We have just spent a long weekend at Balinkeel House, Ballymurn Wexford.
This was to celebrate 50 years of marriage for my parents, siblings, partners and all the grandchildren. It couldn’t have been a better venue for us. There were Mum and Dad, 5 adult children with their spouses, partners and children, making a group of 17.
It’s set in large grounds with woodland and a children’s playground and outdoor BBQ.
There’s a massive well equipped kitchen, large reception room and very large formal dining room, all with at least 4 metre high ceilings and huge sash windows giving great light and aspect. The furniture and decor is period style.
There are seven bedrooms with six ensuite. They all have similar high ceilings and sash windows.
Local amenities such as Curracloe Beach and the National Heritage Park and Supermarkets were no more than 20 minutes away.
The heating was set at a comfortable 20C and there was ample hot water. The insulation gained by closing the window shutters at dusk was truly amazing. You could in addition, light fires in some of the fireplaces using supplied logs.
There was more than ample crockery, cookware, cutlery and glasses. The kitchen sink has a very useful Qooker tap. A very large fridge-freezer with an ice maker, and a dishwasher, which was very busy, are also supplied.
The hosts had recommended local caterers, who really supplied food of superb quality for our formal night.
The hosts were in an adjacent property and responded immediately to any queries or requirements. They were very pleasant and were in no hurry to chase us out on Monday morning.
All in all, a superb venue for our purposes.