White Strand Lodge

White Strand Lodge

White Strand Lodge

Intimate and Informal for Two

Book This Home

County Clare

From a derelict Victorian gate lodge, this contemporary restoration celebrates its origins, in a unique location overlooking White Strand Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Just 50 minutes from Shannon Airport, in the Banner County, home of Traditional Irish music, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, this is the consummate hideaway for a romantic break.

 

Stylish yet restrained

In this cottage the traditional stucco cottage walls continue on the interior, and together with the local Liscannor stone floors that feature throughout, create a natural bridge to the outside world – assisted of course by full-height panoramic glazed doors that wrap around the corner of the seating area.

Underfloor heating is supported by a magnificent free-standing wood-burning stove.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    2 guests
    From €2,400 per week
  • Bedrooms
    One double bedroom
    Bathroom
    Indoor & outdoor shower rooms
  • Other Rooms
    Living room
    Kitchen area
    Patio area
  • Features
    Wood-burning stove, Pizza oven
    Outdoor stove & BBQ
    Outdoor Seaweed Bath & shower
    Ocean views

  • CHECK HERE

For sandy showers – and this is that kind of location – there are two enclosed shower options, one is open to the stars. We love the beautifully hand finished walls.

Audacious use of exposed and unfinished natural materials such as rustic timber, stonework or gleaming copper, combine elements of the yesteryear with today’s Steam Punk style.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Electric oven
• 2 ring induction hob
• Fridge-freezer
• Microwave

Bedrooms

• One double bed
• Showers – indoor and outdoor

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• Flat-screen TV

Other

• Selection of books
• Children’s travel cot

​The extended living space that is the back garden patio allows you to conclude your day by enjoying oriental bathing in the oversized ‘Ofuro’ outdoor seaweed bath – with hand harvested seaweed from the shores of Spanish Point. The deep design is perfect for a full-body immersion, and straight after, pop under the plunge bucket shower to re-energize.

Dining al fresco has never been easier, with Barbecue and muti-sided chic wood burning stove to warm the cockles.

 

The lodge shares a gritty drive with Armada Farm, a fascinating project which celebrates a no-dig sustainable form of growing, notably by feeding the soil with loads of sea weed.

This gives the produce the traditional flavours delivered for generations of farming along this coast.

During your stay you’ll be greeted by various animals which could include Alpacas, donkeys, sheep and lambs.

Provisional Booking Form

Mid-week bookings run from Monday PM till Friday AM – 4 nights
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday

A refundable breakages deposit payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

Rates Table

Per week Weekend
September to May € 2,400 € 1,295
June to August € 2,800 Not Available

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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  • Please note all booking requests are subject to 24 hour approval.
  • Once your provisional booking has been placed, the UIH team will verify it, answer any specific queries you may have, and request a deposit to lock in your dates.
  • Please note if your provisional booking is not confirmed and the deposit paid within 3 days it will expire.
  • If your preferred dates are not available, click here to review alternate options.
  • For additional information please contact us on +353 85 860 0027

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Young children – are welcome
Pets – Please inform us of the breed

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Out & About

 
Golf, Beaches, Cliffs and Craic – what’s not to love about County Clare?

Lahinch Golf Club

Miltown Malbay, Ennistymon, Doolin and Ennis all host farmers markets where you can taste and purchase homemade local produce such as farmhouse cheese, chutneys and free-range home bakin.

The Willie Clancy Festival – starts first Saturday in July every year – is a week long Traditional Music & dancing festival with classes and events on throughout.

Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 
The small town of Miltown Malbay, a three-minute drive away, caters for visitors, three supermarkets and as many restaurants. It’s one of the centres of traditional Irish music and has a selection of pubs with regular traditional entertainment.

The town is home to the annual Willie Clancy Summer School and Festival, held annually since 1973 in memory of and to honour the uilleann piper Willie Clancy.

photo: Zinnman

It is less than 1km to White Strand Beach. This relatively small sandy beach with a rocky shoreline has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award on a number of occasions, and has a summer life guard on duty. There is a beautiful easy cliff walk which starts here.

A few minutes further South is the beach at Spanish Point which is better for surfers. It is so named after the Spanish who died here in 1588, when many ships of the Spanish Armada were wrecked during stormy weather.

photo: lukemcurley

Lahinch beach, 10 minutes north, is a long golden strand directly facing the swells of the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, it is one of Ireland’s most popular surfing beaches.

