The House
There are eleven bedrooms in The House, they are all ensuite. There is a bathroom on the 1st floor, for those who prefer a soak or like a larger bathroom. The rooms have Wi-Fi, however we encourage you cancel online meetings and streaming habits and to fully engage with this special opportunity to focus on your imagination, work, and the company of other artists. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is catered and residents are expected to sit for dinner at 7pm, as per Sir Tyrone Guthrie’s wishes. If you need to skip any meals, please let us know well in advance. Bedding and towels are provided for the rooms. Your are expected to bring your own personal products, soaps, shampoos etc and medications.
Residents have access to our library and drawing room for work, or for gatherings. Explore further and you’ll find our poetry corner with a gorgeous view over our west-facing garden. Couples may not stay together in the Big House. Most of the bedrooms in our Big House are named in honour of the history of the families associated with the house – the Moorhead family, the Power family, the Guthrie family, and Butler family (Peggy Butler (née Guthrie), Sir Tyrone’s only sister, married essayist, Hubert Butler, and between them both, they founded the Kilkenny Arts Festival), and the Fitz-Simon family. Another room, the attic single, is named in honour of poet, John Jordan, while our Morning Room was a former sitting room to all associated families, so too the Guthrie Study, was a place of work for all associated families, while Lady Guthries’ Bedroom was always the main bedroom of the House.
Self-Catering Cottages
Five self-catering cottages are situated very close to the House. They are centrally heated, with kitchens, shower rooms, sitting room with desk, and Wi-Fi. We provide sheets and towels. Residents bring their own food, and personal products, soaps, shampoos etc and medications. Houses 1-4 have one bedroom with double bed, and each has a bed couch. House 5 has two bedrooms, each with double bed, and a bed couch. Couples / friends / collaborators who have been approved for residencies on an individual basis, may reside together in our self-catering cottages. All residents have access to the conservatory, which is situated in front of the courtyard. It’s a very pleasant place to meet, especially in the spring and summer months. Laundry facilities are available behind the conservatory.
Dress Code: Dinner is informal, and served in a large warm and cosy kitchen, casual and smart is always a delight. It can be cold and wet in winter here in County Monaghan, so please bring warm and suitable clothing and footware. Muddy boots can be left in the small hall. In the summer we can experience gorgeous sunshine, and all residents are welcome to sit out to work or rest at our numerous picnic tables set out around the grounds or in conservatory.
Swimming: Residents often swim in the Lake, but please be aware that you do this at your own risk. Exercise caution there is no lifegurds, cameras or observation. Exercise good swimming practices, do not swim of your depth, alone or across the lake which can have hidden currents and is very deep and uneven. Please bring a robe or beach towel, and swimming socks.
Here is a link to Water Safety Irelands advice for river and lake swimming.
