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Self Catering Sleeps up to 7 people + cot Bedrooms 3 double 1 single
Children Welcome
  Pet
Friendly
 Wheelchair Access
A Warm Welcome
Knee Hi Farm is a bright and spacious self-catering house on a working free-range farm. A newly rated 4 star farmhouse. We are located approximately half a mile from the picturesque village of Collinstown in the county of Westmeath in Ireland.
The 17.5 acre farm enjoys a large frontage onto Lough Lene, a Blue Flag Lake with “gin clear” water and great fish stocks. Lough Lene is famous for fly fishing and has a natural head of wild brown trout (in season) and good pike fishing all year round. Guests can enjoy fishing from the lake shore or take the boat out and tour the lake. Daily membership for the lake can be purchased in the village shop. Lough Lene is one of the best
fishing locations in Ireland. We are also close to Lough Derravaragh (9km), Lough Owel (19km) and Lough Ree (50km). Knee Hi Farm offers very competitive rates for a luxury stay in the heart of Ireland.
The farm house is a modernised traditional cottage and extends to over 1700 sq. ft., with a large open plan kitchen, dining and living area, 3 double bedrooms, one single bedroom, and 3 bathrooms, 2 of them ensuite.
The accommodation is suitable for up to 7 people.
Situated 101 km from Dublin Airport, via the M4 or the new M3 motorways, it is a drive of one hour and fifteen minutes from Dublin City Centre. In addition to fishing, guests can enjoy golf, horse-riding, visits to historic gardens and archaeological sites. The Maypole pub in the village is within walking distance and the large market town of Mullingar is a twenty minute drive.
THE FARM
 The house is set on 17.5 acre free-range farm overlooking Lough Lene. A half a mile away, on a straight wide country road called Lake View Road, lies the village of Collinstown. The farm stretches from the house, which is set back from the roadway, down to the shore of Lough Lene. Rare Saddleback pigs and
Kerry Hill Sheep are the only farm animals. The distinctive black and white Saddleback pigs are corralled on a few acres at a distance from the house. They happily root for vegetation and roll in a mud bath. There is one boar and three breeding sows. Piglets are born to each sow about twice a year. The small herd of curly fleeced Kerry Hill Sheep roam free on the farm, but are adept at running when people approach. They are a striking
breed with black noses and panda eyes. Every evening the herd, numbering about a dozen, cautiously come closer to the house and rest nearby for the night so as to avoid the local fox. The sheep do not bleat loudly as they are a quiet breed.
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Fishing in Westmeath
Lough Lene, Co. Westmeath
Our farm has extensive lake frontage, we have a boat available and membership of the Lough Lene Angling Association.
A Gillie can be provided if required.
Lough Lene is situated in North Westmeath between the villages of Castlepollard and Collinstown. The lake is described in Lewis's Topographical as being an irregular oval shape, possibly 2 miles long by 1 mile broad. A freshwater lake, most sources focus on the clarity of the water, with the term "gin clear" being used frequently to describe it. It sits approximately 312 ft above sea level and covers approximately 430 hectares with depths
to 20m. Lough Lene has regularly been awarded the blue flag for water quality by the E.E.C. This lake holds a good head of wild trout and this is complimented by regular stocking. Trout to 5lbs weight are not uncommon and the largest recorded trout was a 6lbs. fish taken in March. There are extensive shallows all over and particularly around the islands in the middle. Lough Lene holds a small stock of very large trout, averaging up to 3.5
lbs with fish up to 12 lbs having been taken. Duck fly, murrough and green peter are all prominent and fishing, as is often the case in these midland lakes, can often be most productive around dusk. Fishing takes place on Lough Lene from 1st March to September 30th, on Lough Bane from 1st March to September 30th, on White Lough from 1st March to September 30th. All fly fishing methods are allowed. Best Flies: March Brown., Sooty Olive,
Duckfly, Golden Olive, Bibio, Peter Ross, Black Pennell, Buzzers, Mallard and Claret, Green Peter, Murrough and Cock Robin.
