With three lakes and woodlands, duck and pheasant shooting, farmyard animals to feed and its own gin distillery, the grounds of Ballyvolane House in Fermoy are well equipped to keep guests entertained. Inside the 18th century home there’s plenty more on offer – six double bedrooms, a series of well-appointed reception rooms and a baby grand piano in the pillared hall.
Clonganny House is close to the cliffs and golden beaches of north Co Wexford, an hour’s drive from Dublin. It was originally built in 1823 for Henry White, son of the notorious priest hunter and magistrate Hawtrey White, known locally as Hawtrey The Alarmist. His initials can still be seen in giant letters on the outside of the coach houses. Set in eight acres of gardens and woodland, guests also have access to a beautiful walled garden.