Meet Your Host | Fiona Byrne

Meet Fiona Byrne, B&B host at Glen Na Smole Bed and Breakfast. Ideally located on the outskirts of Wicklow Town in what is known as 'The Garden of ireland', Glen Na Smole boasts a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with four tastefully decorated guest bedrooms. Fiona has been in the B&B business for over 30 years and has welcomed guests to her home from all corners of the globe. Find out more about Fiona's beautiful B&B and its perfect location in the South East of Ireland.

What are the hidden gems close to your home?

Wicklow Town has it's very own Fungi! Everyday on South Quay (in Wicklow) Sammy the Seal comes in to be fed by the Fishman on the Quay (our local Fishmonger). He is fed at regular times (12 noon, 2 p.m. etc.) and is always there punctually at the given time. A nice walk in the area is to continue along South Quay, up to the Black Castle (the remains of a Norman castle) and then continue to walk out along the coastal path of the Wicklow Golf Club to the Glen Strand. Often there are seals in the water and they will follow you all along the walk. Magic! You can then cut up to Dunbur Road and come back along this way into the town again. 

What is your favourite guest story?

Today is the first day of my 34th year in this business (I started when I was 11 lol!) and over all those years I have heard so many interesting stories, each one unique in it's own way.

What is your signature dish/food?

My USP would have to be what my Australian friends call "my boozey breakfasts". Starting off with porridge served with Baileys, then pancakes with yummy berry sauce (has Cassis in it) and to finish off Irish Whiskey marmalade! A great start to any day. The full Irish breakfast is good too!

Is there anything about your home that is quirky?

My husband and I built this house ourselves, plus all the additions that have been added over the years, so every brick, nail and piece of timber in this house has been put there by us.

Have you ever had any famous guests?

Sorry but no one more famous than me has ever stayed here!

What is your favourite thing about the area you live in?

What I like most about this area is that it is still very rural and quiet and yet we are only 2 mins off the main Dublin/Rosslare road and Dublin is less than 1 hour from here so we have everything right here in Wicklow - mountains, sea, and Dubin on our doorstep. To say nothing of the 25 top class golf courses in this County.

When you are not looking after your guests what is your favourite thing to do?

My favourite pastimes are ballroom dancing, tennis, interior decorating and reading.

What are your top three attractions in this country?

My all time favourite place in Ireland is Glendalough with the Wicklow Gap and Dingle following in close behind.

We'd like to thank Fiona for taking the time to share with us an insight into her home and the local area of Wicklow Town. To find out more on Fiona's beautiful home and its perfect location in the South East, check out Glen Na Smole Bed and Breakfast.

Stay at Glen Na Smole

Posted: 06 Mar 2015 by Niall McKee | with 0 comments

Tags: B&B Hosts, B&Bs, Wicklow