A bit further on are the Cliffs of Moher. Peaking at 213 metres high, and stretching south for nearly eight km, the dramatic cliffs are probably the most visited tourist site in Ireland.

They are home to an immense number and a variety of nesting seabirds, including the only mainland colony of breeding Atlantic Puffins in Ireland, a species on the decline elsewhere in Europe.

Farther North, 35 minutes from the lodge, comes the Burren with its strange karst landscape consisting of limestone slabs divided by crevices (or grikes). It is famous for its remarkable collection of animals and plants, including orchids and the European Pine Marten.

This is Ireland’s most important cave area, where only one river manages to reach the sea without being swallowed into a sink hole. More than 35 miles of cave passages have been surveyed and some can be explored for nearly seven miles.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

 

Doolin Ferries and Cliffs of Moher Cruises both operate a passenger ferry service to The Aran Islands from Liscannor and Doolin during the months of April to October.

Trips to the two smaller islands of Inisheer at 11km or Inishmaan are make for terrific days out, but to appreciate the cliff fortress of Dun Aengus, a stop-over on Inishmore makes sense.

Dun Aengus photo: Tourism Ireland

The renowned songwriter and entertainer Percy French has long been associated with County Clare. In the late 1800s, he was badly delayed on a journey from Dublin to a gig in Kilkee when his train broke down making him some 5 hours late for the show. He successfully sued the Railway, and the incident led to the song Are ye right there Michael? which became one of the most popular numbers in his repertoire.

How to get there – Car advised..

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – about 3 hrs from the cottage
Cork Airport – approx 2 and half hrs from the cottage.
Shannon Airport – about 50 mins from the cottage.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and about 3 hrs from the cottage
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is also about 4 hrs from the cottage.

​

Map

Cloughboy Cottage

Cloughboy Cottage

Cloughboy Cottage

Picture-perfect coastal escape

Book this home

County Donegal

This dazzling designer holiday cottage, notched into the southern slopes of the rugged Loughros Peninsula, boasts spectacular views across tidal sands and oyster farms to Assaranca waterfall and Slievetooey Mountain beyond.

The garden is six acres of moorland, indigenous wild flowers and grasses, on a rocky slope that is separated from the tidal shoreline by a narrow yet populous fenced road and a stretch of boggy pasture.
Here you are never far from fine food, fine sand and the cries of wheeling seabirds.

 

Comfortable in its surroundings

A generous double height atrium at the central core of this contemporary cottage, serves as open plan living and dining area.
Here, an eclectic mix of leather and antique sofas, invite cosy evenings of family games, or just lapping up the idyllic panoramas across Loughros Beg Bay through French doors that hinge out onto the front terrace.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 9 guests
    From €1,540 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Three Double Bedrooms
    All ensuite with Shower
    One with Multi-Access Guest Bathroom
    One Twin Bedroom
    Ensuite with Shower
  • Other Rooms
    Open Plan Living/Dining Area

    Sitting Room
    Kitchen

  • Contempo
    Parking For Five

  • CHECK HERE

To the other side of this large room a substantial oak table surrounded by classic Cassina Cab leather chairs, can comfortably seat eight to ten for dinner.

A black granite worktop spanning the rear wall accommodates a stainless steel sink, with built in dishwasher and drinks fridge beneath.

A tidy galley kitchen adjoins the dining area, housing a complete range of choice electric appliances and utilities inside solid oak presses.

Light and warmth flooding through the huge skylight that crowns the apex above our heads, bounces off white walls and is finally absorbed by the black slate floor during the day, to be radiated back at night.

Built-in storage units and sideboard are in solid oak, setting a theme for the rest of the furniture.
A long sitting room, with more uninterrupted views of the bay and relaxing bed sofas, follows through from the main atrium, and leads to the barbeque area.

There are two wonderful double bedrooms at either end of the ground floor linking to the central area via ensuite bathroom lobbies. All showers are power assisted.

Styling throughout the house is clean, modern and minimal, with under floor heating adding a subtle cosiness.

The prevailing feature of the interior is an elevated bridge spanning the atrium.

Accessed by a stylish, skeletal open-tread stairway, the catwalk links a twin bedroom with another double bedroom in the attic.
Both have ensuite shower rooms, and multiple velux windows provide ample daylight.

Facilities

Equipped with everything you would expect from a five star family home – from travel cot to microwave, satellite TV, wi-fi broadband and DVD. There is currently no clothes dryer.

If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us..

Outside

Enjoy spectacular views from the patio, with oak garden furniture and a large charcoal barbeque.

