Hotel review: Mitchelstown's wholesome B&B — with a mountainside edge

Or indeed, an appealing layover for those travelling onwards to West Cork or Kerry. 

Located within the environs of Mitchelstown town itself, the roadside farmhouse is flanked to the rear by Friesian-peppered pastures and Munster’s vales folding in the distance. 

It makes Barnahown an attractive base for hikers and bikers and while there are no trailheads proper around the property, the car park for the likes of Galtee Mór lies 15km away.

8/10

Style and design

Originally an 1800s farmhouse, Barnahown has been refurbished and reimagined by its owner, Ciara O’Brien, who offers a sustainability-centred accommodation with a regenerative tourism ethos.

The building strikes an impressive figure from the front with a smartly landscaped garden and pathway leading inside to the property. 

Inside, a reception room, guest lounge and a light-filled breakfast room to the rear featuring locally sourced furniture while the walls are adorned with a tasteful selection of local maps and retro prints.

A pink staircase adds a pop of colour too. It’s an impressive makeover and while I feel light-coloured walls and polished concrete throughout the ground floor dips the property’s cosiness, it’s clear a lot of thought and consideration has gone into the offering.

8/10

Service

Ciara O’Brien is the friendly hands-on host at Barnahown (she also lives onsite in a stylish extension to the property). 

As a local and keen hiker, she’s well poised to offer a trove of local recommendations and created a number of handy downloadable guides to the area highlighting local walks, businesses and food suppliers.

The Barnahown polo-shirted uniform feels a little corporate for a small guesthouse but Ciara’s warm nature and advocacy for local businesses shines through.

8/10

Activities and amenities

On site, Barnahown offers the pleasure of a west-facing hot tub which overlooks a wildflower meadow; a nice, complimentary addition to a stay here though the yard area surrounding it is quite stark and could do with some softening.

There is also a handy ablution block in the yard to shower before or after or perhaps to rinse some muddy paws… the property is dog-friendly and makes a pleasant base for a canine companion. 

Beyond the property, guests can enjoy the local mountains and waterways or weatherproof attractions like the Mitchelstown caves.

6/10

Rooms

Barnahown is an intimate affair, it offers four rooms, two front-facing and two overlooking the rear yard and mountains in the distance. 

Rooms feel fresh, comfortable and although some share touches like original floorboards or exposed walls, I’d categorise them as almost boutique to rustic. 

My double room is compact but has a wonderfully comfortable bed and a stylish en suite with an art-deco feel.

Toiletries from the lovely Irish Hand Soap Company and Irish LanaiBlo hair dryers are provided too. Rooms also feature a small wall-mounted TV.

8/10

In-room perks

Guests receive welcome treats from Mitchelstown’ Praline Pastry & Chocolate Shop as well as elderflower cordial. 

There are no tea and coffee making facilities in rooms and while complimentary Solaris tea is available downstairs, coffee is notably only served at breakfast.

7/10

On the menu

Barnahown does not offer a dinner service. However guests can order local provenance platters with 48hrs notice for €25. 

The guesthouse also features a charming honesty bar featuring exclusively Irish drinks with tipples including the likes of Five Farms cream liquor, Valentia Island vermouth and even a sparkling Perry from Killahoura Orchards in Glounthaune. 

Breakfast at the guesthouse includes both a small continental buffet which include berries, granola, yoghurts and local cheeses. 

Notably, there’s no orange juice in order to showcase local options like Con Trass’ local apple juice while coffee comes from down the road at The Town Coffee Company. 

Hot options are porridge, a full Irish or scrambled eggs on toast, served on gluten free soda bread and drizzled with a cashew rayu chilli oil from Rívesci. 

Like Barnahown, it’s wholesome with a little edge.

8/10

The bill:

Rates from a reasonable €150 though minimum stays may apply for some dates.

Barnahown; Mitchelstown, Co. Cork;  Barnahown.com

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