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Just a few miles from Wexford town, the Mernagh family’s magical country house offers a tranquil retreat for couples looking for an alternative to the hotel experience and it's the perfect place for stressed townies – a real castle to explore (it may be climbed, with care, to the very top), a 17th century house to stay in, and lots to do.
The past and present mix effortlessly in Killiane Castle: the farmhouse and Tower House are 17th century and some of the 13th century Norman Castle still stands. Inside there’s a spacious entrance hall, an elegant, comfortably furnished residents’ sitting-room with an open fire and an honesty bar, and there’s a little room down a few steps used as a TV room, with tea/coffee and homemade cookies on offer too. A climb up the 17th century staircase to the second and third floors brings you to lovely individually-designed hotel standard bedrooms, with very comfortable beds, smart bathrooms and great views over the countryside.
This friendly family - Paul and Patrycja Mernagh and Paul's parents, Jack and Kathleen, who are now sem-retired - always have plans for further improvements and they have started to repair the castle (in the family since 1920), with a view to restoration.
As well as offering very comfortable accommodation, plenty to read in both the sitting room and bedrooms (history of castle, area, books and magazines) and lots of garden furniture for the enjoyment of fine weather (skilfully deployed to suit all times of day and wind directions), there’s a lot to do without leaving the property at all and everyone is sure to find plenty to interest them, including a farm walk through a beech grove, a driving range, croquet and a tennis court
And the highlight of a stay here for many guests is the delicious breakfast that's served in a warm, cosy dining-room. The farm supplies good things, including eggs and fruits in season - a wide selection of fruits, juices, yogurts and cereals are laid out buffet-style, and there's table service for cooked-to-order hot dishes, including favourites like Baked Eggs with Chorizo or Mushrooms, and Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon.
For dinner, the restaurants of Wexford are very close (they’ll arrange a taxi for you), or Paul or Patrycja will advise guests on the best local choices.
But best of all at Killiane Castle is the personal attention - Paul and Patrycja are true hoteliers.
Killiane is just a few miles from Wexford town so it’s ideal for an overnight on the way to or from Rosslare Harbour (about 10 minutes), although it’s unlikely that you’ll want to leave after one night here.