The grounds remain purposefully natural with grass, heathers, fuschia, escallonia and wild flowers, including orchids in season.
Although not visible from the cottage, you will need to cross a narrow fenced road that services the many cottages on the peninsula and cross a stretch of boggy pasture to reach the seashore. It’s not suitable for swimming at this point, but it’s great for collecting mussels at low tide. A healthy walk across the head brings you to Trabane, the nearest swimming beach.
Cormorants, sea birds, choughs, seals and an otter can be seen from the house. Dolphins also visit the bay occasionally.

Restrictions

Smoking – no, sorry
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.
Pets – No, sorry, sheep and lambing environment.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, except as follows:
Mid-week bookings run from Monday PM till Friday AM – 4 nights
Weekend breaks run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday.

Rates for Public Holidays 2023:
Easter Week 8th- 15th April 2023 – €2,000
Halloween  28th October- 4th November 2022 – €2,000
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €2,000
New Years’ 29th December 2022 to the 2nd January 2023  –€2,000

A refundable breakages deposit of €350 is payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure, provided all is in order.

June to September €2,000 per week minimum stay –
October to May €1,650 per week Weekend €1000 Mid-week €1000

 

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE – BOOKED

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Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

Available
Booked
Pending
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Reviews

 

I have rented villas…

and homes now for a few decades so always happy to revert when the feedback is positive. The aspect and comfort of cottage makes for a great stay with the spectacular view from front a real highlight.
Hard to find fault with anything. I guess the only 2 items that might be worth mentioning ( although minor in the overall scheme of things ) are :- Bathroom in Master bedroom downstairs does not seem to have any ventilation . Window there does not seem to be designed to open ?
Thanks, we didn’t realise the handle was broken – it’s all sorted now…Ed
– The outdoor slabs out front look old ( and with lots of weeds ) compared to lovely patio at side of house . Weather was cool and breezy so we did not get opportunity to sit out but if we did , a minor upgrade to this area would be well worth the investment.
We did a bit of weeding too but will look at upgrading seats at front patio as it’s definitely the best view!..Ed

Jill O’Mahony, July 2020

Imagine our delight …

in the view from the front room of this beautiful cottage. Every morning we would be amazed at the shifting sand patterns caused by tidal surges from the night before.
This home is located midway along Loughross Point, a spit of land out from the township of Ardara. It is a comfortable place to stay to explore the region. We visited Donegal, Northern Ireland including the dark hedges (aka King’s Road in Game of Thrones), Giants Causeway, the Grianan of Aileach (or Ailigh), Killybegs, and Glenveagh National Park. We covered a lot of County Donegal and it was gorgeous.
Our host, Kathy, was amazing and super friendly on the morning we woke to find we had no hot water. She came to our rescue in a flash. This was our mistake entirely as we were too hot during the night and turned off the heating only to find that the house heating the the hot water are run on the same system. Silly us. Don’t let this deter you from this wonderful place, just make sure you get the lowdown on the hot water boost system!
We’ll be back to visit soon, with a plein air painting kit and fly fishing rods!

Anne Maree Healey, June 2018

Every time I glance out of the windows, the scene has changed and I am compelled to pause and then let go as the new light and water shift and create anew the mountains and the bay.
I will miss this magical place, but have tucked in my heart many memories to return to and cherish always.”

A lovely few days –

“We swam everyday and have hardly seen another soul.
We love this house; its got everything you could possibly need (except a boat and maybe a horse)!
We came here to write and have been inspired and distracted by the landscape in equal measures.
We’re already thinking about when to come back.
Many thanks”
Harriet and Kate – June 2014 – London

Click here for reviews on using Cloughboy in Search for Posts

Out & About

 

Donegal is wild, mountainous and steeped in history, with the softest people and a generous helping of experiences yet un-had..
We just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

Here are some of our favourites…

The Locality

 

Ardara 7 km down the road, is the nearest village for shopping, charming pubs, cafes and restaurants. The town is best known for its tweed and knitting production, but also renown for an unending chain of festivals.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

A 30 minute walk to Loughros Point at the end of the peninsula brings the joy of a dramatic ocean sunset or thrill of giant crashing waves.

There are many, many beaches around the ragged Donegal coast, so you are never far from sand whether walking , cycling or driving.
It’s an easy cycle ride northwards to Portnoo (13km) which not only has a huge unspoilt beach, but backs onto a wild and picturesque Atlantic golf links.

