Island Retreat

Island Retreat

Island Retreat

The Way We Were…

Book This Home

County Down

AS SEEN ON BBC 1 television Countryfile on Sunday 24th April 2022…
On a private island off the western shore of the singular Strangford Lough, is an enchanting 250-year-old cottage. A historical home of unique character where generations of families have escaped.
Secluded, and with stunning views and bird-life; direct access to the lough and a tennis court, it’s hard to believe you’re just 45 minutes from Belfast.

Heritage with a good dollop of fun

The owners family lovingly restored this cottage in 1935 as a summer retreat, and sensitive extensions over the years have retained many original features, including deep-set window sills, quarry-tiled floors and Belfast sinks – quirks and curiosities have been deliberately left unchanged.


The rambling layout of interconnecting rooms divides naturally into two wings, and is ideally suited to a couple of families holidaying together or multi-generational (3G) families.

The principal entrance is through the original kitchen. Idiosyncratic lemon panelling and hand-built furniture are typical to the cottage, as is the sizable Victorian hand pump, once the water supply.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    6 to 8 guests
    From €2,250 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Two double bedrooms – 1 ensuite
    Two triple bedrooms
    Two Bathrooms
  • Other Rooms
    Sitting room and Living room
    Family Kitchen
    Entrance Porch/Conservatory
  • Features
    Wood-burning stoves
    Oil fired central heating + electric heaters
    All-weather Tennis Court
    Loughside Jetty & Slip
  • Contempo
    2 Flat screen TV, WiFi internet, DVD players
    strong 4G Cell phone reception
  • Availability
    High season Weekly only: Saturday to Saturday
    Weekends: Friday to Monday
    Midweek: Monday to Friday
  • Restrictions
    Children are welcome
    Pets by arrangement

  • CHECK HERE

The main living room has an eclectic collection of sofas with a wood burning stove as the focus.

There is also a vintage piano for sing-songs, and a gramophone with a selection of old 78 rpm records to explore.

Here a wonderful bay-window dining area with a panoramic view of the lough extends southwards.

A short hallway connects to the second sitting room, carpeted, with an enameled stove, and its own cushioned bay window.

Between the two, is a family bathroom, and opposite, a sunny porch-conservatory opening onto the South-facing lawn.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Electric Rangemaster twin oven
• With 5 ring gas hob
• Fridge-freezer
• Dishwasher
• Toaster
• Microwave

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine and dryer in Bathroom
• Iron

Bedrooms

• Sizes – Two double beds, six single beds
• Travel cot
• 2 Hairdryers

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• 2 Flat-screen TVs
• 2 DVD players

Other

• Large selection of books
• Large selection of DVDs
• Children’s high chair
• Children’s books
• 2 woodburning stoves
• All weather Tennis Court, racquets and balls
• Charcoal Barbecue

Bedrooms

There is a double bedroom and a triple in both wings, with some reached through the adjoining bedroom, and two having  direct access to the garden.

Again, with a nod to the past, the conspicuous flower pattern on the curtains in one room, is an exact copy of one used to decorate some of the first-class cabins on Titanic.

The black cooking range used by a series of evacuee families during the second World War, is still to be found in “The Kitchen Bedroom”.

Beyond the last bedroom in the West wing, is a large, rustic, pine-paneled bathroom that also serves as a laundry room. It can also be reached directly from the garden.

Its vintage, cast-iron shower/bath has been adapted for modern use with an electric shower.

Outside

The lawn gently slopes to a rocky shore where there is access to a slip and a concrete jetty for launching. In addition, you may utilize a second slip for trailer launching via the lane that runs down the side of the house  – so if it floats, bring it!

In addition to the shoreline, there are amazing walks through woods (award-winning arboretum) and some breathtaking birdlife.
There is also an all-weather tennis court on the property.

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

Christmas and New Year are high season as above, for other Public holidays – please apply for rates.

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

Christmas 2022 – 23rd to the 28th December – €2,800
New Years’ 2023/4 – 29th to the 2nd January – €2,680

  Per week Weekend Mid-week
October to April €2,250 €1,300 €1,300
May to September €2,800 Not Available Not Available

Select your Dates

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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.

