Eyes of Emerald Green in Kilkenny Town, Kilkenny

Eyes of Emerald Green Self-Catering

Sitting in between a golf course fairway and a walled garden, this home has some pretty green views and the interior has been arranged to reflect that. All of the bedrooms are on the ground floor and the living quarters sit on the level above, benefitting from the panoramas and natural light that come with this elevated position.

This first floor feels inherently sociable thanks to the open-concept layout, with plenty of space for relaxing, dining or cooking up a storm in the contemporarily styled kitchen. The design leans towards tradition, with simple statement pieces and artworks doing the heavy lifting. If the weather's on your side during your visit, there's a balcony on which you can sip coffee with the sunshine on your skin, but if you're heading here during the cooler months, there's an electric fire you can hunker down next to instead.

The home itself sits within a Georgian estate that offers plenty of distractions. As well as the aforementioned golf course — designed by Jack Nicklaus, no less — it's possible to fish on the River Nore, as well as go horse riding, enjoy spa treatments or try falconry or archery. And what could be a better way of ending a productive day than a meal in one of the three onsite restaurants?

Home truths:
*The home is spread over two floors, so it might not be suitable for guests with reduced mobility
* Small well-behaved dogs might be permitted to accompany you during your stay with prior approval
*There's parking available on the premises
*The garden is shared with other guests