Killiane Castle Country House and Farm

A 15th-century fortified tower complete with massive walls and murder holes abuts this handsome B&B in the heart of a working farm. The past may have been turbulent, but today you can be assured of a warm welcome from the Mernagh family, who have owned the estate since 1920, giving the farmhouse the feel of a cherished home. Guests are welcomed by Patrycja with tea and home-baked biscuits, while husband Paul is manager. Up an elegant staircase, past the grandfather clock, lie eight comfortable bedrooms, supplied with water from an artesian well. Two more rooms are in the courtyard and stable block. In the summer, Patrycja cooks dinner with meat from the farm and salads from the garden. Her substantial farmhouse breakfast includes porridge with whiskey and cream, the full Irish, Duncannon smoked salmon, new-laid eggs from hens in the garden, honey from the hives, home-made soda bread and toast. To work it all off, you can play tennis or pitch and putt, get swinging on the driving range, or climb to the top of the tower where Paul’s grandfather once stored potatoes, and admire the views of Wexford.