Restrictions

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

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Out & About

The lough is home to a multitude of yacht clubs – the local one around the corner caters for water sports – canoes, paddle boards, etc, – better still, bring your own water toys…

There’s so much to see and do, we just can’t list them all, so here are some of our favourites…

The Locality

Mahee is a small privately owned island on Strangford Lough, the last in a chain linked by road causeways to the mainland. The nearest neighbours are a couple of fields away – mostly with woods between properties – but the nearest sizeable town is Comber, on the mainland 25 minutes away.

This is an island steeped in history, starting with the ruins of Mahee Castle (1570) and Nendrum, a 5th century monastery at one end of the island with its own small museum, and Europe’s oldest known tidal-mill site from the 7th century.

More recently the island became home in the 17th century to the industrious immigrant Andrews family from Scotland, who subsequently achieved diverse acclaim, including the design of the Titanic.

You may be interested in a recently published book curated by the daughter of the Helen Turtle – Midnight Again – a collection of poignant letters written to her mother and sister in America before and during the war when she lived here with her young children.

Strangford Lough is one of the most richly bio-diverse regions in Europe, with over 2,000 marine species spread across 150 km2. It is the largest sea inlet in the British Isles, and boasts at least seventy islands and multiple drumlin islets.

The narrows are also subject to a highly energetic tidal race. With water moving backwards and forwards at up to 15kph twice a day the channel has become a test-bed for experimental power generation, most lately by a Swedish company who are currently trialing their fascinating “sea kite” technology.

For a bird’s eye view over the lough, the tower at the top of Scrabo Hill, 20 minutes north, is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known landmarks and the views from the platform at the top of the 122 steps are spectacular.

Migrating Brent Geese in their thousands arrive from Arctic Canada to Strangford Lough from October through the winter months to eat the lough’s eelgrass before the long journey back to Arctic Canada to breed. It is a spectacular sight and a great venue to see this is WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, 5 miles from the Cottage and one of the venues for BBC Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch 2021/2022.

From the Strangford village at the bottom of the lough, there is an entertaining ferry – every 30 minutes – across the narrows to Portaferry on the Ards Peninsula, where there is a small Aquarium (Exploris ) that is popular, and an important lifeboat station.

Shellfish is the name of the game around these parts, with pot fishing, mainly for prawns and crabs and licensed shellfish farming within the lough, so it’s not surprising that you will come across some of the finest seafood restaurants in Ireland. For divine Fish and Chips, make a wee journey to the pier at Ardglass farther down the coast…

Castle Ward is an 820-acre walled demesne owned by the National Trust on the edge of Strangford with terrific sheltered woodlands and trails, great for walking, running, cycling. The historic farmyard was the location of Winterfell where the deadly Game of Thrones® series is set in motion.

If you’re fond of the odd G&T you must be sure to try some of the home-grown local varieties that have sprung up in recent years. The Echlinville Estate lists Jawbox amongst their brands, and invite you to enjoy a tour of their distillery, or you may prefer to try Shortcross from the 500-acre Rademon estate.

The Titanic, which has strong links to the nearby town of Comber, has its own “Comber Titanic Audio Trail” which guides you to special places of interest throughout Comber that relate to the Titanic story. If you are going to Belfast – don’t miss a visit to the renowned Titanic Belfast Experience.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Belfast or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – is about 2 hours from the cottage.
Belfast Airports – Belfast International is just over an hour from the cottage & George Best’s City Airport, Belfast, is 35 minutes away.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Ferries from Belfast, about an hour away, run to Liverpool and Scotland
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is about two hours from the cottage
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is about 4 hours from the cottage.

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Map

The Gate Lodge at Woodhouse

The Gate Lodge at Woodhouse

The Gate Lodge at Woodhouse

Enter a Completely Different Domain

Book this home

County Waterford

As sentinel at the East entrance to an historic Waterford demesne, this is a romantic little home full of surprises and the promise of full days of exploration both on and off the estate.
Everything is here for some sublime relaxation, creative culinary endeavours, or energetic enjoyment on Waterford’s Copper Coast.