Local Tackle Shop
Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.
The Lough Lene Angling Association was founded in 1958 by local anglers to protect and develop the fishing on the lake. Fishing permits can be purchased in the local Gala store in Collinstown, the shop is open 7 days a week.
Collinstown
 Collinstown is a picturesque village overlooking Lough Lene. It has a central square that is created by the buildings around the crossroads at the heart of the village being set back from the road.
The numerous ring forts in the locality suggest that Collinstown has been inhabited from stone-age times. During early Christian times a community of nuns lived in the area, which is how the village takes its Gaelic name “Baile na gCailleach” town of veiled women. In the past the town was referred to irreverently as "the town of the hags.” There was once a convent established on the Nun's island of nearby Lough Lene, which may be where
the name was derived from. Collinstown was also known in the past as Maypole. This historical name was borrowed by the Maypole pub (my favourite) situated in the town square.
 Collinstown has been an inhabited area from pre-Christian times, as the presence of a number of Ringforts and other historic relics testifies. Though some are now overgrown they may be seen on the high ground surrounding Lough Lene. The area contains ancient burial-grounds associated with Saint Colman who was responsible for 7 early Christian cells, of which Lene and Carric are in the vicinity of Collinstown. Christian mass paths, and
styles by which pilgrims travelled on foot through fields to Sunday mass date date from the penal times. Turgesius the Viking had a fortress built nearby, upon the main Lough Lene Island.
Collinstown also has historic links with several religious orders: the Irish name Baile na gCailleach is based on an association with the convent on the second island on Lough Lene. Nearby, to the north is the village of Fore and the religious and monastic complex of Fore Abbey.
Attractions
Westmeath: Is famous for its rivers and lakes, from the Shannon and Lough Ree to the Mullingar lakes and the Royal Canal. All sorts of watersports can be enjoyed in the county as well as some of the finest golf and equestrian facilities in the country. Top class angling is available throughout Westmeath with all species of coarse fish and brown trout. Athlone Castle,
Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Fore, Dun na Si and Lockes Distillery are some major attractions. Athlone and Mullingar are touring centres and are ideal for short breaks with a wide variety of visitor entertainment, quality restaurants, shopping and other activities.
 Fishing: Our farm has extensive lake frontage, we have a boat available and membership of the Lough Lene Angling Association.
A Gilly can be provided if required.
Golf: Our farm is ideally situated close to a number of top class golf courses:
10 km (11 mins away)
Delvin Castle , located in Delvin village, is an 18 hole golf course in the mature parkland of Clonyn Castle, with many mature trees and a number of holes over water. Delvin is truly a unique course in a historic setting.
19 km (22 mins away)
Mullingar Golf Club, located, at Belvedere on the outskirts of town is the work of famous Scottish designer James Braid. Although some “cosmetic” changes have been made since its creation in 1935 Mullingar is as essentially as its designer intended. A championship challenge set in old wooded and delightful undulating parklands. Generous rolling fairways wind their paths through mature timbers.
17 km (18 mins away)
Ballinlough Castle Golf Club, located near Clonmellon, is probably the most natural course you will play, with a mixture of sand and traditional greens meandering through 180 acres of mature parkland, with just a hint of water, that will prove to be a test for golfers of all levels.
Equestrian Facilities:
2 km (47 mins away)
Kilbeggan Racecourse in Westmeath, has the distinction of being the only racecourse in Ireland where horse racing is over jumps under National Hunt rules. See this peaceful town spring to life on race evenings as crowds gather in eager anticipation of the excitement, fun and thrill of the race.
42 km (47 mins away)
Mullingar Equestrian Centre, located close to the town, specializes in show jumping and cross-country riding with weekly shows and an international show in June each year. Our young rider programme with English tuition May - Sept in our language centre for 10 - 18 year olds and 18 - 22 year olds is highly recommended. Fully supervised accommodation. Advanced clinics and individual adult programmes available.
