An abundance of green greets you when you enter the Georgian village of Tyrellspass. I’m always attracted to a village that is centred around a village green space. Simply because it is a welcoming, peaceful area, with a place to sit, relax, and enjoy the picturesque surrounds of it’s neat shops, Victorian houses, and early 19th-Century Church. Steeped in history with Tyrellspass Castle and Belvedere House only fifteen minutes away, it is a strategic location, adjacent to the M6 Dublin Galway Road. The Village Barn, an alternative wedding venue, has drawn a lot of new visitors to the area where Brownes on the Green has already established itself. The new Cloncrow Bog Trail, which starts and ends at Tyrellspass Castle, is a great way to explore the village.
The Village Barn
It took me several walks down Tyrellspass’ main street to discover this hidden gem: the Village Barn, which is tucked away behind a bar. The present landowner, Peter Deegan, transformed the area which was formerly a bakery, a grocery shop and bar and it is now leased it to the Smyth family. David Smyth added a fully equipped kitchen to the barn itself, to cater for weddings, corporate events and family occasions. Run by the Smyth family for the last number of years, according to Emma Smyth: “We transformed it into a thriving wedding business, hosting two or three weddings every week.” With its eclectic and unique design, it can accommodate up to 160 guests. The venue has a personal, vintage kitchen retor look that makes it feel very intimate. This is achieved with its mix-match chairs and unique cosy design. Have a look inside here.
The Main Barn area
The Village Barn, the alternative wedding venue
Everything about it is family-oriented, even the food. There is a feeling of ‘gathering around the kitchen table with your family’, and the main course is a sharing platter. Emma explains; “Everything is made from scratch. It’s for people who are looking for something more relaxed for their wedding day”. With its charming fairy-lit gardens and surroundings, the outdoor green area comes to life, especially at night. The location of their civil ceremony is known as “The Sanctuary.” A serene area with elevated seating for musicians or additional seating and pews with a church vibe.
The Orangery
One of my favourite spots is “The Orangery” since it provides the much-needed quiet space for those “catch-up” talks. It is here where the drinks reception takes place, looking out onto the lawn. Photographic opportunities abound, with the 1970s Volkswagen T2 Camper Wedding Van offering the greatest of them all. “Dad is the only one allowed to drive that,” Emma tells me, laughing. “The bride arrives in the green Volkwagen, which has seats made of smooth cream leather”. A strong working relationship exists with another family-run business, Brownes on the Green, which is directly across the road.
Brownes on the Green
“There is mutual support, collaborating with The Barn.” Collete Clear, from Brownes on the Green is happy to to mention that they are happy to work in tandem with The Village Barn, in terms of accomodation and as a place for guests to eat. Brownes, a popular restaurant with quality food, is located next to a crescent of houses, one of which is the old courthouse, and looks out over the green. It is a family-run business, which has extended to Tullamore with ‘Brownes The Venue’ and ‘Brownes The Bistro.’ Owned by Padraig Browne and his wife Mary, their daughters, Patricia and Mary Joe are both head chefs in the Tullamore venues. Their three cattle farms—two in Mullingar and one in Kilbeggan—are managed by their son Sean, who adheres to the “farm to fork” practise. Colette explains “Brownes on the Green are a great place to stop-off for buses on the road to the west. There is plenty of places place to park, stretch the legs and grab a bite to eat”.
Brownes on the Green
Cloncrow Bog and Village Trail
If you need more reasons to stay for a night or two in Tyrellspass, there is the new easily accessible Cloncrow Bog trail that encircles the village. Cloncrow Bog and Village Trail begins and ends at Tyrrellspass Castle and passes through a range of diverse habitats. For the casual walker, it is bounded by bog woodland, where native woodland has naturally recolonized on the cutaway areas, and supports a rich biodiversity of Butterflies, Moths, Birds, and Insects. The Trail continues through the Heritage Village of Tyrrellspass, highlighting many architectural, historic and heritage sites.
Nearby attractions
There is easy access to Loughs Ree, Owel, Ennel, Sheelin and Derravaragh, among others. Golfers will not be left out either, with no shortage of nine and 18-hole courses within a short drive of the village. Belvedere House is within a fifteen minute drive, while Kilbeggan Distillery is just ten minutes away.