 

Modern Romantic styling

From the road this extended little gate lodge floats like an ice berg, deftly denying the scale of the dwelling embedded beneath.

An open living area spans the entire lower floor and includes the dining table and kitchen. Stretching in a gradual amalgam of leisure and pleasure from a lattice wall of formal shelves to a porcelain bright sink.

Subtle painted tones and chalky shades of Cafe crème and pewter characterise the space, while brass hinges, crackle glaze ceramic knobs and Roman blinds of pleated fabric introduce a quality of detail that is evident throughout the home.

Two sets of glazed patio doors spill out through chunky walls onto a sunny partly-paved yard, ideal for sunset barbeques.

Barefoot warm, mottled tawny limestone flags radiate indirect cosiness from the under floor heating.

There is a generous back-from-the-beach wood burning stove and a serious basket of logs from the estate, should you yearn for an open flame.

At the crest of the carpeted stairs is the main street level entrance lobby.

The delightful double bedroom, full of luxury linen and light, nestles across one end of the upstairs. The wardrobe is behind a second door.
Noticeably lower windows and curved ceilings lend a cottage feel to this level.

The bathroom has both bath and shower and there is an adjacent spare room where a fold-out double bed can be used for additional guests.

Outside

The Gate Lodge controls the eastern gate of the historic Woodhouse Estate ranging for 340 acres West from Stradbally village.

The property is bisected by the meandering river Tay, which swirls right past the Lodge and escapes under the road bridge for a final dash to the Atlantic.
156 acres of woodland comprising of more than 150,000 trees – some dating back to the mid 18th century – await exploration either on foot or on cycle tracks.

The owners occupy the eponymous Georgian mansion at the centre of this private estate, but visitors are free to enjoy the walled garden, impeccably reproduced Victorian glasshouse, and paddocks of grazing red deer.

Please enquire about fishing rights or other activities on the estate.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.
Children – There is a river, so parts of the property may not suitable for young children, please check with us.

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.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Single oven Gas Range
• With 5 rings
• Fridge
• Wine Cooler
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Coffee machine
• Toaster

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine
• Clothes Dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• King Size bed
• Fold out double bed
• Hair dryer

Tech & Entertainment

• Good Wi-Fi Internet
• Mobile phone coverage is patchy
• Flat screen smart TV
• with Sky Sports
• DVD player

Other stuff

• Some Books
• Some DVD movies

Stradbally Cove with its sheltered sandy beach is across the road from the Gate Lodge.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week June to August, except in low season 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.

There is a refundable breakages deposit of €250 payable with the rent that will be refunded to you in 7 days from your departure date, if all is in order.

Holidays’ Dates for 2023 are priced as following:
Easter Weekend 7th- 10th April 2023 – €550.
Halloween   27th- 1st October 2023– €550.
Christmas  23rd to the 28th Dec 2023 – €1,100
New Years’  29th December 2023 to the 3rd January 2024  -€1,100

 

June to August €1,100 per week N/A N/A
May and September €1,100 per week Weekend €550 Mid-week €550
October to April €1,100 per week Weekend €550 Mid-week €550

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
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Reviews

 

Without question it has been one of the most unique and wonderful experiences I’ve had in a holiday…

Ireland has left a profound impression on me which I won’t ever forget. A big part in the positive impact was definitely the excellent location I was able to stay at.
The interior was very beautifully decorated and one could very much see the amount of work and detail that was put into every corner of the house. During the entire stay I can note that I haven’t missed a single amenity, as everything was very well thought through and planned out.
The estate is beautifully located on the countryside close to the village of Stradbally. With only five minutes of walking distance to the sea and Stradbally Cove, morning walks were spectacular. The fireplace during cold days and Sky TV in the evening certainly made the stay very comfortable.
The caretakers were very friendly and gave us all the information and things we needed during our holiday. As this was my first time in Ireland I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the fantastic estate to the warm-hearted people who live in the area, I can truly say that staying at here was absolutely wonderful.
The location and places to see in the area were very memorable and your kind service for the stay was amazing. It really felt like a second home and we’ll be sad to leave for now. I do hope to come back again, as Ireland has left a very unique and positive impression on me. I’ll miss this place.