While you’re over that way, the Kilclooney dolmen is one of the finest examples of a portal tomb to be found in Europe. Over 4,000 years old, it’s well worth the short boggy trek from the road.

photo Hans-Georg Stump

photo Otmar Butz

Ardara is on the edge of the second largest Irish speaking district in Ireland. Some 30,000 Irish speakers live in the Donegal Gaeltacht, or roughly 24.5% of the total Gaeltacht population.

To the South, don’t miss a trip through the beautiful Glengesh Pass on the way to the Slieve League sea cliffs. At 600 metres high, they are nearly three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher. A narrow twisting precipitous road will take you to the best viewing point at Bunglass.

Killybegs, 20km from the house, is a sheltered fishing port on Donegal Bay. It is home to Irelands largest off-shore trawler fleet, also not surprisingly, some of the best fresh fish food to be found.

For anglers seeking scenery and unspoilt fly fishing, then look no further the Owenea River which enters Loughrosmore Bay at Ardara – one of the best salmon rivers in the county.

Galway holds the limelight when it comes to oysters – but up here in Donegal we think we do better..
let us know what you think.

​How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Derry, Knock or Shannon.
Derry Airport – approx 1 hour from house.
Knock Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 3.5 hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 4 hours from house.

By Sea: Various sailings run to Belfast or Dublin from UK
from Cairnryan in Scotland to Larne or Belfast – under 3 hours from house.
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 3.5 hours from house

Map

Streams End

Streams End

Streams End

Breathtaking location in Connemara

Book this home

County Galway

This magnificent and light filled home is on a large elevated site offering breathtaking views of Ballinakill Bay and the Twelve Bens mountains, in the ever changing landscape of the Connemara Loop.
With two acres of natural gardens, trees and waterfront, Streams End is a holiday home that has been designed to maximise the views of the surrounding spectacular countryside.

 

Luxuriously appointed waterside bungalow

A very private residence, Streams End is superbly designed with large floor to ceiling sliding doors overlooking sloping lawns which sweep down to the clear waters of Ballinakill Bay.

The house is elegantly decorated and fitted out to an exceptionally high standard.

The entrance is from a grand paved courtyard, which is a beautifully sheltered sun trap ideal for enjoying barbecues.

A welcoming wide hall leads into the spacious living room which is flooded with natural light from the large windows, and features a rustic granite stone open fire.

The generous master bedroom with its classic furniture and tasteful decor, has a bathroom ensuite.

BAT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 8 guests
  • Bedrooms
    Three Double bedrooms
    One Ensuite
    &
    Twin Bedroom
    Two Bathrooms
    Shower Room
  • Other Rooms
    Two Living Rooms
    Open Plan
    Dining Room
    Kitchen

    Laundry Room
    Entrance Lobby

  • Contempo
    Large Furnished Patio
    Waterfront Decking Area 
    Logs & Turf
    Barbecue
    WiFi Internet 
    Underfloor Heating 

The state-of-the-art kitchen is fully fitted with stylish, modern units with a centre island forming the main feature of this impressive room which is open plan with the twelve seater dining room, making it a perfect space for entertaining guests.

Sliding French doors encourage you dine alfresco in the wonderful courtyard outside.

There is a spacious Loft bedroom reached by a dedicated stairway, which has two full gable windows, one overlooking the beautifully landscaped and maintained front lawn and the sea. Lots of room here to sleep an additional two guests.

The other two bedrooms also have fitted wardrobes and all boast panoramic views of the sea and mountains.

Outside

In addition to a extended patio facing into the bay, there is an elevated decking platform at the waters’ edge, which is accessed by a winding boardwalk , where you can absorb the stunning scenery.

The house is reached through a short tree lined driveway where there is ample parking for five cars.

Restrictions

Smoking – no, sorry
Pets – no, sorry
Children – the property is not suited for toddlers or children under 12
The owners regret that their home is not available for Stag or Hen bookings.

Facilities

The house is equipped with everything you would expect from a five star home. Unfortunately, due to its location, there is no television signal, however there is Internet, and DVD.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Twin Oven electric range
• with 5 rings
• Two Fridges
• Two Freezers
• Wine Cooler
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• 2 Coffee machines
• Toaster
• Blender

Utility room Appliances

• Washing machine
• Clothes Dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• 1 Super King size bed
• 3 Double beds
• 2 single beds
• Hair dryer

Tech & Entertainment

• Good Wi-Fi Internet
• Good Mobile phone coverage
• Due to its location, there is no television signal

Other stuff

• Some Books
• Some DVD movies
• Children’s high chair
• Barbeque

Provisional Booking Form

This home is only lets by the week
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday.

