couple, thinking of booking this pretty room need to be more 'petite', neither a snorer - or at least, very much in love, to sleep here! For other recommended/some luxurious Bed & Breakfast places in historic Birr: Walcot House, Emmet House, Townsend House, The Stables. Guest access The guest rooms are on the 1st floor (one flight of stairs up from ground floor.) The drawing room is for relaxing, reading, playing cards and board games...and chatting. The treat here is that breakfast is brought upstairs to the room. However, families and friends sharing the guest wing, are offered the morning repast by the fire in the drawing room, or at the big table in our arts studio. During your stay Staying here is more about relaxing rather than lots of chatting, but of course that is up to you! We are keen to make sure that you feel welcomed in Birr and that your experience will make you want to recommend our beautiful town and region to others. We'll enjoy your company, but are happiest to ensure you feel completely at ease to absorb the calming atmosphere. We can be of help to answer questions and guide you about 'where to go' and 'what to see'. The choices are yours. Other things to note Other Benefits to Staying at Brendan House. * A welcoming tasting of local liqueurs - Wild Food Mary's unique and delicious Wild Beech Leaf or Damson liqueurs. * Paying guests at Brendan House receive a discount on the entry price for Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre. Just ask Rosalind about the details. * There are some relaxing and fascinating local walks around town or into the countryside. Just turn right outside our front door and follow the tranquil river, through the countryside and woodlands, finishing with a timeless hilltop view of the Slieve Blooms and town. Our Famous & Notables of Birr Trail (created by artists Jackie Lynch and Rosalind and launched by actor Des Keogh in June 2016) and Rozzie's new Monk's Walk - 'Finding Adhamhnan' is also available - for those who enjoy observing nature. We can also arrange guided walks in the Slieve Blooms, or visit Lough Boora Sculpture Parklands for walking or biking around the boglands. Use Brendan House/Tin Jug Studio as your base for a several-day stay, exploring much more and beyond within the region. It is far more lovely here in the Midlands than most give us credit for - and opportunity for seeing hidden treasures, away from the crowds. Whether visiting an artist's studio to arranging a meeting at Tin Jug Studio and gallery, to commission pieces, please ask ahead.