This past weekend I made my third trip of the year to Athlone and its indoor athletic arena. Rather than tackle a one day return trip as on the the first two occasions I decided to treat myself to an overnight stay. The establishment selected goes under the name of Augherea House and it is situated on the outskirts of Longford.
The B & B business is operated from a converted stable block behind and to the right of the Georgian house. It isn't a huge venture, four bedrooms all on the first floor of the conversion. On the ground floor there is a large and airy breakfast room/sitting area as well as the necessary domestic offices. Mine host informed me that he had raised the height of the building by some four feet so that he could make maximum use of the first floor.
I had read a few laudatory reviews of the breakfasts. These proved to be totally accurate. I succumbed to fresh fruits followed by scrambled egg with salmon and wild mushrooms garnished with fresh herbs and a baby tomato.
The access to the first floor is via an open tread staircase. Slightly disconcertingly the single bannister is on the wall side. I suppose this feature is a nod to the original use of the first floor as a hay store, but it is perhaps something that would not be over appealing to crumblies and families with young children.
Adjoining the stable yard there is a walled garden with impressively tall walls. Unfortunately this is lying fallow. It cries out to be brought back into production.
The Georgian house was constructed circa 1785 and is a five bay two storey residence over basement.
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