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Come visit Ireland in the Spring

January 21, 2016

Living in Ireland, I genuinely think that Spring is my favourite time of year. I love to see the landscapes in their forty shades of green splendour, daffodils blooming at every turn and the fresh crisp mornings offering the promise of sunshine. I would encourage everyone to visit Ireland this Spring and take advantage of the natural beauty and amenities that Ireland has to offer!

Ticks all the holiday boxes!

Ireland in Spring ticks all the holiday boxes no matter where your interests lie. Outdoor enthusiasts will be amazed at the amount of activities that can be enjoyed. There are hiking and cycling trails, such as the Great Western Greenway, which stretches 42km and is Ireland’s longest off-road, traffic free, walking and cycling trail. There’s the Wild Atlantic Way driving route, on the West Coast of Ireland, which is the most captivating road trip you will ever encounter, with blue flag beaches, harbours and beautiful towns and villages dotted along its route. It’s the ideal destination for water-sport fans. Ireland’s Ancient East is a sign-posted pathway leading you to a wealth of Ireland’s heritage and cultural trails that includes castles, abbeys, prehistoric attractions, lighthouses, a famine ship and even a jail!

St Patrick’s Day

St Patrick’s Day occurs on March 17th and celebrations take place throughout Ireland. Wherever you choose to stay in Ireland, there will be a parade, entertainment and a carnival atmosphere that is family-friendly and lots of fun. From Donegal to Waterford, Galway to Dublin, the craic will be mighty and create holiday memories that will stay with you forever.

Farmstay Bed and Breakfasts

Farmstay holidays are really special in Springtime. It’s the season for new life and there’s lots of activity with lambs, calves, mares and kids making an appearance. You get to stay with an Irish family and experience the day to day activities that occur on a working farm in a fast and monitored environment. You can take a tour of the farm, help feed the animals, watch the milking process, or if you prefer, just sit back and re-charge your batteries and enjoy home-cooked food in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.

Come visit Ireland in the Spring – you won’t regret it!

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Tags: holiday in an Irish Farmhouse, Irish Spring breaks, Spring breaks in Ireland

Everyone will love a farmstay B&B holiday!

December 16, 2015

A farmstay B&B holiday is the perfect holiday for everyone, whether you are a couple, a group of friends or a family who wants to experience the great Irish outdoors and all it has to offer.

Get back to nature!

An Irish farmhouse holiday is the perfect way to get up close and personal with nature itself. Farmstay bed and breakfasts are situated on working farms where you can get involved with the day to day workings, under the supervision of the farming host. You can watch the milking process, feed the hens, collect the eggs or see for yourself how the farmer’s sheepdog does a marvellous job of rounding up the sheep from the various fields that surrounds the farm. There’s a petting area where you can meet and pet the farm animals and depending on the time of year, be there to welcome a new arrival.

Lots to learn

As well as being a fun holiday with lots to see and do, it can also be educational for children. They can learn where the food that they eat comes from and the process that’s involved in getting the produce grown, sold and into the shops. Farmstay hosts are also fantastic cooks and like to use the produce that they grow as much as possible in their cooking and baking. You can enjoy a cooking demonstration, if requested, and see how your host prepares the bread and home-baked treats for the day ahead. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to see the jam making process.

Scenic countryside locations

An important part of the farmstay holiday experience is the beautiful countryside and scenic locations that the farmhouses are located in. Take a guided tour of the farm and its land and enjoy the many leisurely walking trails close to your B&B. Your bed and breakfast will offer a home from home experience with comfortable bedrooms, an inviting sitting-room and of course, delicious home-cooking. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday and to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, then you will love a farmstay B&B holiday!

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Tags: Farmhouse home-baking, Farmstay B&B Holidays, Farmstay vacations, holiday in an Irish Farmhouse, Irish Farmhouse holidays

Perfect Pancake Recipe

November 26, 2015

It goes with out saying that Irish Farmhouse B&Bs in Ireland are renowned for their tasty Traditional Irish breakfasts. But B&B hosts like to offer their guests a varied breakfast menu, so usually pancakes will be on the menu selection as well. Here is an easy, but delicious recipe for pancakes that you can try out for yourself at home.

