Here's your chance to stay in an archetypal crumbling pile in the Irish countryside. It's a place to enjoy roaring log fires, friendly dogs, muddy walks and surroundings that ooze history beneath the odd cobweb or two. With so many Irish houses no longer in the original family, it's a real privilege to be so heartily welcomed into Nicola and Durcan's rambling home. The brilliantly fussy bedroom is huge, with thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and water in a crystal jug no less. Guests have use of an even larger games room-type space, where you can kick back in front of the fire with a glass of wine, or battle it out on the table tennis table. It's also worth taking the dogs for walk around the estate, with its stables and 10-acre walled garden, which went to seed long ago. Come morning there's a lovely Aga-cooked breakfast served in the charming family kitchen with hosts and pets all present and correct. Here's to an authentic Irish country house experience you just won't get in a hotel. This is real hospitality. This is real Ireland. Hats off to Nicola and Durcan!