Rokeby lodge 2

This is a beautiful location for those seeking a rural retreat. It is a large complex that was formerly stables for Rokeby Hall, That Big House was built in the 18th century for Archbishop Robinson from Rokeby Park in County Durham (England) who developed Armagh's Georgian centre. The coachhouse is very close to the Lodges, and Rokeby Hall can be visited on certain days (check Rokeby Hall website). The tour of the Hall is excellent (from Hall owner Jean). Rokeby Lodge 2 was comfortable for our needs in August 2026. It was nice to have a sandwich toaster, large freezer, full oven, and even a washing machine, although we did not use these. We did not feel the lack of a dishwasher, as we like to wash up straight away when on holidays (otherwise food dries on the plates while we wait until the dishwasher is full!). Nearby, there is a lovely view of agricultural fields and crops, with mountains in the distance (perhaps some of the Mournes in Northern Ireland or Slieve Gullion). It was great to have ice trays in the freezer (very handy). It was nice too to have washing up liquid, tea towel and hand soap provided in the kitchen, and a few condiments such as salt, pepper, and an in-date tube of mayonnaise that still had some in it (it is great to see things used up like this and not going to waste!). It is really close to the abbeys of Monasterboice and Melifont (ruined, but well worth visiting for the atmosphere), and to the wonderful headland or cliff walks at Clogherhead (about 10-15 minutes drive). Quite close too to Drogheda itself, to Newgrange, and to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, which sadly no longer has its laser model of the battle, but does show a good movie about it.

While we very much enjoyed our stay, the lighting needs to be improved in the property. There were two bedside lamps in the largest bedroom and we felt we needed to bring them into the living room to have some softer lighting (there are only spotlights in the living room). There was no bedside lighting at all in the room with the two single beds. In terms of equipment and utensils, there was initially no frying pan, no way of making coffee, no sharp knife or potato peeler. It would have been nice to have had some contact with the host other than for having to ask him to provide these. However, he was friendly and checked with us later that we had got the items (his daughter kindly dropped over all those items when we messaged him). We didn't see any spare blankets (but luckily were not cold). Mobile reception was not good inside the property, but maybe that is a plus! A teapot would also be good to make things more "homey",, and even a fruit bowl. There should definitely also be instructions about recycling (we brought all our recycling home). Despite missing a few things, especially the option of cozy lighting, we had a wonderful stay in Rokeby lodge and in the Drogheda area.

Après avoir dû quitter un premier logement dans la journée en raison de problèmes de propreté, nous sommes arrivés ici le soir, un peu dans l’urgence. Le premier logement, dans lequel nous ne nous sentions pas à l’aise, avait notamment de la moquette et acceptait les animaux. Étant assez maniaques sur la propreté, nous avons donc dû partir quelques heures seulement après notre arrivée et trouver rapidement un autre hébergement. Malgré quelques désagréments à notre arrivée, ce logement a finalement été une petite pépite. Il est situé dans un cadre magnifique, avec une très belle vue, et nous avons particulièrement apprécié la réactivité et la simplicité de communication avec le propriétaire. Une femme de ménage est également venue reprendre le logement lorsque nous avons signalé les problèmes de propreté, ce que nous avons beaucoup apprécié.

À notre arrivée, la propreté n’était malheureusement pas au niveau attendu et quelques affaires de précédents occupants étaient encore présentes. Nous avons également dû demander certaines fournitures. La cuisine est équipée du strict minimum. Les matelas, notamment les deux petits matelas du lit jumeau, étaient très mous et peu confortables. Les alentours immédiats de la propriété pourraient également bénéficier d’un petit entretien supplémentaire afin de mettre encore davantage en valeur ce magnifique environnement.