Drift Farmhouse
Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Republic of Ireland
In the Irish countryside, where time slows and the light moves with intent, a family has made a home – and a living – for 160 years. Set within an undulating landscape shaped by glacial drift, this recently renovated farmhouse in Monaghan has carved space not only for light and air, but for the owner’s passion for wellness – of body and of mind. With a pool, sauna and gym/yoga studio, Drift Farmhouse is a meditation on presence that affords the ultimate luxury: clarity of thought.
Introduction
Under 90 minutes from Dublin and Belfast, this calm and understated farmstead is all about holistic wellness. Rise with the sun and start the day with yoga or meditation in the light-filled studio, followed by cardio and strength training or a swim in the indoor Endless Pool (complete with an underwater treadmill). After all the high-intensity work, rest calls: a session in the sauna, or a soak in the hot tub while you take in the views of the valley. For ultimate relaxation, make it a long, soothing massage in the wellness room.
Inside
Designed in collaboration with Alex Hoda of Studio Hoda, the house sees timber, concrete, stone and glass come together to create a thoroughly modern house that honours its agricultural roots. On the walls, sculptural wooden farm tools and monochrome photographs of the family through the generations nod to the house’s heritage, while a neutral colour palette, clean lines and minimalist walls encourage introspection. Through its many windows large and small, those inside experience a contemplative relationship with the elements.
Outside
Set within a vast landscape of drumlins – elongated hills shaped over time by glacial movement – the house hides from the world, its central lawn and gardens offering plenty of outdoor space. Unwind in the hot tub where the ruins of the farm’s original cottage stand. Or walk to the top of the hill behind the house to watch the expanse of drumlins unfold. For those with a taste for history, Drift Farmhouse is a gateway to Ireland’s east and south-east – where medieval castles, monastic sites and 5,000 years of Irish myth and legend loom large.
The Facts
- SleepsUp to 10 guests
From £3,950 per week, £2,950 per short break - Alternative group optionUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are five bedrooms, two of which have a zip-and-link bed that can be arranged as a double or a twin. In the annex, the bedroom has an en suite. In the main house, there are two family shower rooms, each shared by two bedrooms, and one additional, separate WC. If booking the smaller alternative group option, bedroom five in the annex will not be available.
View bedrooms - FeaturesIndoor Endless Pool with underwater treadmill, sauna, outdoor hot tub, multipurpose studio for yoga or gym
- PetsYes, one dog is very welcome
Pets are charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyYes, children are very welcome.
- PracticalitiesThere is private parking for up to five cars. The kitchen is well equipped, featuring two ovens, an induction hob, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, microwave, and a range of modern appliances. A well-appointed utility room includes a washing machine and tumble dryer.
- Homestay includesA luxury welcome hamper, Wi-Fi internet, Smart TV, table tennis, football goals, a firepit and firewood to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questions
Prices & Availability
Castleblayney
Located in Ireland’s north-east, Castleblayney blends lakeside serenity with historic charm. From here, arts, culture, history and nature are all close by – including Titanic Belfast, Trinity College Dublin and the Antrim coast, as well as some of Ireland´s best golf courses.
Getting there
- On the MapCastleblayney is located in County Monaghan, in the northern part of the Republic of Ireland.
- By Car From Dublin, the journey time to Drift Farmhouse is approximately an hour and a half to two hours, or just over one hour from Belfast.
- By Train A regular service can be found at Dundalk (an hour’s drive from Drift Farmhouse), with regular trains to and from Dublin and Belfast.
- By Air Dublin Airport is approximately an hour-and-a-half drive from Drift Farmhouse.
From the owner
“Our family has been living and farming here since the 1860s. In renovating Drift Farmhouse, the goal was to ensure the character of the place, and to be as true as possible to the original design. With many a family party and reunion – some of which were locally renowned – it has been a place of joy for more than a century.”
This home was a typical Irish household where my nine siblings and I were born in the 1940s and 1950s – the second generation to be raised in the old house built by my grandfather. The previous two generations grew up in a small cottage at the front of the house – you can still see its ruins. In the 1920s, outhouses were built to keep a variety of farm animals, and up to the 1980s, cows were milked in these while daily eggs came from the chickens.
In 2023, we undertook the renovation of my grandfather's old house and its outhouses to transform them into what you see today. The King family can be traced to the area as far back as the 1780s, and there are 23 grandchildren who feel Drift Farmhouse is their home – including a Wimbledon men's doubles champion. Hopefully we've ensured our legacy in Corderrybane for many years to come, and preserved a place of great importance to the family.
Terry
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Castleblayney with an insider's perspective.
To See
Dublin
Wander cobbled Temple Bar, trace Joyce’s footsteps or sip Guinness at its source. Here, Georgian squares meet tech hubs, while cosy pubs thrum with traditional music. Friendly and ever-evolving, this is a capital of conversation, culture, and unexpected charm.
To Do
Carlingford
This medieval town sits at the foot of Slieve Foy and on the shores of Carlingford Lough, both of which are worth exploring. Walk its cobbled streets past castles and ruins, taste the town´s famed oysters in its lively pubs, and immerse yourself in the area´s legend.
To See
Belfast
Discover Titanic history where it was built, explore the Cathedral Quarter’s street art and pubs, and take in The Troubles-era murals that tell stories of resilience. With industrial grit and artistic flair, Belfast blends past and future with heart and spirit.
To Eat
Snaffles, Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough
At this two AA Rosette award-winning restaurant, expect refined Irish cuisine in an elegant setting. Dishes like rump of Irish lamb with broccolini and butter poached cod with fennel and tarragon velouté are served with finesse, for fine dining with a countryside soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're curious about pet policies, the nearest walkable pubs, or wild swimming spots, we have the answers to common property-specific queries here. For everything else, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
A home in a WWII bunker?
Living Etc.
September 2025Why now is the time to book your festive party house
The Telegraph
September 202517 of the best beaches in Cornwall
The Times
September 2025Woodland oasis
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2025Friends in high places
Condé Nast Traveller
August 202525 of the best places to stay in Devon
The Times
July 202515 houses with really great interiors to book for a British holiday
House & Garden
July 2025Eleven of the UK´s best cottages with pools
The Times
July 2025
Overseas > Republic of Ireland > County Monaghan > Castleblayney > Drift Farmhouse
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
