Glenbeg, a historic castle which has been sensitively restored, preserving its historic past, whilst catering to the needs and comforts of modern living.
Glenbeg Estate is the maternal home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who visited during his life time and wrote some of his early work while visiting with his family here.
You and your party will have exclusive use of the property during your stay.
The house stretches over 7000 sq feet; the ground floor has a large entrance hall, dining room, living room and WC. To the back is a gourmet kitchen with a large open fire, a utility room with a US washer and dryer. There are two tower rooms, one devoted to Dining Room service and the other a Children’s Gaming Room stocked with an extensive selection of games and movies. The Living room has a large screen Smart TV with Sky Movies and Wifi.
If there is a necessity to work, there is a private office with PC and Printer with Sofa bed.
Upstairs there are 6 spacious bedrooms. There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms on the second floor. There are two further bedrooms with shared bathroom facilities on the third floor. Each bedroom has its own character permitting guests some personal space to relax. The bathrooms all have modern fixtures.
On the ground floor the Office has a Sofa Bed which can be used as a further Bedroom with adjacent 1/2 Bath.
Glenbeg is located at the Nexus Point of the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, allowing travelers to explore both famous routes while staying at Glenbeg.
The beaches of Clonea and Ardmore are also a short 30 minute drive. We supply Sand Buckets, Coolers, Fishing Nets, Chairs and Sun Umbrellas.
( See Things to Do below)
Glenbeg is surrounded by extensive lawns and is bordered by ancient woodlands with enormous trees, many hundreds of years old. There are patio areas to the front and side of the house.
The BIG RED BARN is an events venue plus a gathering space for families when the weather does not cooperate for full outdoor entertainment. THE BARN is equipped with its own AV System plus Projector and Large Screen for family Movie Night. There is a large Fireplace and BBQ plus a comfortable seating area overlooking the Blackwater Valley.
There are two Firepits one close to the house for a more intimate evenings and another 100 meters from the house at the base of some cliffs surrounded by Forest vegetation. creating a wonderfully atmospheric gathering area.
Prior to arrival each party will receive a household manual detailing the various amenities available at Glenbeg including local Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Road Trips, information for tourist sites and activities.
We supply a detailed Tourist Guide to our part of Ireland with Road Trips , sightseeing suggestions Restaurants and Pub Tips prior to arrival.
Things to Do:
Ancient East:
Glenbeg is close to the historic towns of Lismore, Youghal and Dungarvan where the history of Ireland's Ancient East can be discovered.
Perhaps discover your Viking heritage along the route in Waterford and be thrown a 1000 years back in History at the award winning Medieval Museum.
Within an hours drive one can explore the Rock Of Cashel and the town of Cahir with its famous Castle.
A little further on is the ancient walled city of Kilkenny and its historic Castle, St Canices Cathedral and the stunning Black Abbey.
Wild Atlantic Way
Glenbeg is located at the Nexus Point of the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East, permitting those who stay at Glenbeg to explore these two great tourist trails. Kinsale the traditional starting point of the southern portion of the Wild Atlantic Way is an hours drive from Glenbeg:
The entire portion of the Southern Route can be explored on a leisurely drive from Glenbeg. We can make suggestions for secluded Coves, Bars, Restaurants and historic sites along the route to enhance your trip.
Such as a visit to the historic Port of Cobh
(described later) and a Ferry Crossing of Cork Harbour to explore Cork Harbor, Kinsale and West Cork, recreating the emigrant experience of so many generations who chose to travel from their homes in West Cork to Cobh and onward to their future lives in the "Americas".
LIsmore:
Lismore has a thriving artistic and cultural scene. In June the town hosts its annual Opera Festival staging an Opera in the grounds of Lismore Castle.
Lismore Castle is the site of Lismore Castle Arts
www.lismorecastlearts.ie which presents a number of events and exibitions throughout the year is located in the gardens of Lismore Castle, one of Ireland's greatest estates.
Beaches:
Youghal and Dungarvan lie on the Irish south coast a short drive from Glenbeg, both are surrounded by beautiful beaches such as Whiting Bay, Ardmore, Clonea and Youghal. We maintain a collection of beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, portable Bbq's, beach toys, wet suits and nets for rock pool exploration for our guests.