Damian Claus, March 2017
An excellent experience was had at the Gate Lodge. Elegance without arrogance, excellence without excess.
Keep up the good work and I will be in touch, when I next get the chance to visit.

Scott Sutherland, February 2017

We had a fabulous time

and couldn’t have asked for a better stay. The entire booking process was seamless and effortless.
We will be back.

JB, April 2023

Very pleasant, will stay there again

Host was very nice, nice touch giving eggs & bacon. Also very generous supply of coffee capsules. Location was nice, near sea, nice estate and near Dungarvin. The house quality was also of a nice standard.
Only negative; Was the weather, but what can u do !!
We are looking forward to staying with you again in sept this time Donegal
& I have been recommending your site to some friends & colleagues.

Kieran, July 2020

 

Out & About

 

This stretch of Southern Coastline known as the Copper Coast, just buzzes with undiscovered gems We just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

For unique ways to experience the hidden gems on the Copper Coast we recommend you contact Waterford Camino Tours
Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 

The tranquil village of Stradbally – Gold Medal Winner in the Tidy Towns 2019 awards – is a short walk out of the estate, and has a grocery shop and a couple of pubs, but for a full range of shops, Dungarvan is a 15 minute drive along the coast and is your best bet.

photo Paul O’Farrell

Tramore is about 35 minutes away, and is a popular resort for tourists in the summer. It has a 5km beach, sand dunes looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean, and a well deserved reputation for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Clonea Strand is much closer; one of the finest blue flag beaches in the region, and also has a growing reputation as a good surfing beach.

photo Peter Taylor

Mahon Falls is a dramatic 80m waterfall nestled in the Comeragh Mountains surrounded by breathtaking scenery. There is a car park near Lemybrien 15 minutes away from the house with a not too strenuous hike thereafter, so don’t miss it.

This region known as the Copper Coast gets its name from the copper mines that were active in the 19th century. It is a sometimes stormy coast that has more than its fair share of ship wrecks.

Road Bowling is a traditional and popular local sport that requires hours of practice and technique to master. 28oz steel balls are rolled in turn for just over a mile along bendy roads from Fenor to Annestown.

In Dungarvan, King John’s Castle, an Anglo-Norman fortification (1185) would have originally been entered by drawbridge. It is undergoing reconstruction but there are guided tours, an audio-visual show and exhibitions during the summer season.

They’re mad about cycling in Dungarvan, and it was here that the first cycling club in Ireland was founded in 1869. The local club went on to win the first ever bike race in the British Isles. They still have the cup to prove it.

Waterford, about 45 minutes away, is Ireland’s oldest city. Originally a Viking settlement, it is now a major port with much to see and do. Glass, or crystal, was manufactured in the city from 1783 until early 2009, when the factory there was eventually shut down.

There is a great annual Viking marathon in Waterford in June.

About half an hour away, the magnificent Lismore Castle with its long and distinguished history, has splendid gardens open to the public during the summer months, and compelling cultural events are held in the town throughout the year.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Cork Airport, Waterford or Dublin.
Cork Airport – approx 1.5 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 2.5 hours from house.
Waterford Airport – approx 1 hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Rosslare Port is approx 1.5 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 2.5 hours from house

 

​

Map

 

The Lookout

The Lookout

The Lookout

A location to die for…

Book This Home

County Cork

Newly refurbished to the highest possible standards with spectacular, panoramic ocean views and private balconies overlooking the marina, this exclusive luxury penthouse property occupies a truly romantic location on Kinsale’s historic quays.

At the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, and just half an hour from Ireland’s second largest city, you won’t want to leave. You certainly wouldn’t be the first!

 

Exquisite attention to detail

The apartment is on two levels, with secure access via shared outdoor stairs from a gated quay-side level.

A spacious and impeccably furnished open-plan living space is at first floor level. It is intuitively allocated between seating, dining and kitchen areas, with all of them benefiting from a simply stunning panoramic view across the Kinsale Marina and the harbour.

Central to the living area, there is an Eco conscious hi-tech fireplace, which is instantly controllable.

