Boat house

Stayed at Carton House last night, great value (same price as a meal out, for meal+B&B), if a little cold.

The lake was created for Queen Victoria because she had a dream about being on a lake at Carton House, so they created one for her, well for some.

Beautiful house and estate, the plaster work etc. is all still there and you can stay in the old rooms if you wish. Only 40mins from home, very handy escape.

The modern additions are hidden by mature trees, you can walk freely around the old house (except the guests bedrooms), so its hard now to see what the controversy was about in 2000: As far as I can see anyone can come in for a walk, drink etc, not at all exclusive and open to all, at no cost to the state.