DONARD HOUSE
Co Wicklow

45 minutes south of Dublin, in the rolling foothills of the Wicklow Mountains and facing West towards the horse racing country of Kildare, this elegant Georgian house was built as an agent's house for the Marquis of Waterford in 1830.  Set in its own tree studded rolling parklands, a long avenue winds up through fields and paddocks from the pretty village, that has two pubs, two churches and two shops!  

The Dubliner Magazine describes it as one of the 50 best places to stay in Ireland.   They say " To describe this estate at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains as impressive would be an understatement. To enter Donard House, you drive through enormous gates, past the gatelodge, up the private avenue and through acres of rolling green. Upon arrival, you’re greeted by sheep dogs and quickly begin to feel dwarfed by the mammoth-sized reception rooms, bedrooms and other amenities. But pretentious as it all may sound, Donard’s has a surprisingly laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. The Georgian mansion feels lived-in. Take a deep breath before leaving the city limits, and prepare yourself for peaceful isolation."

The house has been recently restored and has efficient central heating downstairs with large high ceilinged rooms decorated in traditional 18th century colours. A modern kitchen has an oil fired range as well as a gas hob and electric oven. There is a cosy library with satellite television,  radio and c.d. All the reception rooms and some of the bedrooms have open fires. The house is furnished with good "country house" furniture - solid 18th century mahogany tables and comfy Victorian overstuffed sofas.

Upstairs there are 6 bedrooms, 1 twin bedded, 2 singles and 3 double bedded. The rooms are all large and additional beds can be supplied. There are two bathrooms, one with a tub only and the other with a shower over the tub. The bedrooms also have electric heaters. A cook and a cleaner are available at additional cost.
NOT TO SCALE

Directions
From Dublin Airport take the M50 Southbound to the N81 at Tallaght. Head South on the N81 through Blessington. After the signs for Tulfarris look out for the Old Toll House Pub on your left. Turn left here for Donard. In Donard keep left at the fork in the middle of the village and the gates are opposite you.

Loacl activities include golf (there are 6 courses within 20 minutes) watersports including waterskiing at Poulaphouca, and sail boarding on Blessington Lakes, fishing on the Slaney and The Liffey, walking (the house is minutes from the long distance walking route, the Wicklow Way), cycling along quiet country lanes and horse riding. The area is also rich with archeological remains - there are stone circles from 4,000 years ago, Norman fortifications, medieval abbeys and great 18th century mansions that you can visit.

Click on the images below to see them

 Additional accommodation on the estate consists of two 1 bed roomed cottages that may be available at an extra charge.

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Havens & Hideaways, 71 Waterloo Road, Dublin 4, IRELAND
Tel (+353 1 ) 288 9355 Fax (+353 1 ) 288 9282