The dark hardwood flooring evident throughout the home was specially fashioned from reclaimed timber for this project. It is a common theme here that as much as possible, including bedlinen has been ethically sourced locally and sustainably.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 4 guests
    From € 3,850 per week
  • Bedrooms
    One double bedroom
    Dual access Bathroom
    walk-in wardrobe
    Bunk room
  • Other Rooms
    Open Plan
    Living room, Dining room, Kitchen
    Extensive balconies
    Guest WC, Laundry station
  • Features
    Gated security & Private parking
    Local sourced high-end products
    Marina views
  • Contempo
    2x Smart TVs, Twin Hi speed internet
    Full suite of streaming services
    Remote gas fire places
    Remote control blinds/velux
    Good Cell phone reception
  • Restrictions
    Children over 12 are welcome
    Sorry, pets are not permitted

  • CHECK HERE

An impressive glazed full-height sliding door opens onto a generous timber floored terrace that spans nearly the full width of the apartment and overlooks the dock-side below.

A polished peninsula distinguishes the contemporary galley kitchen from the rest of the gleaming white interior.

To the rear of the living space, white paneling conceals a nautical themed guest WC, and a compact utility station for laundry.

 

Bedroom accommodation

Stairs from the entrance hall lead to up to an ample master bedroom with a king-sized four poster bed at its heart.

The bedroom too has a splendid balcony with glass balustrade and glazed sliding door access to the harbour view.

A walk-in wardrobe has been installed behind the headboard, while radiant white shutters from floor level, augment the electric roller blinds for additional privacy.

As with the living area below, there is another hi-tech letter-box fireplace below a state-of-the-art multi-channel television.

A magnificent bathroom, which runs along one side of the bedroom, features an elegant double-ended slipper bath and a stand-alone shower.

With a second entrance outside the bedroom, the bathroom can also be accessed without disturbing the bedchamber.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Aga range
• Fridge-freezer
• Dishwasher
• Toaster & Kettle
• Microwave
• Coffee machine

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine-dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• One King-size 4 poster bed
• Set of single bunk beds
• Double ended slipper bath
• Walk-in wardrobe
• Hairdryer

Tech & Entertainment

• Hi speed Internet
• Wifi: 93.1 Mbps download / 18.3 Mbps upload
• 2 Flat-screen smart TVs
• Sky sports, Netflix, Disney+ & multi channels
• Premium remote control fire places
• Remote control blinds and Velux

Other

• Selection of books
• Gated entrance & underground parking
• Home catering and housekeeping available

There is a second and gorgeous ancillary bedroom back on the first floor, adjacent to the entrance. Best for kids, it sleeps two in full sized bunk beds with a distinctly marine atmosphere.

Provisional Booking Form

A refundable breakages deposit of €450 is payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure, provided all is in order in the apartment.

 

Rates Table

  Per week Per night – min 3 nights
October to May € 3,850 € 580
June to September € 4,900 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
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Reviews

 

Anna’s place and Kinsale…

was the highlight of our trip. It is one of the prettiest apartments we have stayed in. The place is centrally located and is a short walk to great restaurants, coffee shops and the kids playground. The view is breathtaking and Anna has put her heart and soul into doing up the apartment. The place had all modern amenities and was super comfortable for us and our two kids. Our 5 year old was fascinated by the bunk bed in her room and Anna pampered the kids with goodies and gifts that made the kids super excited. Anna is a super host and was kind enough to procure some of the finest (locally sourced) items for us in the house.

All her recommendations (food and sightseeing both) were outstanding and we would have never discovered these hidden gems in and around Kinsale if we were staying in a hotel or elsewhere!! Can’t wait to visit Kinsale and Anna’s beautiful abode again.

Thank you Anna for an amazing experience!!

 

Shrutika, March 2023

 

Out & About

 

Home to talented artists, fine fishy dining, boutique stores, cute creative design shops and bookstores, multiple marine activities, and historical monuments; there’s always more to discover.

We just can’t list them all, but here are a few of our favourites…

Prim’s Bookshop
at No.43 in the Main street, is a great place to ‘hang out’’, play the piano, ‘check mate’ at chess or simply browse their wonderful book collection. Known for hosting secret, pop up music events. There may also be an opportunity to do what many consider the ultimate experience viz. run a book shop for a day (think ‘You’ve got Mail’).

