Hidden Ireland Autumn News

Salmon fishing has been part of life at Ballyvolane House for generations. Growing up here, the arrival of the salmon fishing season was always something to look forward to. The Munster Blackwater was once regarded as one of Ireland’s finest salmon rivers, attracting anglers from all over the world.

My late mother, Merrie Green, was a passionate salmon angler. Fishing was an important part of her life, and through her enthusiasm it became an integral part of our family history.

When my parents began welcoming paying guests to Ballyvolane House, salmon fishing was one of our main attractions. We operated several beats on the Blackwater, employed local ghillies and welcomed visiting anglers, many of whom returned year after year.

These visitors stayed for several nights, sometimes longer, enjoying not only the fishing but also the hospitality, landscape and traditions of the Blackwater Valley. Their visits supported local ghillies, tackle suppliers, pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers.

It was a wonderful example of rural tourism working in harmony with our natural heritage.

A River That Has Changed Beyond Recognition

Sadly, over the past twenty years, wild Atlantic salmon stocks have declined so dramatically that the angling tourism business we once knew has virtually disappeared.

Today, we can no longer rely on salmon fishing to attract guests to Ballyvolane House. The decline has affected not just our business but an entire network of people and communities whose livelihoods were once connected to the river.

And the Munster Blackwater is far from alone. Across Ireland, once-famous salmon rivers have experienced similarly worrying declines.

For those of us who remember these rivers in better times, the loss is deeply saddening.

What Has Happened to Our Salmon?

Read more ›

We are delighted to share details of the Historic Houses of Ireland (HHI) Autumn School, taking place at beautiful Durhamstown Castle in Co. Meath on Wednesday, 21st October.

The event brings together owners and custodians of historic properties, heritage professionals, tourism leaders and conservation experts for a day of lively discussion, shared experiences and networking.

This year’s programme features an impressive line-up of speakers, including Alice Mansergh of Tourism Ireland, renowned chef and restaurateur Richard Corrigan, food writer Georgina Campbell, author and conservationist Eoghan Daltun, and Eoghan O’Mara Walsh of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, among others.

Discussions will explore some of the most important issues facing Ireland’s historic houses, including heritage tourism, conservation, biodiversity and advocacy, with a particular focus on ensuring that these remarkable properties remain vibrant, sustainable and relevant for future generations.

The Autumn School is open to everyone with an interest in Ireland’s built and natural heritage, whether you own a historic property, work in tourism or simply enjoy visiting our wonderful country houses.

Read more ›

We are delighted to be welcoming the Castlelyons Santa Experience & Christmas Market 2026 to Ballyvolane House on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November. Organised by Castlelyons Community Council, the event promises to be a wonderfully festive weekend for families, with Ballyvolane transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland for the occasion. Visitors can look forward to a magical Santa Experience, along with a Christmas Market featuring festive stalls, seasonal treats and plenty of Christmas atmosphere throughout the grounds. The event is being organised by Castlelyons Community Council, with the support of local volunteers and businesses, and we’re delighted to be hosting it here at Ballyvolane House.

Read more ›