Ingredients

100g plain flour
Pinch of salt
1 egg
300 ml milk
1 tablspoon of melted butter or sunflower oil

Method

1. Sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl and make a hole in the centre.
2. Break the egg into the hole and add the melted butter or oil and half the milk.
3. Gradually mix the flour into the liquid by stirring all the time with a wooden spoon until all the flour has been incorporated. Then beat well to make a smooth batter.
4. Stir in the remaining milk or instead you can beat all the ingredients together for 1 minute in a blender or food processor.
5. Leave to stand for about 30 minutes, stir again before using.
6. To make the pancakes, heat your frying pan until it’s very hot and then turn the heat down to medium.
7. Lightly grease with oil and then ladle in enough batter to coat the base of the pan thinly (about 2 tablepoons), tilting the pan so the mixture spreads evenly.
8. Cook over a moderate heat for 1-2 minutes or until the batter looks dry on the top and begins to brown at the edges.
9. Flip the pancake over and cook the second side.

Serve with some butter, caster or icing sugar, lemon juice and/or fresh fruit. Quick, easy and so delicious!

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Pancake image: Applecroft B&B

Tags: book a B&B stay in Ireland with Irish Farm holidays, Irish breakfast recipes, Irish Farm Holiday recipes, Irish Farmhouse recipes, Perfect Pancake Recipes

Ireland’s Natural Beauty

November 4, 2015

Ireland’s Natural Beauty

The first thing that you will notice when you arrive in Ireland is its stunning natural beauty. The Irish countryside really does offer forty shades of green and an abundance of exceptional landscapes. Having recently returned from a trip abroad, the first thing that hit me was the beautiful lush green fields that surrounded me as I travelled down the road and I realised how much I had missed Ireland’s natural beauty.

Beautiful Places

The one thing that we take for granted living in Ireland is its jaw-dropping beauty. It is home to natural phenomenon that you just won’t see anywhere else in the world! Locations throughout Ireland such as the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, The Burren in County Clare, Sliabh Liag Cliffs in County Donegal, The Copper Coast in County Waterford, the Wicklow Mountains National Park, and the Beara Peninsula in County Cork will astound you and as far as these magnificent places go, the list is endless. The Wild Atlantic Way on the West Coast of Ireland is the longest defined driving route in the world. It spans nine counties and is truly breath-taking with so much to see and do.

The Great Outdoors!

In Ireland, you are spoilt for choice, from beautiful landscapes that are perfect for outdoor adventures such as walking, cycling, golf and horse-riding, to a coastline made for surfing, sailing, fishing and more. There are mountains to climb and parklands and woodlands to explore, all offering something that little bit special. Ireland has no less than six National Parks including, Killarney National Park known as the “Jewel in Kerry’s Crown”. This park alone is famed for its beauty and is home to Macgillycuddy Reeks (Ireland’s highest mountain range), Ross Castle, Muckross Waterfall and the Lakes of Killarney.

Accommodation

Farmhouse bed and breakfasts are located across Ireland and offer modern and comfortable accommodation, yet retain the old traditions that make them so unique. You have the option of taking part in farming activities or to just sit back and enjoy the tranquillity and peace of your beautiful surroundings. They are the perfect base for exploring Ireland’s undeniable natural beauty.

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Tags: B&B accommodation, Beautiful Places, bed and breakfast homes in Ireland, Ireland's Natural Beauty, Ireland's top attractions, the great outdoors, Wild Atlantic Way

B&B Hosts

October 8, 2015

From their idyllic locations to their excellent facilities, there are so many reasons for choosing to stay in an Irish Farmhouse bed and breakfast during your stay in Ireland. However, it is without doubt that the B&B hosts are what make your vacation that extra bit special. They go above and beyond to ensure that their guests have the best experience possible!

Warm Welcome

From the moment you arrive at your chosen B&B, your hosts are on hand to welcome you into their home. They treat their guests as if they are a member of their own family, making sure that you are comfortable and settled at all times. On arrival, you are greeted with tea/coffee and delicious home-baking. Its little gestures like these that can make a big difference to the enjoyment of your holiday!

