My name is Mary. I have lived here for over 30 years and I am a forager, walker, grower and Eco Tourism provider. I was previously a member of the Irish Parliament ( The Green Party) and a former Minister of Human Rights, Equality and Integration. The great outdoors and the environment is my passion. Myself and my husband Robert and Daughter Dorothy run our business Blackstairs Ecotrails. Hiking and walking in the mountains and looking after our guests in our lovely Shepherds Huts.

Our Shepherds Huts are situated in an award winning Gold standard Eco Tourism location.. Set among lovely woods with the stunning Blackstairs Mountains as a backdrop, this is a peaceful and tranquil spot to spend the night. Look out your window and see the stars free from light pollution, hear birds singing in the dawn and listen to the old trees dreaming out their stories on the wind. The location is in the grounds of the lovely 1831 Old Rectory with wlid flower meadows, a large lake, streams with an old rose garden, 5 acres of newly planted oaks and an Ogham Stone telling the story of the Celts with their own individual alphabet. We have recently been selected as one of the 100 best places to stay in Ireland (Irish Times Magazine 2017)We are situated 65 KM from Rosslare Port and 120 KM from Dublin. The nearby Barn, 50 meters from the comfy Shepherds Huts comprising Bathrooms ,Kitchen,Dining area ,large wood burning stove and chill out loft.

My neighbourhood has so many lovely walks, trails, peaceful cycle rides and places to visit. A must see is the long distance grassy towpath along the Barrow River. Here you can walk literally for miles and miles with only the river, wild, birds and the sound of the wind accompanying you. Near by is Duiske Abbey a Cistercian stronghold of long ago, Borris House the home of the McMurrough Kavanaghs and Jerpoint Abby , a splendid monastic site. If your passion is canoeing or kayaking there is ample opportunity on the River Barrow or walk the Blackstairs - lovely heather clad hills and why not have a picnic on the hill and let your cares disappear on the wind.