A solo retreat at the perfect countryside oasis
The Mustard Seed, nestled above the village of Ballingarry in the vales of rural Co Limerick
This week, I took a spin to one of the most charming country houses in Munster, The Mustard Seed, nestled above the village of Ballingarry in the vales of rural Co Limerick.
I’d been invited to the property’s celebratory soirée of the annual Pigtown Festival, Limerick’s cultural and food series which is inspired by the region’s pork production heritage.
However, even for non-bacon chowers like myself, head chef Angel Pirev’s menu offered delicious options, not least my main of fresh turbot with lobster confit from Cusack’s fishmongers in Limerick via the Atlantic.
However, what struck me, on this, now my second visit to the property, was the discreet yet considered touches with which The Mustard Seed treats its solo travellers. So often when dining alone, I can feel quite conspicuous, particularly in formal settings.
I recall one recent experience at a five-star property where I was seated face-on before a couple enjoying a romantic meal, not knowing whether I was supposed to star rate my meal or their relationship.
However, when dining at The Mustard Seed, I was offered my choice of table from those available in the dining room (a nice touch) and was then provided with a collection of books to browse while awaiting my meal.
“Well, we’ve no shortage of books,” owner John Edward Joyce would later tell me. “And I always think it’s often nice for solo diners to have something to read rather than looking at their phone or feeling like they have to look at their phone. We like to make our guests feel as comfortable as possible.”
Up until the 1970s, The Mustard Seed was a convent of the Sisters of Mercy and while nowadays the only religious effigies you’re likely to see around the property are sleeping Buddhas, the property still manages to retain the energy of a calming, soulful retreat.
I enjoyed a wander through the property’s gardens and orchards (their bounty provides much fresh produce for Pirev’s menus), there’s a terrace and courtyard to lounge upon on finer days, while the Georgian property itself has so many inviting spots within its log-fired lounges and library to while away a stay.
“I think what makes the property so special is that we have plenty of nooks and crannies to relax in and enjoy some solitude while also offering the kind of atmosphere… we’re not very stuffy… where you can strike up a chat with fellow guests,” Joyce elaborates.
“So we tend to get a lot of solo travellers who either enjoy relaxing here or even with their dog — The Mustard Seed is dog friendly — while also being able to explore nearby attractions like our local mountain Knockfierna which I hike every day, Lough Gurr with its stone circle which is older than Stonehenge and Newgrange, or the new International Rugby Experience in Limerick, just 30km away.”
The perfect countryside oasis indeed.
The Mustard Seed offers single occupancy stays from €175 per night.
Thom was a guest of the property; mustardseed.ie
Winter ferry to France
Who’s taking the horse to France… this winter? Brittany Ferries has just announced its 2024 sailing schedules from Ireland to France allowing travellers to book trips direct to Brittany and Normandy up until November 2024.
There’s good news for Cork too. In a first, the Ringaskiddy-to-Roscoff service will operate every weekend this November and December, and following a vessel refit in January, it will make its earliest-ever return next February.
From Rosslare, the Cherbourg service will continue year-round while the popular new Rosslare to Bilbao service will hibernate from November and return next March.
For a mid-term outing in the capital for GAA lovers, Croke Park’s Hurloween tours are set to return this year and are currently taking bookings for its October 28-November 1 run.
The seasonal take on the GAA’s Hall of Fame experience invites guests to swap ghouls for goals while exploring the history of Ireland’s most ancient Celtic games.
The tour is suitable for children aged five to 12 while younger visitors can also enjoy a Teidí tour where they can make their very own sports bear at the GAA Museum, followed by a guided tour of Croke Park stadium.
A “furry” good time indeed. Family tickets to Hurloween for two adults and two children costs €50.
url=https://crokepark.ie/halloween]crokepark.ie/halloween[/url]
Following over 20 years as one of the capital’s best known five-star properties The Westin is set to rename this October becoming The College Green Hotel Dublin, Autograph Hotel.
The rebrand follows a refurb of the property over the past two years which saw expansion of the hotel’s lobby, its striking Atrium Lounge and its new Library Lounge.
The hotel also features 19 new beautifully appointed bedrooms overlooking Trinity College and College Green while its super-premium two-storey College Suite has received a lavish makeover too.
Look out for our detailed review coming soon! Autumn/winter B&B rates at the hotel start from €405.
Limerick’s excellent Hunt Museum has just launched its latest exhibition which aims to inspire climate change through its immersive installations.
The ‘Nights Candles Are Burnt Out’ exhibition aims to highlight how Ireland’s pioneering history of positive change can pave the way for its future as a leader for sustainable solutions.
Installations draw inspiration from the likes of the development of the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme in Ardnacrusha in 1929. It runs until February 2024. Adult admission €12.50, children go free.
