Ballinkeele House

was built by the Maher family in 1840 shortly after they moved to County Wexford from County Tipperary. Their architect, Daniel Robertson, undertook a number of important commissions in the area but this is his only surviving classical house.

Ballinkeele House is set in 350 acres of game-filled parkland just east of the town of Enniscorthy, and about twenty minutes by car from Wexford town. It is a fine classical building, with a full height porte cochère and a superb and largely unaltered interior. The walls are covered with family portraits and prints, and much of the furniture was originally made for the house. While large and imposing, the main rooms are also warm and inviting and the bedrooms offer a lovely combination of space, comfort and character, with everything beautifully cared for and maintained. As a member of Euro-Toques, Margaret uses fresh local ingredients, including produce from the family farm and garden, to great effect.

Outside, there are fine stands of mature trees, a two acre lake (where guests may fish for pike and perch) and several ponds, and the estate boasts a fine driven pheasant shoot.

Guests can do exactly as they wish. Play a relaxing game of croquet on the lawn. Borrow a pair of wellies for a brisk walk around the farm, or a bicycle to explore all the small roads and lanes in the locality. Local attractions include the long sandy beach at nearby Curracloe, numerous golf courses, salmon fishing on the River Slaney and wonderful sea fishing, several riding establishments and the world famous bird sanctuaries at the North Slob and the Great Saltee Island, just off Kilmore Quay, both important staging posts for migratory birds. And, for music buffs, the internationally famous Wexford Opera Festival is held in the nearby town each October.

Ballinkeele House provides authentic historic country house accommodation with great style and comfort, and is an ideal base for touring County Wexford and Ireland's South East.


Directions:
From Wexford take the N 11 north to Oilgate & turn right at signpost for Ballinkeele.

From Enniscorthy, take the N 11 south to Oilgate & turn left at signpost for Ballinkeele.