Beautifully located in the grounds of Lough Rynn Castle, this lovely 200 year old property was formerly home to the stewards and estate managers of the Clements family, Earls of Leitrim, and has been run as a B&B by the current owner, Dara Madden, since 2008.
It's a place that gives first-time guests a wonderful sense of discovery, thanks to the serenity of Brooklawn House itself, its woodland and lakeside setting, and the easy hospitality extended by Dara - beginning with the irresistible homebakes offered with a welcoming cup of tea on arrival... All of which is a taste of things to come at breakfast time, when Dara pulls out all the stops with yogurts, granola and orange juice to start, then the full Irish (complete with the local speciality, boxty) and homemade brown bread among the many treats on offer.
The house is full of the character that only age can bring and each of the three guest rooms is thoughtfully furnished with very comfortable beds and everything that you could need including quality toiletires in the chic bathrooms. Two of the rooms are in the main house, with woodland and walled garden views, and the third is in a cottage which is equipped for self catering and has a sofa bed (and extra bathroom) so it can sleep up to four.
Modern conveniences are available - all rooms have flat screen TV and WiFi - but disconnection is encouraged, and Dara even offers a 'Recharge Sanctuary' (minimum 3 nights) which includes three home-cooked meals each day, for times of recuperation, or when you just need to recharge the batteries.
Having Lough Rynn Castle a few minutes walk away is a brilliant amenity for guests at Brooklawn and very popular for Afternoon Tea or a special dinner in the excellent Sandstone Restaurant - or just to enjoy a relaxing stroll around the beautiful walled gardens. But there are also loads of other things to do in the area too, and first time visitors should be very pleasantly surprised.
Some highlights recommended by Dara include a drive to the famous Glencar Waterfall beloved by WB Yeats; a tasting (and soon also a tour) at the brilliant Drumshambo Shed Distillery; a visit to Strokestown Park National Famine Museum - or, more unexpectedly, there's an eye-popping collection of country artefacts at Brian Kennedy's fascinating Glenview Folk Museum (Leitrim's only museum) near Ballinamore.
For the more energetic there's walking or canoeing on the Shannon Blueway (from Drumshanbo to Carrick on Shannon), a day out at the magnificent Lough Key Forest Park (a must for families) - and, of course, there's golf too, at Carrick on Shannon Golf Club (just 30 minutes drive). And, thanks to Dara's local knowledge, you'll find all the best places to stop for a bite along the way - or to plan a lunch or dinner - outing too.
All round, Brooklawn House is a great introduction to the best of Leitrim and surrounding areas, and a place that, once found, happy guests will want to return to - just as soon as possible.
