Author: ArtsyChowRoamer

The Mustard Seed

AN AMAZING B&B IN IRELAND

As we turned down a narrow road and rolled through the stone gates to this hidden gem perched atop a hill, we were instantly charmed. The Mustard Seed, one of the many amazing B&B’s in Ireland is just that; the one you don’t want to miss and this post will show you why!

Beautiful gardens were in every view around the property; walking paths created to draw in the curious to snap pictures of species known and unknown nestled between little secret fairy doors and sculptures. A tree sported little paper hearts moving in the breezes which turned out to be wishes hung on every limb.

It had just rained and I could hear wind chimes stirring somewhere. Two people popped out to welcome us and help with our luggage. We trouped into the lobby which instantly transported me back to my childhood and my paternal grandparents home in Charlottesville, Virginia.

THE LOBBY

A beautiful collection of elephants on the black mantle suggested a connection to Africa along with overstuffed comfy sofas, pillows and traditional art with scary animals that gave me a certain deja vu.

I could imagine how nice it would be to sit here on a cold night with the fire burning brightly and a little brandy in hand; a great spot to hang out and people watch or sip a good cup of tea.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Pots and vases of flowers from the garden were strategically placed around reminding me of descriptions in books by Rosamunde Pilcher (one of my favorite authors). We were quickly checked in and whisked upstairs to a large room with a view of the inner courtyard garden and the orchards in the back.

The lady helping us told me that a door for the maids would take me directly down to walk my little furry travel buddy. She told us dinner would be served in the dining room beginning at 6 and left us to our own devices.

We had plenty of time to unpack, rest a bit and have a drink from the small library bar that was set up in our sitting room off the bedroom. A good size queen bed facing the fireplace and the perfect chair for reading and/or dog scouting completed our haven.

DINNER ON PROPERTY

Dinner gave us several good choices but we opted to just order soup and salad which was perfect with homemade bread and fresh butter. Dessert consisted of fruits from the orchard and a cheese plate. You really can’t go wrong with that right?

A great nights sleep and morning brought us fresh coffee and tea with scones straight from the oven and a sweet fruit center that was perfect with clotted cream. We enjoyed fresh omelettes with herbs and the best rhubarb we had ever eaten-again grown on property and canned freshly for the guests.

The morning was so beautiful we opted for a walk in the gardens at the front of the property. The views were really breathtaking and there were many spots with benches to just sit and take it all in, read or write.

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

The graveled path took us down the steps to the front garden and the prettiest areas to roam. There were so many unusual species of flowers that were still blooming well even though the weather had turned to chilly jacket time.

My furry companion was particularly interested in nosing around the sculptures, fairy doors and secret places well hidden within the garden. After returning, I met with the owner, John Edward, so I could get a little background on the history of this charming B&B.

He told me Josephine Breeder was the head gardener. He himself, had been with the property for over 26 years, fresh out of college and having recently taken over from the previous owner at their retirement two years ago.

A LITTLE HISTORY

The place was originally built as a main house in 1884 by a parish priest with American money. The placement up the hill was to “piss off” the local catholic rector by blocking his views. It was later purchased for one dollar and became a convent, then a school and the personal residence of Lord Kerry.

It was then purchased in 1994 and renovated to become the 18 room, cozy, quaint B&B that it is today. Chef Prive is from Bulgaria and has been in Ireland for 12 years now.

He is quite good and we were looking forward to another excellent meal that evening. John told me the property gave him a lot of fresh ingredients to work with along with great choices from local farmers.

They grow black currents, rhubarb, apples, plums and gooseberries along with many unusual flower species such as Japanese Anemones.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

The property is well located. In that it is within easy driving distance to Limerick and Galway but also to a tidy, cute little village called Adare. Not only are there great restaurants and pubs but a wonderful gallery named Draiocht and a millinery shop called Aisling Maher both of which I have blogged about before.

There are lovely little towns all around this B&B that will give you hours of wonderful exploring time and little shops from which to buy souvenirs for friends and family.

CONCLUSION

All in all, our stay at The Mustard Seed not only met but exceeded our expectations by far. It is one of the most amazing B&B’s we discovered in Ireland in a quaint little village called Ballingarry. You absolutely need to include it on your itinerary when next visiting Ireland. The video above will give you some great info about the place too!

Don’t miss the next travel blog which will give you all the tips and hints on what to do in Adare. You might also want to read more blogs under Explore the World . Hey, don’t be a stranger! Let me hear from you if you have any questions about Ireland. Happy to give you my thoughts. Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

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TO MY READERS: This post was updated with info, pics and video on 9/5/20