Roundwood has a long and colourful history (which you can read about on the History page of our website) but I'll just give you a brief overview of mine and Paddy's part in the story and how we came to run a 300 year old Georgian House in the midlands of Ireland. I had just finished my Classics MA and Paddy was working as a full-time musician when my parents said they were ready to retire and hand the reigns of Roundwood on to the next generation. Since all other 5 siblings of mine baulked at the idea we decided we'd give it a go. With no experience in the running of a country house & restaurant we had to learn on the job. So learn we did and here we are 15 years later with our 2 beautiful daughters, having survived a recession & a pandemic and business is good. Paddy was able to transfer his artistic skills from music to food and is now just as passionate about cooking as he is about music. My father, free from the daily running of the business, turned his attention to his great passion, books, and built his incredible library in the old Coach House. My mother makes jams and chutneys and I do everything else! We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful home. Hannah & Paddy

Roundwood House in County Laois is one of Ireland’s finest mid-size houses of the Georgian period. It was once described by Desmond Guinness, co-founder of the Irish Georgian Society, as having a “marvellous doll’s house-like quality”. A rambling avenue leads you through a welcoming committee of animals and into a bright, spacious hall. There is a drawing room, study and dining room, where the combination of log fires, antique furniture and absence of televisions may actually make you believe you’ve been transported back to the 18th century. Situated the old Coach House is Hannah’s father Frank’s Library of Civilisation, a library that in his words “is intended to follow the path of civilisation and to celebrate those individuals who successfully climbed onto the shoulders of millions to give us something new and beautiful; a poem, a philosophy, a scientific theory, a painting, a symphony, a new kind of politics or technology." The library contains about two thousand volumes. If you decide to venture out into the surrounding countryside there is no shortage of things to see and do. The Slieve Bloom are a delight for hikers and cyclists of all abilities. Horse-riding, fishing and golfing are also available locally. Meanwhile, foraging, yoga and guided mountain walks can be arranged upon request.

Roundwood offers... • The opportunity to experience life in an 18th century Georgian Country House • 10 bedrooms with comfortable beds, antique furniture & wonderful views • A large comfortable Drawing Room with an open fire • A wonderful library in the converted Coach House, home to a collection of 2000+ books • Excellent food sourced locally & an extensive wine list • 18 acres of pasture, woodland and gardens to explore, with numerous interesting old outbuildings