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Tranquil Tipperary  MALCOLM
ROGERS visits a new self-catering complex in the depths of rural Tipperary.
A new self-catering complex, Croc an Oir has opened at the foot of Sliabh
na mBan (Slievenamon) in Mullinahone, Co.
Tipperary.
Guitar player John Bermingham is the man behind the venture and with his
love of traditional music, impromptu sessions play a big part in proceedings.
The complex comes equipped with workshops, small concert hall and, especially
for the kids, a five-a-side soccer pitch.
The buildings are situated in the valley of Slievenamon and indeed the
mountain overlooks the property.
The River Anner flows peacefully by the 200-year-old farmhouse and the
setting is as tranquil as it probably was 200 years ago (give or take
the odd rebellion) — yet it’s only 25 minutes from bustling
Kilkenny City.
The accommodation consists of the Old House which sits inside a walled
courtyard.
Five bedrooms, a large sitting room, open fire and separate fully fitted
kitchen/dining area mean this is ideal accommodation for a family or group
of friends.
The house has been lovingly restored and great care taken in retaining
the character of the building. Accessible by persons with limited mobility
and approved by the Irish Tourist Board, it has been awarded a four-star
rating. Rates start at e450 upwards.
Hawes Barn is a century old stone barn which has been carefully renovated
and is ideal for a couple. Rates start at e260.
As well as the restful surroundings, John Bermingham’s music and
the charms of Mullinahone’s pubs, residents also have the delights
of Slievenamon (the Mountain of the Women) some 2,564 feet high. This
broad isolated dome, boasting views across much of Ireland, is an easy
enough climb. You ascend through woodland and open heathland with mostly
turf underfoot.
In reality very little mountain climbing is required to reach the summit
— this is a pleasant uphill walk which you can do in a couple of
hours.
Local man Charles Kickham wrote the song, so altogether:
‘Alone, all alone, by the wave-washed strand
All alone in a crowded hall.
The hall it is gay and the waves they are grand
But my heart is not here at all.
It flies far away, by night and by day,
To the time and the joys that are gone.
And I never can forget the sweet maiden I met,
In the valley near Slievenamon.”
n Croc an oir
Ballycullen, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 52 53117.
Mobile: +353 (0) 86 890 73 29. E-mail: johnfgb@eircom.net
Website: www.crocanoir.com |
