This listing is ideal for the solo traveller, or two singles together coming for a relaxing short stay in the centre of Birr. Period style, Individually decorated guest rooms in a Georgian home, close to the castle gardens, town parks and country walks. The interior has an artistic, tranquil, country house atmosphere. An indulgent breakfast is included. (A specially tailored, two-night stay for two people with 'extras' can be requested.)
Prostor
The Red & Grey rooms each have a canopied bed, art, antiques, books and some luxurious touches such as vintage dressing gowns and Moroccan slippers.
The guest wing bathroom is unusual: restored to its original colours, the bath was the 2nd in Birr - after the visiting Bishop's house - to be installed with running water in the early 19th century.
(The guest bathroom is shared only with the two occupants of our single rooms, as we do not take additional bookings, unless a couple booking ‘Elegant & Romantic’ are known to the singles.)
Ideal for the person who may feel in need of peace and calmness after a sociable occasion, or working hours. For more than a single night's stay, a good base for the solo traveller discovering the region; or a positive place for the writer, poet or artist in need of gentle inspiration.
Luxurious touches include the indulgent three course breakfasts - with menu choices - is served at a leisurely pace to the rooms, between 9.15am. up until 11.30am. If you would prefer only a small, healthy breakfast, please request a special room-rate offer). Be sure to inform me on booking, of any allergies/food loathings/special dietary requirements.
In the evenings, a fireside liqueur by candlelight in the drawing room, pre-dinner at a local restaurant.
Options for two or three-night stays - for one person or two :
A charming, calming and relaxing short break, for two friends to take time to immerse themselves in this notable heritage town and surrounding countryside of 'The Middle Kingdom''.
No need to get dressed for breakfast - it is served to the rooms. Don a vintage dressing gown and relax.
Afternoon tea can be booked ahead. Scones with jam and whipped cream, sandwiches and cakes, served on antique china and linens, by the drawing room fire.
A home-cooked, fireside supper with a glass of wine.
(However, there are good local cafés and restaurants nearby)
Before bed, have a deep, scented bath in the candlelit bathroom. At a little extra cost, have a glass of Prosecco.
Optional Extras . . . For an extra charge....
1) Before or after your deep bath by candlelight, a glass of Prosecco or Elderflower Pressé with a gourmet chocolate, made in Birr.
'Eccentrics Town Tour’ - booking essential. (We will soon be creating several ‘Birr Experiences’ through Airbnb.)
Hill/Mountain Guided Walks -
Depending on the location and distance of walks with an experienced guide, this may be free, or a small charge. Slieve Bloom walks can be followed with maps provided to people who would rather explore alone, or taken with Rosalind or Derek. A good picnic can be provided at extra charge. Or grasp provisions before departing in stout boots and good outerwear.
Personal Art Tuition -
A relaxing and pleasurable ‘mindfulness through art’ addition to the Birr experience. The host guides the way through easy techniques of ‘mark-making’ on paper, to a still-life artwork. Within two to two-and-a-half hours in the hosts’ art studio (Tin Jug Studio) these relaxing classes offer gentle encouragement, guidance on composition, learning observation and awareness of light and shade, as well as some pleasant chat. With background music, scented space and most importantly, refreshments, these classes are good time for wallowing in a little creativity. They are ideal for complete beginners too.
Spa Treatments - To be booked in advance of arrival!
Massage at Salann na Talun in Lusmagh - 12km from Birr
* Reflexology in Clonfert - approximately 15km from Birr.
Facials and other treatments at Secret Essence - in Birr.
All bookings, well ahead, are essential.
* REFLEXOLOGY - A treatment-massage of the feet by a superb practitioner of this healing, holistic art, Brenda. Alternatively she can come to Brendan House with all that's needed, from the reclining chair to her home-blended oils. The treatment itself lasts for approximately 50 minutes - with a necessary few questions at the beginning. Cost €55 in BIrr, or attend her treatment room in Clonfert - at a cost of €40 - and combine it with a visit to the ancient Clonfert Cathedral.)
Yoga and Meditation -
Various options locally:
Lovely Nessa Feehan of YOGANESS IRELAND - offers some Chair Yoga classes on line, as well as Hatha Yoga, etc., etc. in her charming Yoga space above the Organic Store on Main Street. She is also an Ayervedic practitioner. Well-in-advance booking is required!
Et Cetera.....
Whether coming to attend a festival event, or going to the theatre for a play or music, or for a day’s walking or cycling in the Slieve Blooms; there is the essential inspirational visit to Birr Castle Demesne. Visitors staying here have a discounted entry and strolling around the gardens, eases frayed minds from busy times, And the Historic Science Centre astonishes. For those who 'need shopping', there are good places for gifts and fine clothing, as well as many good cafés for eating and pubs for imbibing, so Birr is well worth taking time to linger longer in.
