The History of Ardmore House Kinnitty Offaly.
Ardmore House in Kinnitty is a charming property with a rich and colourful history. Built around 1840 by the Bernard family—then the local landlords residing in what is now Kinnitty Castle Hotel—the house has long been a landmark in the village. Originally constructed as a residence for the local doctor, it was first rented to the County Council for the modest sum of two shillings and sixpence per year. Eventually, the Council purchased the property outright for just fifteen shillings. It continued to serve as the doctor’s residence right up until the mid-1950s, playing an important role in the community’s health and wellbeing for over a century.
I first became captivated by Ardmore House while teaching in Mountmellick. I would pass the property regularly on my drives home to visit my parents. Even then, despite its bold purple paint and the dense screen of towering evergreen trees that surrounded it, the house held a certain charm that always caught my eye. It had an air of quiet dignity and potential that I never forgot.
In 1993, after spending time living and working in New Zealand, I returned to Ireland—and quite serendipitously, Ardmore House came up for sale. I saw it as the perfect opportunity to make a long-held dream a reality. Without hesitation, I purchased the property with the intention of transforming it into a warm and welcoming bed and breakfast in the heart of Kinnitty.
Since then, Ardmore House has been a true labour of love. Each year has brought new improvements, large and small, to help create a more comfortable and memorable stay for guests. From restoring original features to enhancing the garden and guest spaces, I’ve taken pride in gradually shaping the house into the inviting guesthouse it is today.
