Lorum Old Rectory

Bobbie Smith’s home reflects her welcoming, easygoing personality. Filled with mellow old furniture, books, pictures, and family mementos, the Old Rectory is very much a lived-in, comfortable family home for Bobbie and her three daughters. Guests are welcomed with a reviving pot of tea in the homey drawing room, and it is here that they chat with fellow guests before dinner, which is taken by candlelight round the long, gleaming dining room table. Bedrooms have the same traditional family feel and range from a snug twin to two spacious rooms, one with a carved four-poster and the other with a splendid Victorian bed with turned posts decorating the foot and headboard. All have en suite shower rooms and there’s an extra “bath” so that those who love to soak can do so in a claw-foot tub. The area is perfect for cycling; and holidays that include cycle hire, airport pickup, and baggage transportation can be arranged. Those who prefer to stick to their car will find Kilkenny with its castle, fine old shops, and lovely buildings just a 20-minute drive away. Day trips can be taken to Wexford, Kildare, and Glendalough.