Places we love to visit:
7 km (9 mins away)
Tullnally Castle, beside Castlepollard. The gardens, like the castle are on a magnificent scale, taking in nearly 12 hectares. Terraced lawns around the castle overlook superb 18th century parkland. The adjoining woodland gardens and walled gardens date largely from the early 19th century and encompass a grotto of eroded limestone from nearby Lough Derravaragh and two ornamental lakes. The walled gardens have extensive flower borders and
an avenue of magnificent 200 year old Irish yews.
16 km (18 mins away)
Loughcrew near the town of Oldcastle, Co. Meath. The cairns at Loughcrew form the largest complex of passage graves in Ireland. The Cairns are megalithic structures originally built about 4000 BC as burial chambers.
6 km (7 mins away)
Fore Abbey situated just north of the farm house is a christian monastery that was founded around 630 AD, by 665 AD over 300 monks lived around the abbey. The monastery was burnt more than 12 times by the Vikings, but was continually rebuilt.
LOCATION
We are located approximately 1 KM from the village of Collinstown. Our address is Lake Road, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath. On the Lake Road we are the 5th (occupied) house on the left after Collinstown graveyard. The house as a terracotta roof and looks down on the lake.
Getting here is easy via motorway. We are in between the M3 and the M4 motorways. Either of these motorways are accessible from the M50, which means you can leave Dublin Airport and be in Collinstown in around an hour.
If you have come via the M3 motorway then when you get to the roundabout at the end of M3, take the N52 as far as Delvin (see if you can spot the former homestead of the Duke of Wellington, just before Delvin on the right). At the church in Delvin turn right, then through Drumcree and when you get to Collinstown, turn right in the village.
The M4 motorway is is easily accessible from the M50, just head west on the M4 and 40 mins. later you are at the Mullingar Bypass, take the last Mullingar/Castlepollard turn and head north towards Castlepollard, this is the R394. This is where you should slow down, the next 20 minute drive is through the rolling hills of Westmeath.
After Crookedwood village you’ll seen a large white wall with a pair of large eagles on the gate, the turn for Collinstown is just after that on the right. 6 KM to go. Collinstown. Straight through village and were half a mile up on the left over looking the lake.
Alternatively if you are lucky enough to have a motor bike then join the many tours of the N52 from Dublin, to Trim, to Athboy, to Delvin. Then take the R396 from Delvin towards Castlepollard. Straight through the village of Drumcree, Collinstown is only a few miles at this point. When you have arrived at the village turn left and were half a mile up on the left over looking the lake.
PS. It always helps to get a map. Drive safely.
 click to view map
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RATES
DUE TO THE CURRENT RECESSION WE ARE OFFERING A SPECIAL DISCOUNT OF 10% ON ALL OUR RATES
Please see main website for up to date prices
The trout fishing season in Lough Lene is from March 1st till September 30th. Pike fishing is all year around. The house contains 3 large bedrooms (2 en suite), with 3 King size double beds, 1 bedroom with a double bed. Suitable for 7 people in comfort. We also provide use of a native American Tipi, which can sleep 4 in comfort, if you fancy sleeping out, weather permitting.
Permits for fishing are available in the village shop for a nominal fee. The boat and services of a gilly are extra. Just let us know your requirements.
November, December, January, February Weekly rate €650.00 Discount rate €590.00
March, April, May, September, October Weekly rate €750.00 Discount rate €680.00
June, July & August Weekly rate €850.00 Discount rate €770.00
The house is available to rent all year around.
Weekly rates run from Saturday to Saturday.
Short Breaks 3 Nights @ 70% of relevant weekly price.
CONTACT US
For further information and availability please email me
Kieran Finnerty
prompt reply assured
Or call me on +353861733555
Thank you for your interest
Knee Hi Farm
Lake Road,
Collinstown,
Co. Westmeath
Visit our website - www.kneehifarm.com
When contacting Knee Hi Farm please say you saw their advert on www.Fish-uk.com. Thank you. |