IRISH SODA BREAD MAKING
Interactive bread making class is also available. Led by a local Kinsaler who will initiate you into all the secrets.

 

The Locality

 

 

Kinsale town, extolled by Conde Nast as one of Ireland’s most beautiful towns, sits at the mouth of the River Bandon, just half an hour South of the magnificent Cork City. This is the Southern limit of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s 2,500km route that follows the coast to Inishowen, in the North.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

The genuinely picturesque town has a long and chequered history as a strategic port, but it’s current status as ‘The Gourmet Capital of Ireland’ derives from the quality of its acclaimed restaurants, of which there are many.

Fishing has endured as the primary driver, due to the excellent sheltered harbour. In the mid 1800’s it was probably the largest fishing port in the country, and seafood remains a valuable tourist enticement.

The apartment is close to Kinsale central, and most things are within easy walking distance.

The harbour is also ideal for sailing ships, and the port acquired significant importance during their heyday, both commercially and militarily.

A number of notable buildings survive around the town, including Desmond Castle aka the French Prison – c. 1500; the Market House – c. 1600, and the Church of St Multose (Church of Ireland) – 1190. Local guided tours are usually both fascinating and entertaining.

The are also the remains of two impressive forts built by the English to protect the narrow entrance from the sea. The 17th-century pentagonal bastion of James Fort, and its successor, Charles Fort on the opposite side of the estuary, which is one of the finest surviving examples of a star-shaped fort from the period. Charles Fort continued to be used by the British Army until February 1922.

Completed in 1906 And built for speed at Clydebank in Scotland, the passenger steamship Lusitania initially held the record for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing. It was also the largest and most luxurious of its day – being surpassed only by its sister ship the Mauretania.

In 1915 on a trip from New York to Liverpool, the ship was torpedoed by a German U-boat 18 km off the Old Head of Kinsale. Taking 18 minutes to sink, there were only 764 survivors.

The loss of 128 Americans in the tragedy is thought to have contributed to their active involvement in WW2, however a number of controversies and conspiracy theories relating to the disaster persist to this day. A museum and memorial garden at the Signal Tower on the Old Head, commemorate the event.

Shipwrecks abound along this stretch of coast. You may be interested in a book by local historian Jerome Lordan called No Flowers on a Sailors Grave which details them.

More from Jerome here…

There are a number of beautiful beaches in the proximity – the nearest being The Dock Beach just across the river, and right beside the Dock Bar. Kayakes for rent here too.

The Siege of Kinsale
In 1601, a contingent of 4000 Spanish troops occupied Kinsale as part of the Anglo-Spanish War and the wider conflict of Protestant England against Catholic Spain, and were surrounded by English army. Attempts to assist them by Gaelic rebel Lords ultimately failed, leading to a breakdown of the old Gaelic system and an exodus of leaders known as the Flight of the Earls, and conclusively to the Plantation of Ulster by Presbyterian Scots.  A decisive moment in the island’s history.

How to get there – Car advised..

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports.
Cork Airport – is about 20 minutes from the apartment.
Dublin Airport – just over 3 hours from the apartment
Shannon Airport – approx 2 and quarter hours from the apartment.
Kerry Airport – about 1.75 hours from the apartment

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Brittany Ferries run sailings from Cork Harbour to Roscoff in France twice a week
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is just over 3 hours from the apartment
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is also over 3 hours from the apartment.

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Map

Tyrell’s Loft

Tyrell’s Loft

Tyrell’s Loft

Come in from the garden, Maude...

Book this home

County Laois

Tyrell’s Loft is a beautifully converted old carriage-house set within the courtyard and extensive gardens of a fine 18th century vicarage. The conversion is sensitive, retaining attention to fine old detail while providing the most comfortable accommodation; ideally for two.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    For 2 Guests
    From €850 per week
  • Bedrooms
    One double bedroom with ensuite
    Pull-out Sofa bed in Living Area
  • Other Rooms
    Open-plan Living Space
  • Contempo
    Flat screen TVs
    WiFi internet, integrated sound system
    Moderate Cell phone reception

  • CHECK HERE

Cosy and Carriagey

Entry is from the pebbled courtyard to the back of the Vicarage. The utility room, equipped with washer and dryer, gives access to the upstairs living space.

