Old School House

Old School House: Louth

Newly launched; Extraordinary vacation rental steeped in the history of Ireland's Ancient East with panoramic coastal views from the Mourne Mountains to Skerries

The Old Schoolhouse is a destination with a difference, a haven of tranquillity away from it all. Circa 1881, Fieldstown National School has been completely transformed to provide the ultimate escape for those seeking a luxury country break in one of Ireland's original school houses.

Monasterboice near Drogheda in Co. Louth is still relatively undiscovered as a holiday location. The delightful rural setting is one of the treasures of the Boyne Valley and has been coming to prominence recently as it is now firmly on the map as part of Ireland's Ancient East. It's just off the M1 motorway, about 8km north of Drogheda.

Monasterboice is home to one of Ireland's earliest Christian sites with two of the most beautiful Celtic Crosses in Ireland. There's also a Round Tower, which is the oldest in Ireland. The historic site also features the remains of two churches. This essential original monastic settlement is said to have been founded in the 5th or 6th century by St. Buithe a follower of St. Patrick and the Boyne river is named after him.

Accommodation

Accessed by electric gates with lights that are activated immediately on arrival into the secluded courtyard, the first glimpse of luxury is a barbeque and hot tub outside. From the moment that guests enter the half door from the courtyard, they are transported to an old-world atmosphere with the original stone walls, and there are panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The house is an excellent retreat for groups of golfers, walkers or painters or writers.

There are four bedrooms at The Old School House – downstairs there are two bedrooms, one family room with four single beds and one double. The other is the master bedroom with a king size four poster bed. There is one main bathroom downstairs with free standing bath. Upstairs there are also two bedrooms and one main bathroom. One bedroom has a king size sleigh bed. The other bedroom has four single beds. There are zip and link beds in some rooms so the house can comfortably accommodate four couples.

The kitchen, with a Belfast sink, Smeg fridge, microwave and old-style range offers the best of country living. There are washing and drying facilities in an outhouse in the courtyard.

Luxury carpeting and the best of solid wood floors add to the feeling of complete comfort in this property. The heart of the house is the living/family room area, lit by a chandelier and with comfortable sofas and the added extras of a pool table and PlayStation. The house also features a split-level relaxation and tranquillity room with a telescope that offers views out to the Isle of Man.

Fluffy dressing gowns and towels, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a welcome basket awaiting guests arrival with wine, homemade bread and other treats included.

Location

The location is second to none. As is the tradition in Ireland, the school is across the road from the church and a one minute walk takes you to a traditional shop, Mrs Mulls, where there are fresh eggs available every morning.

The house is four minutes drive from the reputable Monasterboice Inn, known for its excellent food and drinks. A 10-minute drive brings you to Seapoint Beach which stretches from Baltray up to Clogherhead, a beautiful fishing village and beach. County Louth Golf Club or Baltray as it is more affectionately known is rated in Golf Digest's top 100 courses in the world as a “hidden gem".

Fully-qualified holistic treatments are available to guests and groups for bookings, particularly those that want a complete break and relaxation or want some pampering after a long day or fishing or golf or walking. The Old School House is a haven of relaxation only 40 minutes from Dublin airport and one hour from Belfast.

"The old schoolhouse in Fieldstown has a very special feeling
It's luxury and atmosphere is really most appealing
Imagine it in years gone by, full of children's laughter
A place with such ambience now very much sought after
The owners have restored it in a caring loving way
to accommodate both adults and children in their play
With golf courses and hill walks, great places to go fishing
A spring within the garden where children do their wishing
View the mountains of Mourne, cast your eyes out to sea
Read a book, use the games room or simply just BE
Both splendid and cosy - a contradiction it seems
So best just to say - it's the place of your dreams"