Holidays’ Dates for 2023 are priced as following:
Easter Weekend 7th- 10th April 2023 – €2,950
Halloween   27th- 1st October 2023– €2,950
Christmas  23rd to the 28th Dec 2023 – €2,950
New Years’  30th December 2023 to the 2nd January 2024 €2,950

Please note that high season rates apply over periods of National and Public Holidays, such as Christmas, New Year etc.

A refundable breakages deposit of €350 is payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

March to May €2,300 per week
June to August €2,950 per week
September to November €2,450 per week
December to February €2,000 per week

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Booked
Pending
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Reviews

 

We had a lovely time in Steams end…

it was very comfortable and such a well-equipped house . We all marvelled at the supply of absolutely everything we needed when and where we needed it. We got 4 fabulous days of sunshine which made it all so memorable for everyone so all in all a great success. Hopefully we will do it again sometime soon.

Joe & Helen, July 2020

We absolutely loved it…

We walked in and were thrilled which is always a great start. Mary was wonderful throughout and took our numerous calls as we tried to figure things out. The house was fantastic in every way. We appreciated the generosity shown by the fact that the house was beautifully kitted out with lovely linen, towels, crockery, glasses, furniture books etc and we felt we were borrowing a family members house as opposed to renting somewhere.
There were also lots of towels, cleaning agents, turf etc which was great.
We are hoping to rent it again next summer but this time in July in the hope that we might get luckier with the weather. Let me know what dates are available.

Nora, August 2019

Just to let you know…

that ‘Streams End’ was a perfect rental and we thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of staying there. The view and setting are glorious, the deck by the inlet is a delight and the interior design flare is charming, comfortable and very unique. Everything at Streams End was perfect and Mary Lydon is lovely and makes the house easy to understand and a fine way to start a wonderful stay.
We will certainly rent again from Unique Irish Homes; we particularly like the one in Balydehob (where we have previously stayed) and look forward to renting in the future.

Richard Yurko, September 2019

Our stay at Streams End was absolutely relaxing…

exactly what we were looking for. Unfortunately the weather was not quite as nice as it could have been. Luckily there was a fireplace and some peat briquettes. That and a good book and we were as happy as the day was long. The sitting place down at the water is an absolute gem – when the weather lets you.
It was a pleasure doing business with you.

Olivier Spieth, Switzerland, September 2017

Click here for reviews on using Streams End in Search for Posts

The property is very special…

We arrived in the dark and when we opened the curtains in the morning we couldn’t believe the view at the rear over Diamond Hill. It was breath-taking. The while house was kitted out to perfection. And was a lot bigger than expected. We even had a Christmas Tree waiting for us. That honestly made our Christmas. Please extend out thanks to the hosts. We will be back.

Alec, December 2019

Spent August and September reveling in the wonderful atmosphere of this home from home. Will miss the wonderful view of the mountains and waking up to the sound of the herons and curlews. We even saw an otter and a mink. The location is perfect for really getting to know the best of Connemara. Great home for a family gathering. Everything you need is there. Check your problems at the door and discover the best of wild atlantic coastline.

Orla Sheehan, September 2014

 

Out & About

 
This is a part of the world where nature and the outdoors prevail. Fabulous walks and cycle routes abound. Not only are there some of the best beaches to be found anywhere, but all things watery, from fishing to sailing are catered for. Then there’s the restaurants – numerous and excellent.. There is so much to enjoy – and of course we have left a comprehensive portfolio in the house for you to peruse…

Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 

Connemara has long been a favourite location for anyone wanting to escape into nature. This most westerly part of Europe is exposed to the wild vagueries of weather. In places, stunted trees grow, fighting against the winds, and plants struggle to survive in this wilderness.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

Keep your eyes open for the hardy Connemara Pony. A breed collected Internationally, they are known for their athleticism, versatility and good disposition.

The area is dominated by the majestic Twelve Bens (or Pins), a series of craggy mountains in Connemara National Park that are a magnet to the serious hill walker. Diamond Hill, which is just above the house, is a good starter for the amateur.

The area between Clifden – the regions main town – and Roundstone to the south, contains over 365 bog-land lakes of various sizes. But it is the fast flowing rivers that have made Connemara the Mecca of Trout and Salmon fly-fishing.

