Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio
Saint Brendan Street Uibh Fhaili, Birr R42 HE39 Ireland
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About
#11 of 13 B&Bs / Inns in Birr
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Brendan House is the 'secret' B&B in the heart of Birr, close to restaurants, cafés, hotels and pubs. A Georgian townhouse with a country house atmosphere. It is the home of an artist/writer and a poet/journalist. We are listed also in two renowned guidebooks to Ireland. Guests have said and written that they felt very relaxed and welcome in this elegant yet bohemian, Georgian townhouse, filled with art and antiques. Creative and a few famous folk have stayed, from writers to musicians and composers, to dancers and poets and filmmakers. There are three period-style rooms: the largest with an antique four-poster (double) and two single rooms with canopied and cushioned beds. There have been many compliments about our breakfasts, such as, 'The best we've had, anywhere'. Much of the food served is local, organic and home-made, and presented with attention to the visual as much as to the flavours and variety offered. Tin Jug Studio, our working arts studio and gallery, is also available for visitors and tourists to stay from one night to more, depending on our seasonal art classes and local arts festival events.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Hiking
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Meeting rooms
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Bathrobes
Desk
Fireplace
Seating area
Separate living room
Electric blanket
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Sofa
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English
Location
80Somewhat walkable
Grade: 80 out of 100
16Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
6Attractionswithin 0.5 km
Contact
Saint Brendan Street Uibh Fhaili, Birr R42 HE39 Ireland
Getting there
Car HireSee all Birr car hire
17Reviews0Q+A2Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Tin Jug Studio is an accommodation space in a living artist's studio. There are exactly the facilities one would need, a beautiful secluded leafy outdoor deck space beside the small kitchen area. The kitchen is akin to a galley on a boat, and though the facilities are limited, they are most certainly adequate. The bed and living space is festooned with art objects, books and artist materials and equipment in a carefully ordered and very clean fashion. Excellent shower and bathroom facilities, and romantic in an artistic, slightly bohemian aura. Rosalind was a delightful caring and welcoming hostess and provided the most generous exquisite breakfasts I have ever experienced in my travels. Some may find it too busy visually, but I loved staying there.
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Date of stay: August 2019
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Rozziearty, Owner at Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio
Responded 28 Aug 2019
Your lovely review and description is so much appreciated, Harry. You had to put up with having a current art exhibition downstairs, on view in the day-time! I am so pleased that you enjoyed staying in the studio, and it was a great pleasure meeting and chatting with you. With kind regards and warm thanks, Rosalind
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed there for 2 nights last weekend. What a wonderful experience. Rosalind was extremely friendly and helpful - it started by her sending information on walks in the area prior to me arriving. The accommodation has a huge amount of character and the breakfast is one of the best I have eaten anywhere (and I have traveled the world). I would go back just for the breakfast. If you want the best of Irish accommodation and hospitality then look no further than Brendan house.
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from Rozziearty, Owner at Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio
Responded 28 Aug 2019
I'm rather tardy in this response, but aah, thank you so very much for your most kind review. It was a pleasure meeting you, chatting with you - and indeed feeding such an appreciative visitor! I hope you'll come back some time for more hillwalking and other experiences in our 'Middle Kingdom'. Kind regards, Rosalind
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had such a Beautiful Time there and Rosalind made it even more Interesting and lovely ! As we are vegans she made us an amazing breakfast , Sitting by a turf fire surrounded by treasures of History . We highly recommend this Place !
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Date of stay: May 2016Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
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My partner and I stayed in Rosalind's wonderful home on a Friday night as we were attending a wedding in the area. When we arrived that evening Rosalind welcomed us warmly, showed us around her beautiful home. In the fabulously furnished drawing room Rosalind offered us some liqueur and gave us warmed cashew nuts. The two of us could have sat in that lovely room surrounded by various books and clocks, vases and pictures for the night but we had a wedding reception to get to. In the morning Rosalind brought a very tasty and healthy breakfast to our room over 3 courses. It was very unique and lovely. Rosalind's home is homely and comfortable. Quiet rooms filled with history and character, I imagine that there are many stories to be told. If you're in Birr stay in Brendan House.
