Michael O’Sullivan and Laura O'Mahony took on this Regency townhouse as a renovation project in 2000; since then, they have given it enormous amounts of TLC and their efforts have paid off, as it has gradually been returned to its former glory.
A listed building, with notable historical and literary connections, stately reception rooms and huge bedrooms, its principal rooms are among the largest from this period outside Dublin, and have beautiful restored plasterwork.
Yet it is a relaxed family home and place of work (Michael and Laura both have offices in restored outbuildings), and this hospitable couple have clearly thrived on the challenge of restoration.
Accommodation is wonderful, in vast rooms with huge antique furniture, crisp linen on comfortable beds, little extras (bowls of fruit, bottled water, tea/coffee/hot chocolate making facilities), and bathrooms to match - bath and separate shower, and big, soft towels.
All modern partitions have been removed to restore the original scale, and 19th century furniture is used throughout, with 18th and 19th century prints, modern paintings and occasional quirky finds.
Supper is available by arrangement - book by noon.
Anyone interested in architecture and/or history is in for a treat when staying here and Doneraile is well-placed for exploring a wide area - Cork, Cashel, Lismore and Killarney are all within an hour’s drive.
Garden lovers will be fascinated by the 2-acre walled garden behind Creagh House (“black topsoil four feet deep!”), and the house is beside Doneraile Court, which has 600 acres of estate parkland, free to the public.