Greenway Biking
Dungarvan boasts Ireland's newest attraction the Greenway, a redevelopment of the old Waterford to Dungarvan Railroad as a Cycle and walking path. Bicycles are available for rent along the Greenway. We also have some bicycles available for our guests.
Waterford City:
The City of Waterford is an hours drive from Glenbeg famous for its Glass Works.
Close to Waterford is the miniature Suir Valley Railway line with its original steam locomotives, a great trip for all family members.
Surrounding Waterford are a number of historic houses and estates that are open to the public to visit.
CORK CITY:
Glenbeg is a short journey to the city of Cork with its world famous food market. Glenbeg is 30 miles from Midleton, home to the Jameson Distillery, a wonderful experience for whiskey drinkers. For the young scientist there is the Cork Observatory which hosts a permanent exhibit devoted to the wonders of the Universe.
The indoor food Market located in the English Market in Cork City is a wonderful stopping off point for excellent produce.
The World famous Blarney Stone is located 15 Minutes from Cork City at Blarney Castle
FOTA HOUSE:
Close by is Fota House with its Wildlife Park and arboretum with rare tree species. Wonderful Safari park for Children.
Cobh and The Titanic
Close to Fota and Cork City is historic Cobh with its links to Ireland's immigrant and nautical history.
In Cobh one can visit the Titanic Experience which recreates the voyage and experience of the famous ship.
Cobh is also the site of the Heritage Center dedicated to Ireland's Immigrant History:
FISHING:
Fishing both on the river Blackwater and at Sea which we are happy to arrange or please see Fishing in Ireland for more.
Antiques
Glenbeg is surrounded by many Antique Dealers and Auction Houses. If one wishes to purchase a special souvenir or piece of jewellery we are happy to recommend dealers to our guests.
COOKING:
Cooking classes at the culinary schools at Ballymaloe and Dungarvan.
HORSE RIDING:
There are many opportunities to horse ride and pony trek for experienced riders and novices which we are happy to arrange for our guests.
Boating and Kayaking
The Blackwater river and surrounding Coastline can be explored by Kayak and Boat trips.
ST. MARY'S ABBEY:
Two miles from Glenbeg lies Ireland's only Cistercian Convent at St. Mary's Abbey, Glencairn for those seeking a tranquil visit. PBS made a special report on the abbey in 2011.
St. Marys is an important link to the spiritual past of the countryside. Lismore was an important site of Christian Pilgrimage during the Celtic and Medieval past. We are happy to arrange visits to sites of worship such as Holy Wells which are located in remote sites of great beauty in the surrounding countryside. These Wells are typically associated with saints and the waters of which are believed to have various curative properties.
BOOLEY HOUSE:
For those interested in Celtic Music and dance, every summer the world famous Booley House is performed weekly in the village of Ballyduff 1 mile away.
FARMERS MARKETS
Glenbeg is surrounded by some of Ireland's most fertile land producing the finest of natural and organic produce. Farmers markets are to be found in every town weekly selling local artisan produce. Great meat, fish, eggs and shellfish are readily sourced. The Farmers Market in Midleton is a must visit on Saturday morning.
GOLF:
Golfing is a short trip away, with many fine championship courses. Most towns including Lismore boast a local course with moderate fees and easy access.
and the previously mentioned Fota Island has an excellent golf course as does the resort at Castlemartyr , 10 Minutes drive from Midleton.
STAYING IN:
Having come along way, why not stay "close to home" for a little while. Glenbeg is secluded and private, surrounded by beautiful woods and pastures. The countryside invites a leisurely stroll on many of the quiet rural roads.
The house has a well stocked library, one can relax with a book and a glass of wine in one of our outdoor spaces or curled up on a couch in front of an open fire reading some Sherlock Holmes in a family home of the author, Conan Doyle.
The Kitchen is well equipped if one wants to explore a culinary experience such as ice cream making, slow cooking using sous-vide or taking a turn with the AGA. We have an extensive cook book collection.
Family Gatherings:
Many of our guests take the opportunity of a stay a Glenbeg to celebrate life events. We are happy to help organize staff for these.