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Date of stay: October 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Response from saintbrendan, Owner at Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio
Responded 9 Nov 2015
Oooh how delightfully complimentary to be mentioned with Downton Abbey! (It's a lot less grand here though.) As we don't have television it took some time before we understood the phenomenon of that series. A couple of years ago, I got an inkling of the intensity of the addictive passions when I rang someone I'd not chatted to for a while. She answered the phone and immediately launched into a rapid fire explanation that she couldn't talk now because 'DowntonAbbeyisjuststarting!!!' This rather odd person may in fact have hung up before I replied, 'Oh?' and left me wondering why on earth she had answered the call at all! That Christmas, guess what my husband bought me? A Box Set of DVDs of the first season. Watching curled up and wrapped in a rug in the drawing room, I became a minor addict. What's so funny is that about a year later, so did my belovéd, through the rented set of the next series. It's often only a while after people have left that I think of things. In the drawing room, I may have mentioned that the woman in the portrait above the piano, knew Charles Darwin. But I should also have shown you the old photograph album on the writing desk. The picture of 'Lord Napier's favourite elephant' might have brought another smile. I greatly enjoyed meeting you both - and still giggle at the reaction to breakfast as being 'Outrageous!' (Outrageous good - so happy to hear you say!) Rx PS Writing this reminds me that I must ring Wild Food Mary again soon, to purchase one of her bottles of Wild Beech Leaf Liqueur, for my next B&Bs to sample by the fire.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From the moment we stepped over the threshold, we were immersed in a time altering experience. Rosalind took not only the time to make sure we felt welcome, but also to ensure that we wanted for nothing and felt pampered. The food was fresh, organic and well prepared; the rooms clean, cozy and delightfully quirky; and Rosalind went far and above what any ordinary hostess might provide. She and her husband helped us to find the beauty that is Ireland. The only thing missing? Time. We simply did not have enough time in this beautiful home and with these wonderful people!
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Date of stay: September 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from saintbrendan, Owner at Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio
Responded 29 Oct 2015
Aah! How kind your much-valued, warmly appreciated and just seen words are. Thank you so very much indeed for the lovely review. It was a great pleasure to welcome three delightful and very interesting ladies from Wyoming. (...And thank you so much for your gifts left for me, of delicious lemon curd and aromatic organic honey...yummy!!)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
To our taste, which shies away from the mass-produced and the bog standard, there is no lovelier stop-off in Birr - or anywhere else in Ireland, come to that. The house is decorated in gloriously colourful and idiosyncratic style, and Ros is a magnificent host: understated but attentive. And I honestly don't think we've ever had a breakfast to compare.
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Date of stay: August 2015Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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When you enter Rosalind's home, you travel back in time, you experience living in a different century. When we saw the room with the four posted bed that belonged to her ancestors, we knew we were in the most incredible place in the whole of County Offaly...the decoration is breathtaking! We deeply recommend you see it with your own eyes as words cant do it justice The hosts are charming and kind and always there when you need them. Rosalind lit a fire for us in the drawing room, and the travel in time continued! We woke up in the morning to the most amazing breakfast anyone can dream of, brought to our room. Fresh cut flowers were part of the decoration! We will never forget Rosalind's breakfast. The BnB is located in the centre of the town just two minutes away from Birr Castle. Rosalind walked us to the Castle so we could benefited from her discount there, and shared her incredible knowledge of the history of Birr with us, it is great to hear her talk. We will come back to Birr and we will definitely stay with Rosalind and the magic around her.…
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Date of stay: May 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Room Tip: The double four posted bed room is an experience
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Gracious owner Rosalind ensures a generous, outstanding breakfast and visit in the studio. Fun, funky, arty, best price, best breakfast in Birr! Stay in the studio for unusual, personalized experience, or stay in an upstairs room for traditional visit. Rosalind knows everything and everyone, offering indispensable guidance. One of us golfed, one of us rode a horse up the Slieve Bloom mountains; both enjoyed immensely.
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Date of stay: May 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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My husband and I made the Tin Jug Studio our home for four days in August. Each day we explored a different near-by area (Boyne River Valley sites on the way from Dublin, Clonmacnois on the Shannon River, Kilkenny, then the Irish Game and Country Fair in Birr on the final day) and returned home in the evening. We were made to feel truly at home and welcome by Rosalind; what a delightful hostess. And we very much enjoyed the breakfasts that she provided each day. An unexpected highlight and delight was the introduction that she gave us to a local historian who provided some family background and who knows, who may be related to my husband. I would definitely recommend Rosalind's B&B.
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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We just spent one night at Rosalinds BnB and we loved it. We are already thinking about going back. What an awesome place. Rosalind made our stay very nice. The rooms are perfectly tidy and very beautiful. Everything in her house is nicely arranged and fits perfectly toghether. It has an very unique charm. Rosalind helped us with everything. She was very nice. She gave us a lot of handy tips where to go (Sightseeing, Restaurants, Pubs, etc.). Unfortunately we had not that much time but we went to one place she recommended to us and it was very good. The Breakfast was amazing. Thank you very much.
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of LeinsterCounty OffalyBirr
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
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Frequently Asked Questions about Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio
Which popular attractions are close to Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio?
Nearby attractions include Birr Castle Demesne (0.4 km), Science Centre at Birr Castle (0.3 km), and The Chestnut (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio?
Top room amenities include a desk, a fireplace, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio?
Conveniently located restaurants include Kellys Bar, Spinners, and Emma's Cafe.
Are pets allowed at Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Brendan House & Tin Jug Studio?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Cumberland Column (0.2 km) and Crinkill Barracks (2.0 km).