Country cool in Laois

Husband-and-wife team Bernadine and James Mulhall have just relaunched Coolanowle Country House, in Co Laois, with help from the Brennan brothers on RTÉ's At Your Service (the episode will air next spring). As part of the show, an old limestone barn was transformed into an 80-person function room, and the house and cottages now sleep 30. They also produce their own organic meats, which are served to guests. There is a 10 per cent discount on function bookings made this month. coolanowle.com