Barnahown

Ciara O'Brien is a Mitchelstown native who, after 20 years working in the corporate world, left her most recent role with Google in 2023 to begin the sensitive renovation of an 1800's farmhouse in her hometown and launch Barnahown located close to Ireland's famous Rock of Cashel, Ring of Kerry and Cork's English Market. Building work is well underway to transform the original property into a sustainably run contemporary 4-bedroom Irish guesthouse opening in Summer 2024 (with plans to extend to 7 rooms in Spring 2025). The regenerative approach to works undertaken on-site include lime rendered walls and 1800’s limestone lovingly restored by local stonemasons. The mid-century aesthetic provides space for guests to appreciate the bones of the original house. Set in the heart of the Munster Vales region - an area of outstanding natural beauty combining five unique mountain ranges plus the rivers Suir and Blackwater - the guesthouse location will provide visitors to the area with access to a multitude of wellness, adventure-based and food-focused activities and experiences during their stay. A keen hiker herself, who can count summiting Kilimanjaro in Tanzania among her many accomplishments, Ciara is setting up Barnahown Luxury Galtee Adventures to share her passion for and love of the Galtees - Ireland’s highest inland mountain range and one the country's most diverse hiking landscapes, with almost 30km of picturesque walking trails to explore. Through Ciara's bespoke Barnahown concierge service, solo travellers and groups can book and enjoy several daily excursions including forest bathing, Ballyhoura mountain biking, Mitchelstown Cave, Blackwater River fishing and Suir River kayaking, along with Ciara's very own 'Taste The Galtees' food experiences. Ideally suited for the luxury leisure traveller or an inspiring, boutique corporate escape - Barnahown encompasses 20 years' experience of the very best of personal hospitality in an exceptional rural setting.