Home-baking

As well as their warmth and friendliness, B&B hosts are excellent cooks and bakers! When staying in one of our homes, you can look forward to a mouth-watering full Irish breakfast after a comfortable night’s sleep. Hosts are more than happy to cater for any dietary requirements and will ensure that you are completely looked after for your entire stay. Their fresh home-baking is also a real treat, such as delicious scones with jam and cream!

Hints and Tips

Your B&B hosts can lend a hand when planning your itineraries, as they will have a wealth of local knowledge. From the best sights to see, to the tastiest places to dine, they have all the hints and tips you need to ensure you don’t miss out. Hosts are also a great help when organising activities, as they can provide you with any necessary contacts or information.

Authentic Irish Experience

Overall, the B&B host is a very important factor in an authentic Irish holiday experience. From giving you an insight into their traditions and culture, to helping you get to grips with the locality, they make your stay an unforgettable one. When you choose to stay in an Irish bed and breakfast, you arrive as a stranger, but leave as a friend.

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Tags: B&B hosts in Ireland, bed and breakfast homes in Ireland, bed and breakfast hosts, Irish Farmhouse B&B hosts

Book a stay in an Irish Farmhoue B&B near to the Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare

Top 5 Attractions to Visit in Ireland

August 19, 2015

Ireland is a beautiful and unique island that lends itself to the perfect holidays for getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is so much to see and do when on holiday in the Emerald Isle, from its famous landmarks to its hidden gems. Here are my top 5 attractions to visit in Ireland, to ensure you’re not missing out:

The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare

Arguably one of the most well-known attractions in Ireland, you cannot miss the opportunity to check its magical natural beauty out. Stretching for 8km along the Wild Atlantic Way, and standing 214m at their highest point, these cliffs truly are a sight to behold. Looking out at the breath-taking views, with the waves crashing down below you and the wind whipping in your hair, the Cliffs of Moher give you a unique experience that you will never forget.

Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim

The origins of the Giant’s Causeway have dumbfounded people for hundreds of years as it is one of the most unusual and stunning unspoilt landscapes around. It is a World Heritage Site and is something you have to experience on a vacation to Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway is a series of over 40,000 basalt columns leading in to the sea, which is guaranteed to astound and amaze you.

Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most famous and iconic historical and medieval sites. It is also known as St. Patrick’s Rock and attracts visitors from all across the globe. According to the fascinating mythology that surrounds it, the Rock was originally found in the Devil’s Bit Mountain but landed in Cashel as a result of St. Patrick banishing Satan from a cave! It is both historically important, but also stunning to admire.

Brú na Boinne, Co Meath

Part of the ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ experience, Brú na Boinne is a ‘World Hertiage Site’ that contains one of the world’s most important prehistoric landscapes. It is home to three large passage tombs, Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth. These tombs were built over 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic or Late Stone age. The area is an important archaeological site with no less than ninety monuments having been recorded.

Cork City Gaol, Co. Cork

Cork City Gaol is an experience like no other! The former prison in Cork City is open to visitors and will transport you back in time, giving you a true insight into the harshness of the 19^th Century Irish penal system. A guided tour inside the impressive prison walls is available, exhibiting life-like figures of prisoners and guards, furnished cells and even sound effects to make it all that much more realistic!

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Tags: Brú na Boinne, Cliffs of Moher, Cork City Gaol, Giant's Causeway, Must-see places to visit, Rock of Cashel, Top 5 Attractions in Ireland

5 Reasons to Holiday in Ireland

July 20, 2015

Ireland is such a beautiful and charming country, with so much to offer to all its visitors. From the Wild Atlantic Way across to Ireland’s Ancient East, there is so much to be explored and the best way to do this is by having a Farmhouse B&B as your base! Here are my top 5 reasons to vacation in Ireland this year:

The People

Anybody who has ever been to Ireland will agree with me when I say that the Irish people are what make this country so special. Irish locals are always friendly, warm and helpful to visitors, and love extending their famous ‘céad míle fáilte’ to all! Wherever you choose to stay in Ireland, the conversation will be flowing and the craic will be mighty!

