Burtown House and Gardens

"DO NOT BOOK THIS PROPERTY.

This was one of the worst accommodation experiences we’ve ever had. We booked expecting a relaxing, comfortable stay at a premium rural property, but what we got was an unmanaged, overpriced, and utterly neglectful.

The power went out around 11am on our first day and was still off when we checked out the next morning. We were left completely stranded with no electricity, no working kitchenette, and most importantly, no communication whatsoever from the host. They knew we were staying on-site, without a vehicle, and with extremely limited reception, yet no effort was made to check in, assist, or even acknowledge the situation.

We had brought our own food to cook, only to find we couldn’t use anything. We couldn’t order transport into town or even charge our phones. It’s disgraceful that a property charging these rates left guests without even the most basic amenities or care.
To make things worse, we were never given a gate code to exit, forcing us to wander around looking for help just to leave. Two separate groups of guests came INTO our room seeking answers as to why the restaurant closed early, showing that we weren’t the only ones completely abandoned. And during the night, a dog, which restaurant staff confirmed belonged to the host’s family, repeatedly scratched and cried at our door until we let her in, then barked to get out again. No one was available to assist or take responsibility yet again.

We attempted multiple times to reach the host via email, Booking.com messages, and Instagram. All messages went unanswered. Eventually, the host offered a refund and asked for my bank details, but after that, they completely stopped responding. We gave up after being ignored for weeks.
The most appalling part came after I left an honest review on Booking.com. The host responded publicly with outright lies - claiming they reimbursed us 50% (which never happened), that “all phone lines in Ireland were down” (also false, the property had poor service as it was rural but we were able to walk around to find spots with service), and even denying the dog was theirs. I have emails directly from the host admitting they were off-site because their children were working at a music event and acknowledging their failure to communicate rather than just blaming it on external circumstances. Their public statements are simply dishonest.

This property is overpriced, mismanaged, and run by someone who refuses to take accountability. The lack of care, transparency, and integrity shown was appalling.
Save yourself the stress, money, and disappointment, do not book here under any circumstances."

Reshmi Niriella

"Overpriced mediocrity and notions like you wouldn't believe. We had lunch at The Green Barn Restaurant and explored the grounds. My party went for the 2 course lunch for €45 expecting something more than average. The food tasted great and was well presented, but Ireland has become such a food mecca that standards are high everywhere and this was something you could get at many pubs in Dublin for a more reasonable price. Maybe the edibles flowers sprinkled on top of the food drove up the price.

The wait staff was incredible! They provided great customer service and attention. It was unpleasant overhearing the chef complain that we were there too long. Mind you, there wasn't a queue waiting for a table.

There was such a pretentious vibe for an average place in the middle of nowhere. You were charged a fee to explore the garden, sculpture trail and farm. There are places like this all over Ireland that are more scenic and free.

The grounds aren't the best for pushing around a stroller/buggy and definitely would be difficult for anyone with mobility issues.

Our experience would have been better if the establishment wasn't such a money grab and if the host and chef didn't make us feel unwelcome. We only went there because it was halfway between where we lived."

K S

"The Green Barn is not cheap. But oh ..lunch today was wonderful. We had the fish of the day accompanied by fresh veg from the garden right outside the window… imaginatively cooked, beautifully presented, refined and delicious. For homegrown produce and such quality I’m happy to pay extra.. Just one small thing… don’t ever again ..as long as you live … squirt fruit syrup over the creme brûlée…a delicate dessert destroyed ! Good coffee and lovely service. Top marks for a lovely afternoon"

Caroline O'Shea