Hiking, but make it fancy.

If that sounds like the vibe you’re after for a summer staycation, there’s a new B&B to check out in Mitchelstown.

Nestled in the heart of the Cork countryside and opening soon, Barnahown is a bed and breakfast brimming with luxurious treats for its outdoorsy guests, from boot warmers and outdoor showers and Voya goodies in the bathrooms to a hot tub and honesty bar stocked with tipples from Ireland’s top drinks producers including Killahora, Valentia Island, Five Farms and Wicklow Way.

After 20 years in the corporate world, owner (and keen hiker) Ciara O’Brien is transforming a mid-1800s seven-bedroom farmhouse she bought during the quiet days of COVID, using local Galtee artisans to showcase the original construction.

O’Brien aims to help visitors enjoy the hidden gems of Mitchelstown and The Galtees/Ballyhoura while offering them a selection of stunning bedrooms to relax in afterwards.

We’re talking king-size beds, walk-in wardrobes, luxe furnishings and all the mod-cons, from make-up mirrors with natural light, to in-room fibre broadband and smart TVs; international travel adaptors and a pillow menu.

“Barnahown is all about doing things your way, whether you need to grab-and-go for a busy day at work, catch a sunrise hike or you prefer a slow breakfast, we have the ideal wake-up for you,” says Ciara.

“However you choose to enjoy breakfast, you’re assured locally sourced ingredients with most suppliers growing and producing within a 20km radius. Not to mention the Barnahown hens.”

Heaven for hikers

You can grab a sone for a sunrise stroll, sleep in and enjoy organic overnight oats and West Cork Coffee on your own time or set the alarm and tuck into a decadent full Irish before you brave the summit of Galtee Mór.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Barnahown (@barnahown)

When it comes to activities to fill your days, there’s something for everyone in Ballyhoura, from thrill-seeking mountain bikers to gentle trails for beginners, forest bathing, kayaking and cave exploring.

There’s a brilliant list of itineraries complete with brilliant stops for lunch and coffee here and you can book a room from €125 per night via the Barnahown website.