Maebh Bird

Meet Maebh Bird: Slemish Barn – Family‑Friendly Accommodation Rooted in Community, Culture and the Shadow of Slemish

In the quiet folds of the Braid Valley, where the land rises toward the unmistakable silhouette of Slemish Mountain, sits Slemish Barn - a place shaped by music, community spirit and the warmth of its hosts. At the heart of it all is Maebh Bird, whose vision and passion have transformed a family farm building into one of Mid and East Antrim’s most welcoming and culturally rich accommodation spaces.

Inspired by Community, Shaped by Need

Maebh’s journey into tourism began not with a business plan, but with a discovery she and her husband Michael kept making through their community work:
“There just weren’t good quality, budget‑friendly accommodation options for groups in our area,” she explains. “Once you realise how much it’s needed, you can’t ignore it.”

A community trip to Errigal Hostel in Donegal confirmed what was possible.
“The setup there was practical, welcoming and affordable,” Maebh says. “We realised the Braid Valley needed something similar.”

What followed was a significant and heartfelt undertaking: converting their family barn into a modern, flexible space that would serve both visitors and the community.
“Slemish Barn was born out of necessity - but also ambition,” she says. “We wanted people to have somewhere they could gather, stay, connect, and feel at home.”

A Decade of Welcoming the World

Since opening in 2014, Slemish Barn has hosted a wonderfully varied mix of guests - from international tourists to Duke of Edinburgh groups, school trips, sports teams, wedding parties and family gatherings of every kind.

“People come from all over,” Maebh says warmly. “And many leave feeling like they’ve become part of our story.”

One visit in particular stands out.
“We had a large family gathering,” she recalls. “One of the family members was terminally ill. Giving them the space to be together - somewhere peaceful, comfortable and surrounded by nature - was a privilege. Those moments stay with you.”

For Maebh, hospitality is not just about offering a place to sleep. It is about connection, kindness and memory‑making.

A Day in the Life of a Host

No two days are ever the same at Slemish Barn.
“One minute it’s hospitality, the next it’s admin, cleaning, maintenance - whatever needs done,” Maebh says with a laugh. “It’s busy, but that’s part of the joy.”

Her favourite part is always the people.
“I genuinely love helping guests feel ‘at home’,” she says. “Visitors often ask where to go, what to see, where to find great local service. Sharing those insights is something I love doing.”

Over the years, Maebh has become an informal ambassador for Mid and East Antrim, gathering stories from visitors and guiding them toward the best experiences the region has to offer.

A Rural Retreat Shaped by Landscape

Slemish Barn’s location is one of its greatest strengths. Set at the foot of Slemish Mountain, it offers a restful retreat in the heart of nature.

“We’re rural and peaceful, and guests really appreciate that,” Maebh says. “They enjoy the sense of being off the beaten track, even though everything they need is still close by.”

The setting gives visitors a chance to slow down, breathe in the landscape, and enjoy views that shift with every season.

Where Culture Lives: A Barn Filled with Music and Story

Traditional music is deeply woven into the identity of Slemish Barn. Maebh is Chair of both the Counties Antrim & Derry Country Fiddlers Associations, one of the island’s largest traditional fiddle schools. She also teaches fiddle every Saturday morning.

“The music here is cross‑community - a blend of Scottish and Irish influences,” she says. “It’s incredibly important to me.”

This cultural heartbeat has helped the Barn grow into a lively centre for arts and storytelling. It regularly hosts traditional music sessions, arts workshops, community gatherings and performances.

“There’s something magical about hearing music or stories echo through the building,” Maebh smiles. “It feels like the Barn was made for it.”

Past events have included theatre company residencies and storytelling sessions with renowned Irish storyteller Liz Weir — all adding to the Barn’s reputation as a cultural hub as well as accommodation.

Partnerships That Strengthen the Visitor Experience

Collaboration is central to how Slemish Barn supports the local tourism ecosystem.
“We work closely with local businesses for catering, activities and transport,” Maebh explains. “It’s important that visitors get to experience the whole Braid Valley and the Glens.”

These partnerships include Roots Revealed for genealogy, tour guides, and transport providers serving the Causeway Coastal Route.

The area also offers unique experiences — including nearby Game of Thrones filming sites.
“We’ve even had some of the crew stay with us,” Maebh laughs. “Guests love being so close to the real‑life Dothraki grasslands.”

People, Place and Pride

When asked what she loves most about the area, Maebh doesn’t hesitate.
“The people — definitely the people. The community here is incredibly strong and supportive.”

This sense of community shows in every part of how the Birds run Slemish Barn. Whether it’s a fire lit on arrival, a lift to a local spot, or just a friendly chat, they pride themselves on small gestures that make a big difference.

“Sometimes people book because we’re budget‑friendly,” Maebh says. “But then they arrive and are amazed by the scenery, the space and the atmosphere. Seeing their reaction never gets old.”

Shaped by Sea and Stone - and by Slemish

The “Shaped by Sea and Stone” tourism brand feels like a natural fit for Maebh’s story.

“Slemish Mountain is such a powerful symbol of this region,” she explains. “It shapes our landscape, our sense of place and our heritage. Being part of a brand that reflects that makes perfect sense.”

Words for Future Tourism Ambassadors

Maebh’s advice for anyone considering a career in local tourism is simple:
“Go for it. The council is incredibly helpful and supportive - and the wider community will be behind you.”

A Host, a Musician, a Community Champion

More than a tourism provider, Maebh Bird is a custodian of culture, music and community connection. Through Slemish Barn, she and Michael have created a place where visitors don’t just stay - they belong.

In this peaceful rural valley, they have built something lasting: a home shaped by community, shaped by creativity… and shaped by the spirit of the people who make Mid and East Antrim what it is.