A drive or cycle around the deeply indented coastline reveals many beaches of staggering beauty, and some of golden coral. You will also discover quirky little fishing harbours, sanctuary from the huge Atlantic swells.

Inishbofin (White Cow) Island lies just 11km off the coast, and can be reached two or three times a day by ferry from Cleggan, only 10km away from the house. As well as birdwatchers and scuba divers, Bofin is an important centre for traditional Irish music and song. Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht region is here in Connemara where the Irish language (Gaeilge) is the everyday spoken language.

Unique to the region, Connemara marble shows twisted and interlocking bands of soapstone, in various shades of light and dark green. It has been used over the centuries as a means of exchange, for features in stately buildings and is recognised for its beautiful colour and resilience, with no two pieces being similar. A broad range of souvenirs and ornamental products are produced from the stone which is more than 500 million years old.

It is estimated that Inishbofin was inhabited as far back as 8000 – 4000 B.C. Passing the signal light into the harbour you will notice Cromwell’s 16th Century Barracks. It was used as a prison for catholic priests from all over the country after the English Statute of 1585 declared them guilty of high treason.

On 15th June 1919 British aviators Alcock and Brown, made the first transatlantic flight from Newfoundland to Connemara.Taking less than 16 hours to complete the journey, they made landfall in what appeared from the air to be a suitable green field, but which turned out to be a bog, near Clifden.

The first transatlantic telephone cable transmission was sent from Valentia Island off Co.Kerry on August 16th, 1858. On the 12th December 1901, using a 152 metre kite-supported antenna for reception, Marconi claims to have sent the first transatlantic radio message, establishing the first regular, if unreliable, transatlantic radio-telegraph service on 17th October 1907 between Clifden and Glace Bay, in Nova Scotia.

The Connemara 100 Mile Ultra Marathon, occurs in mid August every year. This year the winner did it in just under 16 hours – 6.35 miles an hour!

Picturesque Clifden is just a 10 minutes away with Galway city a further hours drive.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Cheap flights to Dublin or Shannon airports.
Shannon Airport – approx 2 and half hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 3 and half hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 4 hours from house

 

The Gate Lodge at Coolmore

The Gate Lodge at Coolmore

The Gate Lodge at Coolmore

Romantic regency escape for two

Book this home

County Kilkenny

This is a quaint and cosy traditional gate lodge, custodian to the exclusive Coolmore estate, where a bleached white exterior and tastefully renovated interior preserve its unique style.
Surrounded by 250 acres of rolling parkland in the picturesque Nore valley, the cottage lies within easy reach of Dublin, Waterford, and perhaps the best golfing Ireland has to offer.

 

A compact and intimate home

In smaller homes, utilities require clever stowage, and so it is that you unknowingly pass the well concealed laundry facility when you step through the entrance lobby and enter the living room.

Under-floor heating guarantees wall to wall warmth.

A high stool dining bar informally separates the snug seating area, complete with wood burning stove, from the compact oak kitchen.

The double bedroom is as sumptuous as it is simple. A wall of convenient wardrobe space spans the short lobby leading to the pearly white shower room.

Outside

The Gate Lodge is situated at the start of a tree lined avenue that introduces the Coolmore Estate. The immediate garden is lawned and defined by low box hedges. Internal roadways on the estate are mostly roller skate smooth asphalt, but there are some 4kms of beautifully brick-paved walks which are ideal for jogging and cycling.

Otters, badgers, Irish hares and red squirrels, foxes, river birds are among the native wildlife to be spotted along the tranquil valley. Fishing rights extend to a mile of the Nore, single bank, with eight pools noted for salmon, though these are subject to licensing requirements and by arrangement.

Elsewhere you will pass a Stonehenge folly of more recent construction, adjacent to the brick paved heli-pad of the same era.

Dining arrangements include an expansive rear patio along the western flank which is easily accessed from the kitchen – Barbecue Shangri-La.

Facilities

The Lodge has a Weber barbecue, smart TV, excellent mobile coverage, and internet. By arrangement there is use of the tennis court and a mile of fishing rights.

Note that there is a separate Cottage on the demesne that sleeps four, and is listed elsewhere on this Unique Irish Homes website.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.

Allergy Warning! Please note that this is a Dog Friendly Home. If you intend bringing a dog, please tell us about him/her when booking.

The main house has a magnificent 3 acre walled garden which the gardener may give you a tour of. There is also an Astroturf tennis court which is available by arrangement.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, except as follows:
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday.

