Chris & Ave Tie the Knot!!: 2011

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Things to do in the area

Golf

Within a 30 mile radius of Ballybeg you'll find some of Ireland's finest golf courses in magnificent settings. Special weekends and a round of golf can be arranged for guests staying at Ballybeg. List of nearby golf clubs.

Walking

Ireland's oldest long distance walking route, the Wicklow Way, skirts around the grounds of Ballybeg. Ballybeg Hill and the surrounding countryside just begs to be explored. There are a number of interesting ringforts and raths scattered around
the area.

Horseriding

Macreddin Equestrian Centre

Macreddin village, Aughrim, Contact: +353(0)402 36444.
http://www.brooklodge.com/activities/equestrian.asp
Macreddin stables offer delightful trekking and cross country rides through Macreddin woods an unspoilt
Wicklow country side, surrounding the village.

Bloomfield Riding School

Tinahely, Contact: +353 (0)402 38117.

Gardens

County Wicklow is also famous for it's beautiful gardens, many of which are close to Ballybeg.

Pubs

The Dying Cow

For a totally unique experience make sure you visit The Dying Cow. This authentic 18th century ale house is entombed in a time capsule and the word "session" takes on a different meaning here. It's famous for its Irish traditional sessions
and impromptu soirees.

Seavers

This cosy local pub in the middle of Tinahely is open 7 nights a week. Seavers is an authentic Irish Pub where time stood still. The pints are good and the craic is mighty!

Dining

The Strawberry Tree

Brooklodge, Macreddin village, Aughrim, Co Wicklow.
Contact: +353 (0)402 36444.
Website: http://www.brooklodge.com/
The Strawberry Tree is Ireland's only certificated organic restaurant, serving only wild and organic foods sourced from local artisan food supplies. This innovative cuisine is matched by dramatic surroundings.

Bates Restaurant

Rathdrum, Contact: +353 (0)404 29988.
A visit to Bates Restaurant is an absolute gourmet experience. You will taste delicious French style dinners and of course an extensive wine list is available. Bates is a buzzing restaurant, booking in advance is recommended.
Website: http://www.batesrestaurant.ie/index.php

Sunday, January 30, 2011

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Driving directions from Dublin airport
The journey time from Dublin airport is around two hours. From the airport, take the M1 (signposted Dublin). Leave the M1 at junction 3, then at the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto the M50 (signposted M50 Southbound). Continue onto the M11 and then the N11.

After about 30 miles, take the exit for Rathnew, Rathdrum and Arklow (R772) and enter Rathnew. Follow the signs for Rathdrum (passing through Glenealy). Stay on the R772 and follow the road to Aughrim .

A mile out of Rathdrum, take a right turn signposted for Aughrim. Follow the road through Ballinaclash as it bends sharply to the left after the bridge. In Aughrim turn left at The Market Square House and take the road for Tinahely, R747.

After 4 miles, you'll come to a Campus petrol station . Take a right turn here and follow the road. At the T-junction, turn left. About half a mile up this road you will come to a stone wall on your right, at the end of this wall, on the bend of the hill take a sharp turn right, this is the entrance to Ballybeg House.

ACCOMMODATION

Because there is very limited accommodation at the venue itself, which our two families are occupying, below is a list of accommodation available in and around the area.

I have been able to block book some of these, so when you call, just say it's for our wedding at Ballybeg and they should have rooms available for you.

HOTELS:

The Brooklodge Hotel, Macreddin, Aughrim, Co Wicklow.
Website: www.brooklodge.com
Phone: +353 402 26444

The Woodenbridge Hotel, Woodenbridge, Arklow, Co.Wicklow<
Website: www.woodenbridgehotel.com
Phone: +353 402 35146

The Meath Arms, Aughrim, Co.Wicklow.
Phone: Gerry or Paul on: +353 402 36460 or +353 87 293 5987

Located in the middle of one of Ireland's tidiest villages, Aughrim is also known as the granite village. Owned and managed by the Phelan family, this exceptional, cozy, friendly and licensed premises is the essence of both comfort and charm, a truly lovely place to stay, and only 3-4 miles from Ballybeg.

