Ah, Barrow House—what an Irish bed and breakfast, full of stories.
This irresistible beauty sits along the shores of Tralee Bay. It’s got all the old world charm of a classic manor home with a touch of that wild Kerry allure.
It’s a place where history and period drama meet pleasure. You’ll find cozy fires and friendly chats in equal measure.
If you want character, charm, and a bit of mischief, you’re in the right spot with this gaff.
I swear, this is no blarney — Barrow House truly made our vacation. As you can tell, I’ve even picked up a wee bit of Irish slang!
We invaded the whole place for a much needed family reunion, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect retreat.
And trust me, I’m as picky as they come when it comes to accommodation— so that’s really saying something!
Location, Location, Location!
Barrow House is perfectly located. It’s just minutes from Tralee and close to the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula.
It’s 2 minutes from Tralee Golf Club, 40 minutes from both Killarney and Kerry International Airport, and 2 hours from Cork and Shannon Airports.
It’s an easy and cheap flight on Ryan Air from Dublin.
The scenic drive to Dingle takes 40 minutes, taking you through the infamous Conor Pass. (If you don’t drive off the cliff or faint from fear, you can buy an “I survived Conor Pass” magnet for your fridge.)
The coast is right there — perfect for a walk by the sea, a swim, or a kayak.
The town of Tralee is nearby too, so you can enjoy a pint of the “black gold” or a bit of local craic (i.e., fun)
It’s the ideal base. Explore Kerry by day and relax at a swishy country home by night.
To get there, you’ll wind your way down a long, twisting driveway, lined with colorful wildflowers.
And when you arrive, you’ll be greeted not just by the beauty of Barrow House, but by two absolute dotes — Hudson and Betty.
If you’ve had to leave your own furry friends while on holiday, like we did, these two doggies will sort you right out with some much-needed pet therapy!
Mini History Of Barrow House
And now for the history bit. The heyday of Barrow House was during the Georgian Era.
Built in the early 18th century, Barrow House has seen its fair share of both lords and, well, a few lads with less-than-legal dealings.
Word has it that one of the original owners was an English tax collector and smuggler, who snuck in a bit of contraband. With its perfect spot by the shore, Barrow House wasn’t just a home — it was a grand hideaway for all sorts of mischief.
It’s the kind of history that gives the house a bit of extra character, don’t you think?
Later, it was owned by the McCowen family, well-known Caledonian merchants. By the 1900s, it had passed to the Fitzgeralds — The Knights of Kerry — who fondly called Barrow House their little “summer house.”
The house then went through a rough patch. As they say in Ireland, it was a bit banjaxed.
It was squatted in, repossessed by the banks, and left to deteriorate. At one point, it was even used as a marijuana grow house!
Then, in 2016, Daragh McDonogh, an Irish videographer living in London, stepped in. She bought the place at auction — sight unseen. It had “good bones” and she prayed it wouldn’t turn into a money pit.
Daragh got to work, giving the house a proper facelift while preserving its undeniable charm. She even painted the entire place herself, custom-mixing colors inspired by the sea and sand.
Now, after a bit of Irish grit and a lot of love, Barrow House has been restored to its former glory.
It’s still got that glamorous old-world feel, but with a fresh, modern twist that makes it the perfect spot for a luxe getaway.
And let’s not forget Daragh herself, who is a gem of a person. She’s accommodating, classy, witty, all with a distinct sheen of sophistication.
She’s done the house proud, and the craic is always flowing.
On top of that, Daragh knows everything about everything. She’s full of great itineraries and tips to help you out.
She made dinner and tour reservations for us. And even picked my husband up at the airport. How is that for hospitality?
It’s no wonder the locals call her Lady Barrow!
Barrow House Review: Rooms & More
Let’s take a look around the house and its beautiful rooms. Each has its own charm, so let’s see what makes Barrow House so special.
Dining Room
It may come as a surprise to some that Ireland has some top notch cuisine. You can’t beat the eating.
Well, there’s the drinking too. And Barrow House has a proper honor bar for that. More on that later.