Holidays’ Dates for 2023 are priced as following:
Easter Weekend 7th- 10th April 2023 – €795
Halloween   27th- 1st October 2023– €795
Christmas  23rd to the 28th Dec 2023 – €795
New Years’  30th December 2023 to the 2nd January 2024 – €795

A refundable breakages deposit of €250 is payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

All Year €795 per week Weekends and Mid-Week stays €475

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Your travel arrangements are important, so all provisional bookings are double checked with the owners to ensure that your plans do not conflict with theirs, this can take up to 24 hours, but we haven’t forgotten about you.!

Provisional bookings will be followed up by email, at which point we can answer specific queries you may have, verify your booking and request a deposit to confirm.

Please note that all unconfirmed provisional bookings will expire after 3 days.
If your preferred dates are not available, please click here to review all houses that match your dates.

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Reviews

 

We had a lovely time away…

so relaxing in such beautiful surroundings. The Gate lodge was gorgeous, Charlie enjoyed the garden & lovely walks. The weather wasn’t bad & Hugh was able to barbeque! It was really just what we both needed. Fiona was so helpful. Thank you both so much for all your input.

Mad, July 2020

 

What a unique way to ring in the new year!

I just wanted to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in the Gate Lodge, Coolmore. The cottage is beautifully appointed and cosy. There was a luxurious welcome basket also.

Noreen Keane, January 2017

 

I cannot speak highly enough

of the booking experience and the gate lodge at Coolmore. Everything has been exceptional, and the Coolmore property and estate experience was outstanding. We are so pleased to have discovered your website and hope to be able to use it again. Many thanks for all your help.

Peter, July 2022

10 out of 10!!

From beginning to end you have been wonderful to deal with, and when we unfortunately had to change our dates you were so helpful and accommodating. The staff at the Lodge were brilliant and nothing was too much trouble. We were greeted with a wonderful Welcome Pack – which was much appreciated at 8pm on a rainy Sunday night!!
The sun then shone on us and we had a great week in Kilkenny. We also visited Bassetts in Thomastown for dinner (which was recommended) and had a fabulous evening there too!
One tiny bit of feedback re the Lodge – there was no mirror in the bedroom – which would have helped when needing to dry my hair – but honestly it was no trouble doing it in the Living room!!!
We have told our family and friends how wonderful our trip was, and my parents are seriously thinking of booking the same for next year. Thank you so much.

Emma, Jonny & Frankie-Dog, UK, June 2019

 

Out & About

 

This region has a rich and ancient heritage of Dukes and Earls, Bishops and brewing. There’s so much to taste and see, we just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

Here are some of our favourites…

Festivals

 

The Locality

 

 

The Gate Lodge was original constructed in 1850 and served as a home to the gatekeeper and his wife who was the cook in the main house

Thomastown at 5km upstream is the nearest town to Coolmore. There are two large supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and a selection of craft shops to browse.

Photo Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese

At one stage there were 12 water-powered mills, for grain and cloth, working locally. Several mills can still be seen upstream from the bridge in Thomastown. 

Photo Humphrey Bolton

A replica famine ship, the Dunbrody, is now berthed on the quay in New Ross and offers visitors an insight into life as a passenger during the 19th century when emigration to America was at its peek.

Photo Suckindiesel

Dysart Castle, clearly visible around the estate, was the birth place of George Berkeley. George, the eponymous philosopher of Berkeley University California, was active in the first half of the 18th century.

The medieval city of Kilkenny – 25km distant – is often referred to as the Marble City due to its unique black marble mining. It is the smallest city in Ireland.

Photo Sabrina O’Brien

Work on Kilkenny Castle was begun in 1204 and took 9 years to complete. The Castle became the seat to the Butler family, a very powerful dynasty who lived there until 1935.
Lady Margaret Butler who was born there, was the grandmother of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII of England.

The highest air temperature ever recorded in Ireland was 33.3 °C (91.9 °F), at Kilkenny Castle on 26 June 1887.

St Canice’s Cathedral with its Round Tower were founded in the 6th century – Cill Channigh (pr. Kil-kenny) is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice. The Round Tower – one of only two that people can climb in Ireland – is the city’s oldest building, with excellent views for those brave enough to reach the top.

The extensive ruins of Jerpoint Abbey – 6km from the house – is another ecclesiastical site notable for its stone carvings. Built in 1180, it survived till Henry the VIII got hold of it during the period of the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500’s.

