Ballyduff House

Ballyduff House

, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny.

Ballyduff House is a classic Georgian country house with an adjoining 14th century castle, steeped in Irish history and full of the warmest of welcomes. Owner Brede Thomas takes a huge pride in her guest house, and nothing is too much trouble. Open fires, the book-lined library and the comfortable bedrooms furnished with Irish antiques capture an early 18th century experience blended with discreet 21st century comfort.

Positioned at the end of a long tree-lined drive, the house is peacefully set in extensive grounds. The River Nore runs by behind the house while sheep and cattle graze the pasture either side. There's a delightful walk in every directions.

Like everything at Ballyduff House, the guest rooms retain all the beauty, ambience and character of their origins. Entering a room is like stepping back in time, yet it's clean, bright and airy, a place to relax as well as sleep. Depending on which room you have you are either looking out over the river Nore to the rear of the house, or over rolling parkland and gardens to the front and side.

Any keen fisherman will recommend the waters of the River Nore for its excellent salmon and trout fishing. You can also go canoeing on the Nore. Golf is available nearby, or you could just choose to follow one of the many beautiful and scenic walks all around both Ballyduff and down the river in Inistioge, where one can explore the Woodstock estate and gardens. Kilkenny is only about 15 miles away where you will find Kilkenny castle, two cathedrals, various places of historic interest, craft and design workshops and of course the famous Kilkenny brewery.