Scenic country garden walks, delicious organic food, an on-site art gallery and ample opportunity for peace and tranquility, Burtown House has it all plus it’s only a stones throw from the capital.
Located 40 minutes outside of Dublin, in Athy – Burtown House is one of Kildare’s best kept secrets making it a worthy day trip from Dublin!
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It is rare to find one of these houses still in possession of the descendants of the family that built it. Burtown is one of those treasures, passed down through the generations and still very much a family home. – The Knight of Glin & James Peill: The Irish Country House.
What’s on Offer?
Spend the day and amble through the lush gardens, parklands and farmlands, enjoy exterior views of the Georgian House, visit the artisan food shop and retail area complete with gallery, dine in the organic Green Barn Restaurant or linger longer with a stay in the stunning stable yard accommodation! The house is home to four generations of the Fennell family with the estate run by husband and wife duo James and Joanna Fennell.
Opening Times:
The house is an 18th century Georgian villa built by the Quakers in 1710. It is not open to the public however the garden area is (for a fee) as is the on-site restaurant The Green Barn.
TOP TIP: Upon eating at the restaurant, entry to the gardens is available at a reduced rate of €5.00.
The gardens are typically open February – December.
Wednesday: 11-5.30pm
Thursday: 11-5.30pm
Friday: 11-8pm
Saturday: 11-8pm
Sunday: 11-6pm
Bank Holiday Mondays: 11-6pm
Directions:
Just 40 minutes from Dublin in Athy, Co. Kildare – see the Burtown House website for details or call them on: +353 59 8623865 or from Ireland: 01 8623865.
Foodie Notes:
The decor of The Green Barn Restaurant has an “indoor meets outdoor” vibe with a New England twist. Being a lover of New England and “Scandi” style decor, I felt right at home dining here. The structure’s interior decor is Scandinavian in nature, evident in the old Scandinavian Barn style appeal. Rustic textures combine with high beam ceilings and a wall of windows to bring a light and airy feel to the space, whilst the sage green colour palette, soft artificial light and differing wooden elements bring a rich cosiness and balance to the space, beckoning guests to linger longer.
What to Expect?
Farm to Fork: The freshest seasonal produce almost always direct from the organic country kitchen garden every morning. The menu changes regularly, reflecting what’s going on in the garden. Unpretentious, honest, cosy, home-style cooking is what to expect and what they do best at the Green Barn Restaurant – where their seasonal organic, garden produce is the star of the show.
{Garden Vegetable Risotto: with squash and chard topped with purple kale.}
I’m fussy with risotto. I’ve had many a shoddy attempt delivered to my table in various establishments, limp and stodgy lacking in flavour…I could go on. This is NOT the case at The Green Barn Restaurant I’m happy to report! Authentic in texture creamy and oozing, full of flavour, packed with fresh country garden vegetables, yet light on the palette – this risotto was simply delectable and a must try if you visit. The Green Barn Restaurant recently achieved the enviable accolade of “County Winner” in the Restaurant Awards 2017 – a worthy winner in my book.
{Pictured: Snack–happy: Homemade plain scone & blackcurrant jam. Note: the detail of butter served on slate only adds to the rustic charm and vibe.}
{Pictured: post lunch view. Taking in the views of the ‘New Garden’ at Burtown House whilst enjoying the late summer sun. 》OUTFIT DETAILS – one of my most worn outfits! SHADES: Guess, JACKET: Penneys, NECK-PIECE: Manley, JEANS: Next, TOP & BAG: H&M, EARRINGS: Accessorize, WATCH: Caravelle New York, SHOES: River Island.}
A Country Kitchen Garden Affair:
The menu in The Green Barn Restaurant is of the ‘Farm to Fork‘ variety as mentioned. Having the unique dining pleasure of peering out upon the very garden from which the food on your plate derives from, is something special. From fresh kale and a variety of cabbages to onions, fresh herbs and old Victorian favourite borage (also known as starflower), the kitchen garden at Burtown House is a plethora of countryside goodness.
{Pictured: view from the restaurant onto the Kitchen Garden at Burtown House.}
{Pictured: an abundance of kale – not just for Halloween time anymore thankfully!}
{Pictured: coutryside scenes. A scarecrow keeps a watchful eye over the lettuce patch.}
{Borage: originally used in Victorian cooking is still in use to this day in the Burtown House kitchen.}
{Pictured: colourful cabbage patch.}
Country Days in Co. Kildare – The Picture Gallery:
{Pictured: Al Fresco dining on the patio at the Green Barn Restaurant.}
{Pictured: the gallery space in the retail area.}
{Pictured: End of a long day, boots are off.}
{Pictured: Wall of lavender, there’s nothing like the scent of lavender carried on the breeze…}
{Pictured: Signs of Autumn – apples primed for picking.}
Prolong your stay!
The Stable Yard House: situated in the courtyard garden area provides accommodation with a minimum two night stay required and is available to book directly or through Airbnb.
TOP TIP: Explore Kildare! Hop in the car and combine your stay with trips to Kildare Village for a spot of retail therapy as well as Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons – named one of Ireland’s Top 5 Visitor Attractions by Failte Ireland, it houses numerous collections and artefacts relating to stars of the silver screen to modern day artists such as Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Kim Kardashian and Princess Diana.
{Pictured: Exterior view of The Stable Yard House guest accommodation at Burtown House.}
{Pictured: Guest accommodation – sun flares and a view through the flowers of the Stable Yard House accommodation at Burtown House.}
I’ll definitely be back to visit Burtown House – it’s my new favourite place! I’m thinking a mini Autumn stay-cation to sample the accommodation is in order. I simply have to try the feast of flatbreads (available Friday and Saturday evenings) as the scent of them wafting through the kitchen garden when we were leaving was uber enticing but alas, we had to get back on the road home. You can be sure I’ll be reporting back when I return for these experiences!
TOP TIP: I highly recommend adding this stunning location to your Autumn itinerary and if you do plan on visiting Burtown House, give yourself a few hours to ramble and explore in the luscious landscape and relax and enjoy the foodie delights.
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Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Gail. x
Photography: © Gail O’Connor.
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