This B&B has been open for around 21 years and over those years, Irish and multi-national tourists, writers, poets, playwrights, storytellers and musicians, mountaineers and more have stayed at Brendan House (or 'The Flag House' as it has been nicknamed). All have greatly enjoyed their visits. Here is serenity behind the front door, though within short paces from the centre of happenings in this historic town. Lots of lovely touches in this arty home: antiques and art with stories; books on myriad topics; spring water and chocolate in the rooms and a silver tray in the tented corridor for making cups of herbal or oriental tea, at any time. Sit in a wing chair by the drawing room fire for the welcoming drink. Glossy magazines on architecture, design, art and country sports and a few board games too, from chess to Scrabble. No television but free WiFi, and a good selection of DVDs from blockbusters to some foreign and art films.
In the morning, no need to rush to get dressed for the dining room. Dress up in one of the vintage dressing gowns and Moroccan slippers, for the elegantly presented, simple breakfast is brought to the rooms. It can include wholesome cereals with fresh fruits, local organic milk
Historical notes:
Brendan House or 'The Flag House', is named for the Prayer Flags across its facade. Uncertain of its exact date, it may once have been two 17th century houses which were then converted to one, of Georgian style. As its original, elegant windows pre-date 1815, we can but guess at its venerable age. The original lane was widened around 1817 to give access from the main street and Market Square to then then newly built Catholic Church. (Both the Catholic and Protestant churches are cathedral-like in their presences and architecture.) The part of the street near the church is known as 'Chapel Lane' and the section near Market Square is Saint Brendan Street. Yet there has been no road sign to share the latter name, except for the very brief appearance of a fine cast iron sign around 6 years ago.
On old market days, farmers traded on this street, Market Square and up Castle Street. The old pig market (bonmh) is now the centre for Birr Tidy Towns, with its outdoor classroom for children’s ‘growing’ workshops.
We can add in a guided walk into the countryside, by the river and through woodlands or a visit to our local bogs, or a longer walk in the mountains, with or without a picnic.
Brendan House is very close to the main attraction of Birr Castle Demesne. People staying at The Flag House and studio, are entitled to a €2 discount on their entry fee.
Visitors can also explore the elegant streetscapes. There are two town trails. Discover the recently artist-created Famous & Notables of Birr Trail and find out about the histories of some of Birr's remarkable people from past eras, who made their impact locally, nationally and internationally.
Brendan House or 'The Flag House', is named for the Prayer Flags across its facade. Uncertain of its exact date, it may once have been two 17th century houses which were then converted to one, Georgian style. As its original, elegant windows pre-date 1815, we can but guess at its venerable age.
PLEASE NOTE:
There are no televisions but plenty of books, on a very wide variety of topics. If it isn't visible, just ask and we may have a book on a subject that interests you. We have a large collection of DVDs and videos for viewing - from 'Hollywood' to foreign fillms; costume dramas to comedy.
MORE to do near Birr -
* Hacking on horseback along Slieve Bloom trails. (Check cost ahead at booking time)
* A short or longer guided walk in the Slieve Blooms, with a picnic lunch. (€35 - €50)
* Experienced walkers may borrow local maps for delightful loop walks, and more. Flask of soup or coffee offered for no extra charge.
* An holistic treatment at Salann na Talún, Lusmagh. This is around 12 km from Birr. (There is a lovely bird hide on the way back, for bird watchers to view the migratory flocks on the Callows in Winter.)
Whilst there are a number of treatment options for which costs need to be requested, Maureen offers superb massages for approximately €50.
To avoid undoing the relaxing experience, we can arrange a taxi to collect and return visitors to Birr.
* An excellent spa treatment at Secret Essence - a few paces away from Brendan House, on Main Street. All sorts of delicious facials, heated stone-massages and much more, from nail-work to waxing too! Audrey may need advance booking of at least 10 days to 2 weeks.
* Art: Tutorials 'en plein air' with noted landscape artist, Jock Nichol - painting and sketching for a morning/afternoon or full day. Usually in the Slieve Blooms, woodlands in the foothills, or other lovely wild and peaceful locations in the area. (Enquire about his fees...but around 60 euros per day.) Other art tutorials may be possible too.)
OTHER POSSIBILITIES....for exploring a wider area of this lovely region .
Of ‘THE MIDDLE KINGDOM’
Gardens and houses open to the public, music nights at pubs or at Leap Castle....
Just enquire!
