Rathenny Gate Lodge sits at the edge of this 160 acre estate of Rathenny House, a beautiful Georgian country house (c.1780). The Lodge is the ideal country cottage, charmingly refurbished by the owners (indeed it was their country home before moving to the main house). Perfect for that quiet country break or as a base from which to explore Ireland. Within easy distance of Birr Castle, Rock of Cashel, several race courses, the golf courses of Nenagh and Roscrea, fly-fishing or boating on Lough Dough or hiking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Even the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and surfing on the West Coast are only 1 1/2hrs away. Or simply enjoy the quiet isolation of the estate. Once you have shut the iron gates behind you, you will be enchanted by the setting of the Lodge with its garden and views across the open fields. The front door opens into a welcoming and well equipped kitchen- dishwasher, microwave, electric hob and oven. Through the green door into the bright and comfortable sitting room with its traditional diamond paneled window and open fireplace, as well as all mod cons - TV (inc Satellite) and DVD player- a range of eclectic books, CDs and DVDs . Off the sitting room lies a cosy double bedroom, as well as a small utility room (washing machine, dryer and freezer) that leads into the principal bathroom. A small stair leads from the sitting room up to a comfortable attic bedroom with large double bed and study. Also just off the kitchen there is a good sized dining room with French doors opening to the backyard. There is 3rddouble bedroom and shower room. The backyard has a little outhouse where you will find plenty of logs and peat for the fire, as well as additional garden furniture to enjoy your stay. In the garden there are 2 trestle tables for alfresco meals with views across the farm. Guests are invited to wander over the fields to the main house to enjoy a game of tennis on the new all-weather court, or visit the working cattle farm or just enjoy the beautiful views from the walled garden. Also available by arrangement; horse riding locally, hunting in season, clay pigeon shooting on the farm, bicycles, cookery lessons in Cloughjordan, a visiting chef or pre-prepared meals, shopping to order, babysitting and a daily to clean.