The Beauty

It is an undeniable fact that Ireland is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world. With stunning scenery, breath-taking coastlines and unspoilt landscapes, this little island has it all. From Malin Head at the very top of the country, to Mizen Head at the very bottom, and everywhere in between, there are so many fantastic sights to be seen where great memories can be made.

The Charm

It is the age-old cliché associated with Ireland but the Irish charm is something that cannot be forgotten! From quaint little villages to lively cities, Ireland has a special charm about it that you can’t help but fall in love with. It is unique to the Emerald Isle and while visiting, you will feel as if you are part of something truly extraordinary.

The Attractions

For a country so small, Ireland fairly packs in an exciting range of attractions to visit. No matter where your interests lie, there is something for everyone to appreciate. From fascinating historical and cultural sites, to famous landmarks and places of natural beauty, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding your holiday itinerary!

The Activities

Ireland’s unspoilt landscapes and remarkable rivers, lakes and seas, make it the ideal location for outdoor activities. From hiking and cycling, to horse-riding and golfing, all hobbies are catered for. Water-sports are also a speciality, with great facilities for angling, surfing, kayaking and so much more. Ireland is a haven for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts!

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Tags: holidays to Irelanr, Irish Farmhouse holidays, Things to do and see, Vacations to Ireland

Carrot Cake Recipe

June 10, 2015

Nobody goes hungry in an Irish Farmhouse bed and breakfast! It’s a lovely start to any holiday to be met with fresh home-made treats on arrival at your chosen Farmhouse B&B. This carrot cake recipe was kindly given to me by one of our Farmhouse B&B homes that’s located along the Wild Atlantic Way. Why not try to make it at home? I think you’ll agree that it’s delicious…

Ingredients

butter for greasing
115g/4 oz self-raising flour
pinch of salt
1 tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg
175g/6 oz soft brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
5tbsp sunflower oil
175g/6 oz grated carrots
1 banana, chopped
25g/1 oz chopped toasted mixed nuts

Frosting

3 tbsp butter, softened
3tbsp cream cheese
175g/6 oz icing sugar, sifted
1 tsp orange juice
grated rind ½ orange
walnut halves or pieces, to decorate

Method

1. Grease an 18-cm/7-inch square cake tin with butter and line with baking parchment. Sift the flour, salt, allspice and nutmeg into a bowl. Stir in the brown sugar, then stir in the eggs and oil. Add the carrots, banana and chopped mixed nuts and mix together well.
2. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin and level the surface. Transfer to a preheated oven, 190˚C/375˚F, and bake for 55 minutes or until golden and just firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool. When cool enough to handle, turn out on to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. To make the frosting, put the butter, cream cheese, icing sugar, orange juice and orange rind into a bowl and beat together until creamy. Spread the frosting over the top of the cold cake, then use a fork to make shallow wavy lines in the frosting. Scatter over the walnuts, cut the cake into bars and serve.

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Tags: bed and breakfast homes in Ireland, Farmhouse recipes, Farmstay B&Bs, Irish Farmhouse holidays

Glasha Farmhouse Ballymacarbry, Waterford

Irish Farmhouse Holidays Guest Reviews

April 29, 2015

Before you book your Farmhouse holiday B&B accommodation it helps to read reviews from fellow travellers who have actually experienced a farm-stay break in Ireland. Below is a selection of guest reviews in relation to B&B Ireland’s Farm-stay bed and breakfasts.

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Farmhouse: Cahergal House and Equestrian Center
Location: Shannon, Co Clare

Review: Staying at Cahergal house was one of the highlights of our trip. Noreen and Michael are excellent hosts. The property is lovely and the hospitality wonderful. Our 9 and 18 year old children both enjoyed the farm and the wonderfully friendly dogs. The home made scones, fresh fruit and farm eggs were lovingly prepared. The walk through the farm and the Irish history lesson were an added bonus.
Guest Name: Jody Lowe
Star Rating Awarded:

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Farmhouse: Ardfield Farmhouse
Location: Cork City

