Lucinda O'Sullivan's Ireland

About The Hotel

The first time I saw Ashley Park House I took a deep intake of breath and thought I had entered the film set of Gone With the Wind or Raintree County. It is a most dramatic and unusual house for this part of the world and would do Savannah proud. An 18th Century house, a white vision with elaborate green painted verandahs, overlooking the sultry Lake Ourne with hanging weeping trees. Ashley Park is on 76 acres of beechwood and formal gardens with strolling peacocks, ancient walled gardens, and is quite spellbinding. Friend Carmel and I had whirled up in my little blue MGF open topped car. Sean Mounsey, the family patriarch complete with cap, who is one of the greatest characters you are ever likely to meet said, "I want you to be happy here Ma am". I felt like Princess Margaret. Sean took us up to the "Bishops room" where he had put up a small temporary bed beside the half tester as the house was full and looking puzzled said half to himself, "I wasnt expecting two such fine strapping women as yourselves - now if one of you were smaller". Tears streamed down our faces we laughed so much, and as Carmel collapsed over the dressing table in a heap, Sean Mounsey beat a hasty retreat...

Ashley Park House has some of the finest rooms you will ever come across and you can live out all of your Scarlett O Hara fantasies in this house. The front bedrooms at either end of the house are vast, splendid and romantic. The house is magnificently furnished, with impeccable taste, by Seans daughter Margaret. Relax in the magnificent drawingroom with a drink in front of the fire before or after dinner, or chill out in the beautiful octagonal Chinese Reading Room off it. Explore the old walled garden which they are restoring. Dine in the magnificent diningroom. Go to Ashley Park quickly you might not find Rhett Butler but you will find Sean Mounsey and his beautiful daughter Margaret and they are much more interesting altogether. Children are welcome. It is incredible value and an equally incredible experience.

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