BED AND BREAKFAST

Mrs. Bridget Malone, Rosbene, Tinahely, Arklow, Co.Wicklow.
Phone: 0402 38100

A traditional farmhouse in a rural setting.
Ten minutes walk from Ballybeg House.
Bridie's homecooking is legendary.
Personable and welcoming.

Madelines, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow.
Phone: +353 402 38166

Madge Kenny, Sunindale, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow.
Phone: +353 (0)402 38170
Email: sunindale-house@eircom.net
8 ensuite rooms.
Past winner of tourism award.
Five minutes walk from Tinahely.
Lovely setting.
Good food and great welcome assured.

Butler Byrne, Rednagh Hill, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow.
Phone: +353 (0)402 36644
A quality B&B recently built to the highest standards.
All rooms ensuite.
A Horsey/Cheltenham theme throughout.
4-5 miles from Ballybeg House.

Kyle Farmhouse B&B
Phone: Hugh & Margret Coogan: +353 (0)59 647 1341
Website: www.kylefarm.com
4 miles from Ballybeg house.

Roseville B&B, Tinahely
Phone: Sheila: +353 (0)402 289 69 or +353 (0)87 626 6373
Website: www.rosevillebandb.com
Four very comfortable double bedrooms.
Very personal.
New & charming.

Noel & Helen McDonald, Ashfield, Tinahely.
Phone: +353 (0)402 38146
8 ensuite rooms.
Opposite Madge Kenny's (see above)
Absolutely stunning setting on the Wicklow Way.
Ashfield B&B, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow.
Phone: +353 402 38146
Email: mcdonnellhelen@eircom.net

Patricia Porter, Kyrina, Tinnakilly, Aughrim, Co.Wicklow.
Phone: +353 402 36164
Modern bungalow with spacious garden.
In peaceful, scenic location with panoramic views of surrounding hills.
5/6 miles from Ballybeg.
Very popular with visitors to the area.

SELF CATERING

Fairwood House, Gorteen, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
Phone: 087-2334939

A beautifully restored Georgian house, set on 2 acres in a stunning setting, with panoramic views over the village of Coolboy and Coolattin estate. Built in 1842, there is significant history attached to a house that was once the residence of the Coolattin Estate farm manager. A place to relax, unwind and enjoy what Wicklow has to offer. Local amenities include, The Little Moon pub, The Dying Cow, Horseriding club, Coolattin Golf Club, walks in Tomnafinnoge wood and the Wicklow Way - all very close by. Self catering accommodation with 3 double bedrooms.
3.5 miles from Ballybeg House.

The Thatch Cottage, Tinahely, Co Wicklow.
Phone: +353(0)1 2964860.
Sleeps 6, 750euro/£516 per week (£73.70 per night).

Sleepwalk House and Cottages, Avoca, Ballykissangel, Co Wiclow .
Phone: Regina McCabe on +353(0)402 35189.
Sleepwalk House (1727). an elegant, historic Georgian house, is set on a hill in three and a half acres of paddocks and gardens. It overlooks Arklow Bay and is within two miles of Avoca village. It is a 30 minute drive from Ballybeg.

Mount House Cottages, Tinahely, Co Wicklow.
Phone: Adrienne McNally on +353(0)402 28980/086-8158331.

Toberpatrick Cottages

Toberpatrick Cottages are situated in a beautiful stone built courtyard oozing with 'old world charm', set on a quiet country road in a tranquil rural setting as part of a working farm with fine views of rolling hills and distant valleys.

Approx 4miles from Ballybeb House.

Bluebell Cottage: 2 bedrooms, sleeps 5, 1 shower room

Buttercup Cottage: 2 bedrooms, sleeps 4-5, 1 shower room

Daisy Cottage: 1 bedroom, sleeps 2-3, 1 shower room

On arrival at Toberpatrick Cottage you can immediately have the feeling of stepping back in time as you are greeted by the many little friendly dogs, donkeys and horses. For further information, please visit our website, www.toberpatrickcottages.com