Inside

The open plan living area is spacious. It includes a comfortable sofa and armchairs overlooking the fine garden, a well-equipped modern kitchen, a circular dining table that seats four and a small eclectic library that lines the dividing wall between living and sleeping areas.

The tone is cosey and calming. The natural lighting gentle supporting a colour palate that is considered and harmonious. The great and subtle attention to detail reinforces the message of welcome, care and comfort.

The kitchen area is compact but nonetheless very complete provided with top quality equipment. Lighting is deliberately low but the mirror backing casts a fine light and adds mood and atmosphere

The bedroom leads off the dining area, past a small window that gives prettily onto the courtyard below. The bedroom is beautifully appointed and comfortable; the evening lamp lighting casting a warm glow.
N.b: There is a pull out bed in the living area; should it be needed.

Facilities & Ameneties
  • Four Hob Induction Stove.
  • Electric Oven
  • Toaster
  • Microwave
  • Juicer
  • Dishwasher
  • Washer/Dryer
  • Iron and Board

The ensuite bathroom is beautifully appointed with a powerful modern shower and barber’s basin. Once again the attention to detail and choice of colours, taps, tiles and towels creates a tone of calm and comfort.

 

The bathroom can also be accessed from the open space living area so that if the sofa bed provided is required the additional guest has separate access.

Outside

To the right of the entrance a compact south facing garden is available to guests. This area of intimate calm and features fine pot plants and shrubs. A lovely feature includes a small fountain that plays from the mouth of a very protective lion.

Please Note:  The property is set within a greater garden and guests are welcome to enjoy its beauties

Provisional Booking Form

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

A Weekend’s booking runs from 4:30 P.M on Friday to 11:00 AM on Monday
Mid-Week from after 4:30pm on Monday to 11:00 am Friday

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, Wedding or 21st parties are not admissible.
Children – The property is not suitable for toddlers or children under the age of 12.
Pets – No, sorry!

. Weekly Rate Weekend Mid-week
All Year €800 €495 €495

Select your Dates

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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 an absolutely fantastic stay at Tyrell’s Loft”

 The owner was a wonderful host. We arrived to a beautiful bottle of prosecco and chocolates and the essentials in the fridge. The loft is immaculate with the most fantastic interiors. The surrounding gardens are also such a treat. The care and attention put into the home by the proprietor was superb. Extremely comfortable bed, beautiful rainshower, fully equipped kitchen etc. They  also provided a very helpful booklet on walks, cycles and local restaurants in the area. With this being our first time in Laois, we were blown away by the beauty of the county – in particular Ballinakill. Everyone is so kind, welcoming and greets you with a smile on their face. Be sure to check out  Heywood Haven for fantastic coffee & treats. Muller & O’Connell in Abbeyleix also has the tastiest sourdough bread! We had our friends stay with us on the last night, thanks to the marvellous pull out sofa, which they noted was extremely comfortable. The owner was more than helpful for our entire stay. We were very sad to leave and will certainly be back! -Niamh, 2021.

Click here for reviews on using A Home in Search for Posts

Out & About

Ballinakill is known for its beautiful wooded walks around the old Heywood Demesne and lakes, where Heywood House once stood. It also hosts the Twin Trees Festival, with an emphasis on art, architecture and history. For food lovers there is a range of eateries including Castle Durrow, The Ashbrook Arms, and Bowes Café in Durrow.  Mc Evoys, Morrissey’s, The Gallic Kitchen and Papa Nonis in Abbeyleix, which offers delicious Italian food and gluten free pizza. Kilkenny, the gastronomic city of the south east, is an easy 30 minutes drive.

The Locality

Laois is the hidden treasure of Ireland, with superb mountain walks, leafy trails, unspoiled lakes and gardens. It has excellent fresh produce, dining to suit all tastes, and one of the best sour-dough bakeries in the country (Muller O’Connell’s of Abbeyleix).

