Lorum Old Rectory
Sitting peacefully on the slopes above the River Barrow at Kilgreaney, with Mount Leinster and the Blackstairs Mountains as a backdrop is Lorum Old Rectory.
Lorum Old Rectory was built in 1863, from crisp, mellow, locally-cut County Carlow granite which gives the house a feeling of warmth. As the name would indicate Lorum is a former Church of Ireland rectory, sold to private ownership in the second half of 20th century. It was purchased by the Young family, whose daughter Bobbie has since inherited Lorum and transformed the family home into a fine guesthouse, providing country house accommodation for visitors to the region.
Lorum Old Rectory has earned an enviable reputation as a well-run, comfortable house offering good food and good company. Bobbie, who is a member of Euro-Toques, a professional organization of Ireland’s top chefs. As a result staying at Lorum is something of a culinary experience. The house specialty is home cooking, using home-grown or local organic produce wherever possible.
Lorum provides an excellent base for exploring many of the counties that surround Carlow.Kilkenny, Kildare, Wexford and Wicklow are all within easy reach of Lorum. But there’s plenty to see and do in Carlow itself.
Guests to Lorum can avail of numerous walking routes, such as up Brown’s Hill to explore a portal dolmen, or megalithic wedge tomb. There are wonderful restful walks along the tow-path of the Barrow Canal or the more energetic can trek up the Blackstairs Mountains. Also near to Lorum are the monastic sites at Ullard and St. Mullins, and a great Cistercian abbey of Duiske in the middle of the town of Graiguenamanagh. Golfers will relish the nearby courses at Mount Juliet, Mount Wolsley and Borris. Fly fishing is also quite popular in the region,
Lorum Old Rectory is also home to Celtic Cycling, which runs custom cycling tours for couples and small groups throughout the South East, along the Rivers Barrow and Nore, through unspoilt countryside with pretty villages and small hamlets. And, for those who prefer to do nothing, the garden and croquet lawn at Lorum Old Rectory are delightfully peaceful and relaxing.
