What could be better than walking down a grand staircase in a ballgown? Walking down a grand staircase in your nightdress. It was amazing to be able to ramble through a big house that has two full suits of armour, its own chapel, forest walks and pleasure gardens and centuries of history as if it was our own. Silvia's hospitality is outstanding and we had the holiday of a lifetime! It was easy to explore the large county of Cork from this base, although you would need a car if you don't plan to avail of the wonderful old kitchen and prefer to eat out. We did both. We spent full days in the house reading, loving the relaxation afforded by high ceilings and deep peace of living on a huge wood-surrounded estate, as well as taking walks in the woods and spent other days driving out to see the beauty and rich offerings for visitors to Cork!