One of the most beautiful places we’ve ever stayed in. The property, the penthouse, and the physical surroundings were all lovely, and Lorraine is a wonderful host. Our family was warmly welcomed and our toddler provided with a cot and high chair. We really appreciated the kitchen facilities and breakfast supplies after our long trip; the restaurant recommendations were also spot on and Thomastown is adorable and so very friendly. Lorraine has prepared an extensive guide for her guests and is easily reachable by text in case of further questions.
Some notes for families with small kids and people traveling without a car: we arrived by train and departed by bus and both were very convenient. Lorraine’s home is very private and on a beautiful hilltop but also very centrally located — you can pop in and out and gather some basic groceries no problem. We did find it more difficult to reach surrounding attractions without a car, but we also didn’t plan ahead and had to work around our toddler’s nap schedule. In retrospect, we should have pre-arranged a taxi to Jerpoint Abbey — the road there doesn’t have enough of shoulder for safe walking. But, because we couldn’t reach Jerpoint, and because Lorraine’s guide alerted us to other walks, we did a large chunk of the Grennan Loop, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Just a really lovely walk in the Irish countryside past a hurling pitch, along a picturesque river, past evocative ruins, and in the company of heaps of sheep. Highly recommended, and so much better than fighting the crowds in Kilkenny.