What makes a great B&B? The facilities, the setting, the hosts, and the food. Rowan Tree House gets an A+ in every category.

The room and bath were cheerful, bright, clean, and spacious. (After a week of cramped rooms with tiny added-on baths, this was a source of great joy!) In addition to the usual amenities, we had a kettle to make tea or coffee and a jar of fabulous home-made oatmeal cookies. The price was comparable to all the other rural B&Bs we stayed in.

The setting is rural with a great view and a quiet lane to walk on just across the road. It is only 4 miles from Roscommon town (with castle, beautiful abbey, and nightlife, including a music festival while we were there.)

The hosts are great- welcoming and friendly but not intrusive. In the room was a list of things we were invited to do- use the garden (with pond, fountain, and bird feeder); tour the property (garden full of berries, herbs, vegetables); visit the free-range hens at the back; use the large sitting room. Need to check your e-mail? Just ask (they lent me their laptop). Trouble identifying a bird? They’ll find you a bird guide. Leslie and John are really nice, interesting people. It was a delight to meet them and share their home.

The food was outstanding- everything was home-made to the highest standard and much was home-grown. Remember those free-range hens happily laying eggs in the back garden? And the garden full of current and gooseberry bushes, herbs, strawberries, and tomatoes? Everything showed up at breakfast along with fabulous croissants and excellent coffee.

If I stay there again (which I will go out of my way to do), I will arrange to have an evening meal and I strongly advise that you do the same! I am confident that everything will be excellent.