It was from a farm here in New Ross that President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather emigrated to America in 1848 on just such a ship.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin or Shannon airports.
Shannon Airport – approx 2 and half hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Cork Airport – approx 2 and a half hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Rosslare Port is approx 1 hour from house, with ferries to South Wales
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 2 hours from house

 

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Map

 

Beechwood House

Beechwood House

Beechwood House

Woodlands and Water in West Cork

Book this home

Woodlands and Water in West Cork

County Cork

Sheltered behind a small woodland just above Dunmanus Bay, this eco-friendly sea-side home has been designed to blend in beautifully with its surroundings.
It is spacious, luminous, and contemporary, and enjoys some extra luxuries, like an outdoor Jacuzzi and an indoor sauna. An ideal remote retreat for families who relish walking and water…

 

Modern, bright, and roomy

The broad entrance lobby, impressive kitchen, and ample dining room, flow effortlessly into each other. Dove grey and white tones, polished concrete terrazzo floors and clean minimal lines unify these contemporary ground floor rooms into an inclusive family home.


Magnificent glass sliding doors separate the interiors from an expansive south facing terrace that overlooks the woodland and river, sucking in the sunlight.

Typical of the quirky delights in this home, a relaxing coffee area occupies a corner of the kitchen – complete with colourful cocktail chairs, but there are also stools around a central island for casual grazing.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 11 guests
    From €2,500 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Three double bedrooms (one ground floor)
    Two with ensuite showers
    One twin bedroom
    One triple, with double and single bed
    Two bathrooms
  • Other Rooms
    Sitting room, Dining room
    Kitchen with Coffee area
    Landing with Sauna
    Utility room
  • Features
    Hot Tub Jacuzzi, Large Terrace, Pizza Oven, Barbecue
    Woodland paths & Gazebo
  • Contempo
    Flat screen TV, Netflix, WiFi internet
    Good Cell phone reception
  • Availability
    Weekly: Saturday to Saturday
    Weekends: Friday to Monday, September to March
  • Restrictions
    Sorry, pets are not permitted

The ample artisan dining table began life as an Ash tree in the woodlands below, and the floor boards in the sitting room similarly were fashioned from beech trees on the property. Other surplus timber ends up in one or other of the two wood-burning stoves.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Electric oven
• 4 ring electric hob
• Fridge with ice and water dispenser
• Freezer in utility room
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Toaster
• Blender
• Coffee machine

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine
• Tumble dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• Sizes – One double bed, three King-size, and three singles
• 2 Hairdryers

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• Flat-screen TV
• Netflix

Other

• Sauna
• Outdoor Hot Tub
• 2 Multi head showers • Good selection of books
• Kids toys
• Children’s high chair
• 2 Wood burning stoves

The large sitting room also faces directly onto the sunny south terrace – a very magical spot for the whole family to enjoy a barbecue or something from the outdoor wood fired pizza oven.

Built to be environmentally conscious this home employs the most efficient modern technologies, with a heating system that ensures endless supply of hot water, a heat recovery unit, with vents located throughout the house, and triple glazed Doors & Windows.

A double bedroom occupies the other side of the ground floor. It is adjacent to a family bathroom – Beechwood House is wheelchair friendly.

A limed white stairway returns onto the generous first floor landing, where there is room for a relaxing seating area. Here too is the sauna – wonderful for heating up the bones after a dip in the sea or a long walk!

There are four spacious bedrooms on this level – two have ensuite shower rooms with multi head showers.

 

One bedroom sleeps three, with a double bed and a single bed, and shares a family bathroom (with bath) with a fourth twin bedroom.

Outside

Just a short stroll from the village, the house is accessed via a small bridge over the river and electric gates – there is ample parking inside. The 5 acre property slopes down towards the bay, a view that is concealed in the summer months by a magical woodland. From the terrace area you can meander down to the river on conveniently constructed paths, or just chill out in the gazebo. There is a Hot Tub Jacuzzi in a small garden to one side of the house.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is only let by the week.

Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday

2023 Holiday Breaks

Easter weekend Friday 7th April to Monday 10th April € 3,500
Halloween Friday 27th October to Wednesday 1st November € 3,500
Christmas break Saturday 23rd to Thursday 28th December € 3,500
New Year break Saturday 30th to Tuesday 2nd January € 3,500

NB: A refundable breakages deposit of €600 applies to this home.

Rates Table

Per week
October to May € 2,600
June to September € 2,900
July to August € 3,900

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE – BOOKED

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