2014 Award Winners FARMHOUSE OF THE YEAR 2014

Inch House, Thurles, Co Tipperary

For many people – especially families who live in cities – an Irish farm stay is just about the most idyllic holiday imaginable.

And you won’t do better than this one, which combines a large tillage farm, a lovingly restored Georgian house and a restaurant that showcases local produce, including their own home-produced black pudding which, unusually, is made with fresh blood (from Crowe’s Farm Meats near Dundrum, who also supply breakfast meats).

The house is full of interest - and there are buildings at the back awaiting restoration, including the original house; but it is the warmth and hospitality of the Egan family - with daughter Mairin now Nora's right hand woman in the house - and the sense of being at the centre of a working family farm that makes this wonderful property such a delight.