Review: We stayed at a few nice places on our trip around Ireland but this one was at the top of the leader-board. After a very warm welcome we first enjoyed a nice relaxed dinner in a pub nearby, then admired the horses, played with the dogs and then relaxed in the living room with a great cup of tea from one of the biggest tea pots that I have ever seen Bernadette made us feel completely at home and we enjoyed every minute of our stay. If I could give more stars, I would … the five should have a golden shine to it.
Guest Name: Werner
Star Rating Awarded:

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Farmhouse: Murphy’s Farmhouse
Location: Castlemaine, Co Kerry

Review: Quaint, cozy, charming… these are the words that come to mind with regards to our stay at the Farmhouse. The house is immaculate and perfectly kept, the property is spacious, off the beaten path and quiet; yet very easy to find. The breakfast was just perfect. Could not have been any better – thank you for a lovely stay.
Guest Name: Jeff & Kristin Eldridge
Star Rating Awarded:

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Farmhouse: Cherryville House
Location: Kildare

Review: Un très bon accueil, chambre spacieuse et confortable, le petit déjeuner est excellent. Tout près de Kildare où il y a pubs et musique pour la soirée.
Guest Name: Fred Leblanc
Star Rating Awarded:

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Farmhouse: Ross House
Location: Riverstown, Co Sligo

Review: Oriel and Nick were fabulous hosts. Very accommodating, warm, charming, and chatty. From the moment we arrived until we left we felt like extended family members. Their place is definitely in the middle of nowhere, making it a bit tricky for us to find at first, but we really enjoyed walking the long farm road in either direction looking at nothing but rolling hills, farms, and ruins of old stone buildings. The evening chat in the parlor with Nick and the other guests was so engrossing before we knew it it was after midnight!
Guest Name: Richard Higgins
Star Rating Awarded:

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Farmhouse: Glasha
Location: Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford

Reviews: This was our fourth B and B in Ireland and, by far, the best! What a beautiful place! The gardens are lovely with many statues, a water feature, and lots of flowers. The large patio makes it a wonderful place to sit and relax. The rooms are exceptional and decorated quite nicely. The house itself features beautiful decor and Olive is the BEST hostess ever!! She was so accommodating. We arrived late one evening and she was so willing to fix dinner for the weary travelers. It was much appreciated. The experience we had at Glasha was one that will always keep the memory of our trip to Ireland alive. Olive is an A+ hostess with a beautiful B and B.
Guest Name: Max and Vicki Stites
Star Rating Awarded:

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Our Farm-stay B&Bs are located throughout Ireland

Tags: Farmhouse B&B Guest Reviews, Farmstay B&Bs, Farmstay Guest Reviews, Irish B&B Hosts, Irish Farmhouse holidays

Irish Farmhouse Brown Bread Recipe

April 9, 2015

Irish Farmhouse B&Bs include home-cooking and baking as part of the farm-stay experience for their guests. Traditional Irish brown bread is delicious and bed and breakfasts in Ireland tend to serve it with breakfast in the mornings or complementary along with tea/coffee on arrival. Real butter and home-made jam on a slice of Irish brown bread is a tasty treat that everyone should try!

This is a great brown bread recipe that you could try yourself at home.

Ingredients

12 ozs extra coarse brown wheaten meal
8 ozs plain strong white flour
3 handfuls of bran
2 handfuls of wheat germ
1 tsp baking powder
11/4 – 11/2 pints of fresh milk
1 dessertspoon treacle
1 dessertspoon oil
1 level teaspoon salt

Method

Preheat oven to 240C/475F.
Prepare 2 x 2lb loaf tins greased.
In a large bowl combine all the dry ingredients.
Add treacle and oil to lesser amount of milk and stir into dry mix.
The mixture at this stage should be soft and moist. If too dry add some more milk, but do not make it too wet.
Spoon mixture into the prepared tins and smooth tops, making a slight hollow along the centre of each.
Sprinkle with bran or sesame seeds.
Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to 150C/300F and continue to bake for a further 30 minutes.
Remove bread from oven and turn loaves out onto a wire rack to cool.

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Tags: bed and breakfast homes in Ireland, Farmhouse home-cooking, Farmhouse recipes, Vacations to Ireland