Ireland: Six delightful and quirky B&Bs

Autumn comes to Roundwood House in Ireland
(Courtesy:  roundwoodhouse.com)

IRELAND — One of the joys of traveling to Ireland is the abundance of quaint, family operated B&B's the capture the allure of one of the greenest places on earth.

Ireland is a land of two lane country roads dotted with majestic castles and oftentimes more sheep than people. But it is also and island that beckons with quirky alluring places that become instant party ice-breakers when you return home.

The mysterious Cliffs of Moher are always dramatic
(Photo: Taylor)

Listed below are a half-dozen of those delightful discoveries. The list is by no means complete, but intended only to offer a sampling of the treasures the Irish have to offer.

Become a lighthouse on Clare Island (Courtesy: clareisland.ie)

Clare Island Lighthouse, Clare Island, County Mayo:

Think of it this way, Clare Island is an island guarding a larger island off the western Atlantic coast of Ireland. Keeping watch at the entrance of Clew Bay, the Lighthouse has served as a nautical landmark for nearly two centuries.

Situated high atop craggy cliffs, Clare Island was once a safe haven for sailors protecting Achill, Wesport and points beyond. Today, the Clare Island Lighthouse is a different type of sanctuary, welcoming road weary visitors to enjoy one of the most unique and exclusive getaways in Ireland.

The ultimate room with a sea view is architecturally majestic, offering luxury, fully-catered B&B stays, complemented by the awe-inspiring, natural environment of the famous Wild Atlantic Way.

Sometimes it's rather nice to be a little "nautical."

Perched on a hill, deep in the forest, Helen's Tower is a true escape  (Courtesy: Visitardsandnorthdown.com)

Helen’sTower, Bangor, County Down:

Island Lighthouse, Helen's Tower perches high on a hill overlooking County Down. Nestled deep in the forest of Clandeboye Estate, on clear days, the three story stone tower, offers views of the coast of Scotland.

Immortalized in poems by Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning, the tower was constructed between 1848 and 1850 as a famine relief project to provide jobs for the unemployed.

The unique gothic retreat features modern amenities as well as a rooftop terrace linked by a narrow stone staircase.

Perhaps best of all, it is the ideal getaway with accommodations for just two people.

Dining at Barberstown Castle is an event, not just dinner
(Courtesy:  infokildare.ie)

Barberstown Castle, Straffan,County Kildare:

Comprised of four buildings from different periods of Irish history, Barberstown Castle has had a turbulent legacy.

Situated just 30-minutes from Dublin's city center, it has a sense of being thousands of miles away thanks to 20-acres of surrounding grounds.

Since 1288, Barberstown has had no less than 37 owners, including world famous guitarist Eric Clapton who held the deed between 1979 and 1987.

Eric Clapton once owned the
castle (Courtesy:  infokildare.ie)

Barberstown opened its doors as a hotel in 1971.

Despite multiple owners, Barberstown's proprietors have respected its history over the eight centuries of its existence maintaining the elegance of the structure by carefully blending its Victorian and Elizabethan extensions with the original Castle Battlement of 1288.

Built as a fortress to protect the people of Barberstown from rebel attack trying to burn the village, the walls of the Castle Keep walls slope inwards so as to prevent an enemy from getting out of range by closing up to the building.

Ironically, the rooms on the upper floors of the Castle are larger than those on the ground level as their walls are somewhat thinner.

Today however, Barberstown is ideal for enjoying exceptional personal service, open log fires and great food and wine.

The Cliffs of Moher are even more stunning at sunset
(Courtesy: ireland.com)

The Merchant’s House, Derry - Londonderry:

Savor the ambience of a bygone era amid all the comforts of today in this unique four-story townhouse within walking distance of the famous Walls of Derry. Built in the Georgian style of nearly 150 years ago, the architectural features of the era survive largely intact. A distinctive, atmospheric base to explore the attractions and culture of Northern Ireland’s second city.

Ireland is peaceful and alluring  (Photo: Taylor)

Martello Tower, Sutton, County Dublin:

Fearing invasion by Napoleon in 1804, Martello Towers in Ireland and England were built to provide "bombproof" defenses.

Ireland's circular stone tower was the first to be constructed and is referred to in historic chronicles as Tower No. 1.

The name is derived from a tower at Mortella Point in the Gulf of Fiorenzo. When the Royalist French Navy combined with the Royal Navy failed to seize the Napoleonic French tower at Mortella in 1794, that was all the inspiration the British needed to construct their defensive towers. The names are different as a result of a mix-up in communication which transposed the letters "a" and "o".

Today this self-catering property accommodates up to four guests, promising a combination of luxury, exclusivity and privacy. The kitchen diner offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views from roof level.

The living area and balcony overlook the coastline of Dublin Bay on the middle level, while two bedrooms and bathroom occupy the lower level.

The Long Barn at Roundwood House in County Laois
(Courtesy:  roundwoodhouse.com)

Roundwood House, Mountrath, County Laois:

Spoil yourself in one of Ireland’s finest mid-size country houses of the Georgian period. The warm reception rooms filled with antique furniture, bedrooms lined with paintings and overflowing bookshelves, crackling fires, good food, lovely gardens and extensive outbuildings make this a magical place in which to journey back in time.

Family dog guards the "Doll's
House
(Courtesy: roundwoodhouse.com)

Built by Anthony Sharp whose Quaker grandfather amassed a fortune in the late 17th century by running large flocks of sheep on his 2,000 acre holdings to supply his Dublin clothing business, Roundwood House has a "doll's house-like quality" according to one analyst.

This is no place to be "sheepish" today however, as the original furnishings make Roundwood House a delightful travel experience.