Irish breakfasts are hearty feasts. I’m talking bacon, pastries, sausages, pancakes, pudding, all manner of eggs, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and baked beans.
It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’ll fuel you up for the day ahead. And, let’s be honest, you won’t be needing lunch after this one!
At Barrow House, you’ll find all this goodness, plus plenty of options for celiacs and vegans. Everyone can enjoy their breakfast without worry!
Breakfast starts at 8:30 am, which gives you a wee bit of time to sleep in if you’ve been out late listening to trad music.
Many of the ingredients come straight from the garden or the chicken coop, for some farm to table deliciousness. You can also custom order anything you may fancy.
Bedrooms
Barrow House has eight cozy ensuite bedrooms, each with a blend of modern and antique furniture.
You can choose from super king beds, four posters, or twin singles to suit your needs.
Every room offers a view — either the Atlantic and the Slieve Mish mountains or the lovely landscaped gardens.
And they are so much more spacious than your typical European hotel room, where you’re squashed in like sardines.
You’ll be sure to sleep soundly with crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, goose feather duvets, and firm King Koil mattresses.
Prefer a weighted blanket or hypoallergenic bedding? No problem, it’s available too.
You’ll also find still and sparkling water, along with tea and coffee-making equipment in each room.
I was in the Egret room. In the evening, I would sit in the window seat, read, and look out onto the bay. I opened my windows for the cool sea breezes.
Lounges
On the first floor of the house, there are two lounges. These are the places where you can kick back and unwind, whether it’s for reading, chatting, or just enjoying some quiet time.
The Library understood the assignment. It’s like a glamorous snug, decked out in teal with a club-like feel. This is where our lot hung out most nights.
It’s home to an honor bar, which has every known form of alcohol under the sun.
The bar works on a simple trust system. Instead of having a staffed bar or a bartender, guests are free to help themselves to however many drinks and snacks they fancy.
There’s a logbook where you write down what you’ve had. You pay via credit card or cash when you check out.
In Ireland, you’ll notice plenty of places with “Ladies” in the name, thanks to a blend of history, mythology, and local tradition.
And sure enough, Barrow House follows suit!
Unlike the rather naughty vibe of the Library, the Ladies Lounge is all about elegance and grace. Picture soft, soothing beige and gray tones, a large fireplace, and plush couches.
It’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book and let the world drift by. A proper little haven of calm and femininity.
Gardens
The gardens are bursting with charm and a touch of serenity, much like Daragh herself.
They’re a delightful mix of wildflowers, roses, antique statues, wrought iron benches, and rhododendrons the size of trees.
But it’s not all about looking pretty—there’s a practical side too. Daragh grows her own grapes, herbs, and vegetables, making the garden as useful as it is beautiful.
And the best part? You get to sample the goods at breakfast!
Fresh herbs sprinkled over your eggs, crisp vegetables in your morning spread. And if you’re lucky, maybe even some homemade jam and honey.
Screening Room
Barrow House has ditched the TVs in the bedrooms — on purpose!
You’re encouraged to step outside and enjoy the fresh air and stunning landscapes rather than get glued to a screen.
But there is a cinema room with loads of movies and free Netflix, if you need your TV fix.
This came in quite handy for us as the Olympics were on when we stayed at Barrow House.
Golfing
Fancy a round of golf? Tralee Golf Course is within easy walking distance, and is one of the Europe’s best courses.
Designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the course opened in 1984.
It’s known for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic dunes, and a challenging links-style layout with unpredictable winds. The Ryder Cup will be held there in 2027.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my review of Barrow House.
If you’ve got even a drop of Irish blood in you (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), stop faffing around and book your stay at Barrow House now. You’d be an absolute eejit to miss out on this gem!
You may find these other Ireland guides useful:
- Dublin bucket list
- 2 days in Dublin itinerary
- 3 days in Dublin itinerary
- beautiful places to visit in Ireland
- what not to do in Ireland
- guide to Trinity College & Book of Kells
- guide to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- guide to the Guinness Storehouse
- guide to the Rock of Cashel
- guide to Blarney Castle
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