It was a message from an impressed guest that led us to Kilbawn House, and it was a journey well worth taking.
Set in lush countryside 15 minutes’ drive south of Kilkenny city, Elizabeth and Jim Byrne’s immaculate B&B is surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds and it’s easy to spot, on a rise just outside the village of Dungarvan (not to be confused with the Co. Waterford town of the same name).
Elizabeth and Jim are the friendliest of hosts, and nothing is too much trouble to ensure comfort and enjoyment for their guests, who are even welcome to join them when they go along to their Sunday night’s dancing session. They are also happy to help you plan an itinerary for the day or loan you a high-vis vest if you’d like to take a walk along the idyllic country lanes.
Elizabeth and Jim’s hospitality and the peaceful countryside location have made Kilbawn House an especially popular choice for foreign guests. You might find yourself at breakfast with visitors from Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Australia.
Elizabeth is a great baker and arriving guests are sure to find there’s a treat of the day with their welcome cuppa, which is served in the cosy guest lounge. With a stove, comfy chairs and satellite television, this is a home-from-home where guests can settle in for the evening if they don’t feel like going out – sometimes just what you need when travelling.
In the morning, a choice of continental or full breakfast is served in a spacious dining room, where a fridge and facilities for making tea and coffee are available to guests at all times.