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
Drift Farmhouse 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
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- FamilyChildren and babies are 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. By Car From Belfast, the journey time to Drift Farmhouse is approximately an hour and a half to two hours, or just over one hour from Dublin. Flights are also available from most UK and international airports.
- 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.
- Eco-friendlyGround source heating, air source heat pump, heat recovery system, solar panels, biodiverse garden.
- 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 Map Castleblayney is located in County Monaghan, in the northern part of the Republic of Ireland.
- By Car Those travelling from England; Liverpool or Holyhead have ferry services over to Dublin and Belfast, so please check operators for availability. Dublin Airport is approximately an hour-and-a-half drive from Drift Farmhouse.
- 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 From Belfast, the journey time to Drift Farmhouse is approximately an hour and a half to two hours, or just over one hour from Dublin.
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.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Drift Farmhouse is a truly unique property. The property and facilities were exceptional; the attention to detail was obvious from the moment we arrived. The thoughtfully designed layout and light-filled open spaces made for a thoroughly relaxed and enjoyable stay (whatever the weather). The Endless pool, sauna, hot tub, library, games room and gym kept the whole family endlessly entertained. Drift Farmhouse provides everything guests could possibly need, plus all the extras and the luxury welcome hamper was a thoughtful touch.
This stunning property was the perfect getaway for our family celebrations. Having searched various platforms for some time, this was the only property that met all the requirements. We will cherish the memories of our stay in Drift Farmhouse forever.
We had a truly unforgettable stay at Drift Farmhouse, and the service from Unique Homestays was exceptional. There were so many thoughtful touches throughout the house that made for a really comfortable stay. The property is maintained to perfection and the facilities were fantastic for both adults and kids alike. It is a short drive to Castleblayney so the location worked really well while still offering incredible privacy. Would definitely love to stay again and would highly recommend.
The house is beautifully designed, modern yet warm — with light-filled spaces and plenty of room for our group. The kitchen was brilliantly equipped for celebratory meals, and the bedrooms were stylish and incredibly comfortable. The wellness facilities truly made the stay special. Morning yoga in the studio, swims in the Endless Pool, relaxing in the sauna, and evenings in the outdoor hot tub overlooking the valley — it felt like our own private retreat. A five-star stay we’ll always remember.
The combo of hot tub, pool, table tennis and style of property, and also a bonus that it was a short drive from Dublin just made it so wonderful. So many lovely extra touches that felt generous, the robes and slippers in rooms, the extra towels by the pool, abundance of wood for fire, wellies for walking the grounds and of course, the gorgeous Christmas tree!
We were honoured to be the second guests at Drift Farmhouse! This idyllic setting was the perfect cosy spot for our family holiday! What a special place for three generations of our family to gather. We loved cooking meals together in the beautiful kitchen, being active in the fitness room and pool, and relaxing in the sauna and hot tub. The music and dancing at the Old Coach Inn was the highlight for our 5-month old! We also loved exploring Black Island and had an incredible lunch at West Street. We made wonderful family memories that we will cherish forever and already can´t wait to come back!
Genuinely the best property we´ve stayed in - everything about the house is outstanding and a fantastic host too.
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 Drift Farmhouse and 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
Meeting the brief
Ireland´s Homes Interiors & Living
March 2026The best spa hotels that take ´OOO´ seriously
GQ Magazine
January 2026A Monaghan farmhouse transformed into a luxury getaway
The Irish Times
December 2025Spring travel news
British Travel Journal
March 2026Demand for Easter staycations soars
The Times
March 2026Better with friends
ELLE
March 2026The 26 cosiest cottages in Britain
Daily Mail
March 2026Britain is in bloom!
The Times
March 2026
Collections > Film and photoshoot locations > 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.
