Despite talk of a downturn in the economy, a new five star holiday village for cats is doing a roaring trade.

The Alpine Cattery which is situated in the scenic Dublin mountains at Kilternan boasts 16 architecturally designed chalets.

Piped classical music is also played throughout the day for the listening pleasure of the resident cats whose owners are away on holidays.

Former estate agent Robert Duffy and his wife Aine who love animals wanted to do something different with their life, and preferably something involving animals, so they decided to buy a secluded farm set amid rolling hills and forest and build a luxury five star holiday village for cats.

Many kennels are very basic and consist of little more than grim concrete bunkers fenced in with chicken wire. However, Robert Duffy realised that people who love their cats wanted something far better than what was on offer.

"I love cats and dogs, and myself and my father felt that there was a gap in the accommodation market, so we visited six or seven places in the UK and we even went to France to see what way they did things over there," explains Robert Duffy.

Robert Duffy had originally planned to build a luxury kennel for dogs. However, planning permission can be problematic owing to barking dogs so he opted instead for quieter life providing holiday accommodation for cats.

He later sought out the services of top architectural company Campbell Conroy Hickey who normally specialise in upmarket developments to undertake the design brief.

The end result was 16 luxury terraced chalets, three of which are family sized units that can accommodate up to four cats.

chalet

Each individual chalet is five foot wide, eight foot deep and ten foot tall and contains several floor levels.

"We opened at Christmas and we have 16 chalets. Every chalet has Weatherglaze windows and central heating.

"There is also a climbing ramp to their upstairs sleeping quarters which also leads to a great viewing ledge where they can gaze out over Kilternan valley. It is a very relaxing environment.

"We had nine guests last week and we are getting a lot of repeat business. . . Also before the cats go to bed at night we give them lots of cuddles and tickles. In no time at all they are purring and delighted and rubbing my leg," explains Robert Duffy.

Piped music from Lyric FM is played to the cats throughout the day.

"They love Lyric FM, it's so relaxing. We get some very aggressive cats who just don't like people but after a day or two they are purring."

Many cat owners who go on holidays opt to leave their pet with vets who often have kennels attached to their premises. Although cheaper at €11 a night on average, the experience can be very distressing for the cat -which can sense they are in an environment where animals are put down.

The Alpine Cattery's nightly boarding fees are priced at €18 including gourmet meals.

- Tom Prendeville