Alternative New Year’s Eve: Longford

The Stables is a modernist getaway in what was once the Stableyard of Newcastle House, a manor house on the banks of the River Inny, a tributary of the river Shannon.

Situated just outside Ballymahon, it’s a short stroll from the townland of Pallas, reputed to be the birthplace of Oliver Goldsmith.

The accommodation features two houses that can rented separately or together.

It’s more fun if you get a gang together and bring the kids as well as someone committed to babysitting duties on New Year’s Eve so no one has to leave the party early.

You’re surrounded by forest so you can make as much noise as you like and dance til dawn without putting anyone out save the local birdlife and deer, the former will likely repay you in kind at dawn.

The cedar-clad part of the property comprises an open-plan living sitting room and kitchen.

A concrete glass box bunker the space is virtually indestructible and has already been tested on many occasions.

Upstairs, one of the four bedrooms feels like a big dorm and there is plenty of space for a clatter of kids to bunk down together. In total, this house can sleep 10.

Across the yard is another house that sleeps eight. With 28 kilometres of trails, the surrounding Newcastle Forest is great for tramping off the NYE hangover.

See stablesselfcatering.com