Willsgrove House

Michael is so lovely and we've not met him in person yet. Our daughter went into prem labour and we couldn't make our trip and had just missed the cancellation curfew by 12hours. Michael approved this for us so we got some funds back from our trip after losing the flights, car hire and other travelling expenses and missing a family wedding which was the whole purpose of our visit. We are going to book again for a weekend away once things are settled with tiny baby and will 100% be booking with Michael again as we were so excited to see his lovely looking property and the area. Thank you again Michael for showing us such kindness whilst going through tough times.

Peaceful setting. Typical farmhous of multiple size rooms. Friendly host Michael goes out of his way to help,including taxiing us to various places. It has a quaint country garden,lovely to relax in. We had freedom to use all the house kitchen facilities and utencils.Comfy bed.

No public transport and cabs are expensive . The tv signal is a bit hit and miss at times. Our room didn't have own shower,but we did have toilet and sink. Shared shower room was available.

Michael was such a good host; nothing was too much trouble. He collected us from the train station, and drove us into town too. We were staying in Athy for a wedding and I returned that evening a little earlier than my friends due to a bit of heatstroke and a bad headache; Michael immediately poured me water, offered me tea, showed genuine concern. He is also a fount of local knowledge, full of stories and local history.

The shared bathroom is being remodelled so it was not in the best shape - but it is clearly a work in progress, so is bound to be better for future guests.

Comfy bed. Very helpful member of family drove us into town so we could get some dinner when the roads are windy and very dark! While it was supposed to be accommodation only, as we were leaving we found a message stuck on the outside of our door frame offering us an opportunity to grab some breakfast. By that stage it was too late as we were packed and ready to go. It would have helped enormously if we'd known the night before!

Heating was only a small electric heater in a reasonably large room. In the morning the bathroom was freezing cold and we just wanted to forget showers and warm up in the car. Some towels looked like beach towels. Felt intrusive to go into the host's kitchen to be able to make a cuppa, when providing those facilities in the room would have been non-intrusive for all! I have no problem with low key hospitality if it is guest-focused but sadly despite the best intentions this just seemed amateur and maybe lacked real insight into what guests might be looking for. Maybe it just needed a bit more of a professional touch.