Ballinakill is a fine example of a 17th Century market-town. The ruins of Ballinakill Castle are of a late seventeenth-century castle built by the Dunnes (but never inhabited) on the site of one destroyed by Cormwellian troops under Fairfax. The towns broad main street and large central square reflect Ballinakill’s standing in the 17th century as an important centre.

The configuration of streets round the large rectangular square is eighteenth-century. The town’s entrance from Abbeyleix is marked by two trees known as Toll Trees where a toll was paid by visitors to the town. The town had important fairs, a brewery, woollen and tanning factories
A monument in the square is dedicated to the local men who died in the 1798 rebellion.

Almost directly across the road, Heywood Garden was designed by the architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who also designed the War Memorial in Dublin and the Viceroy’s Palace in New Delhi, amongst others.

Half an hours drive will have you at Neo-Classical gem Emo Court, the largest private work of noted architect James Gandon. Originally the home of the Earl of Portarlington, the construction took seventy years to complete. The attached gardens (perfect for a picnic) can be visited year round; with the house available for tours from 2021 following renovations. 

Just 6km from Ballinakill; Abbyleix is one the oldest planned town of English Settlement. The surroundings are packed with historical buildings and sites; with fountains, an ancient stone circle and some of the oldest pubs in the country.

Click here for more information on Ireland’s Ancient East

How to get there – Car advised..

 

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – an hour and a half from the loft.
Cork Airport – approx 2   hours from the loft.
Shannon Airport – approx 1 and a half hours from the loft.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and an hour and a half from the cottage
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is about 2 hours from the property.

 

 

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Map

Hazelwood

Hazelwood

Hazelwood

Simply Bewitching

Book This Home

County Donegal

This lovingly restored 19th Century stone house, full of traditional and quirky Irish artefacts and with luxurious attention to detail, sits in extensive mature grounds and has an astounding view over the beautiful blue-flag beach of Culdaff.
Wild, windy and rugged, Inishowen is the most northerly part of Ireland – a hauntingly beautiful wilderness, still, within a stone’s throw of the buzzing attractions of our Northern Ireland neighbours.

 

No place like home…

At the centre of the house, in what was the original structure, is a lofty, terracotta dining room. It retains much of the original cooking hearth complete with swinging pot crane and various cooking irons from a long-gone era.

A wonderful communal room for the evenings, with an oak table and seating for eight.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 7 guests
    From €1,600 per week
  • Bedrooms
    One double bedroom – ensuite
    Two twin and one single bedrooms
    Family bathroom
  • Other Rooms
    Sitting room, Dining room
    Family kItchen
    Annex – Games room
    Utility outbuilding
  • Features
    Open Fire place, Wood stove
    Central heating, Patio, Ocean views
  • Contempo
    concealed TV, WiFi internet,
    Good Cell phone reception
  • Availability
    High season Weekly only: Saturday to Saturday
    Midweek: Monday to Friday
  • Restrictions
    Children over 12 are welcome
    Well behaved pets are permitted

  • CHECK HERE

The latched doors, liscannor flagstone floor and small square curtained windows, preserve the Irish heritage evident throughout the home.

​A step down from the dining room is an amply appointed kitchen.
Colourful, contemporary, and of eclectic design, it’s also an ideal breakfast room.

Preparation surfaces are stainless steel, with a tall fridge concealed behind lofty press doors.

There is a door from here directly onto the front driveway – a handy entrance.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• 4 Ring gas hob
• Twin electric Oven
• Fridge-freezer
• Dishwasher
• Twin Toaster
• Microwave

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine
• Tumble dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• Sizes – One double bed, four single beds
• Cabin bed
• Hairdryer

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• Concealed TV in sitting room
• CD stereo player

Other

• Good selection of books
• Table tennis table
• Foosball table
• Some board games & music cds

In contrast, the sitting room appended to the opposite end of the house, is filled with light from the south facing windows that line one side, all the while framing that striking vista of Culdaff beach and the headland beyond.

Mustard in colour, and furnished with deeply comfortable sofas and a woodburning stove, the room also has French doors opening onto a stone flagged patio, for those special barbecue days.

The owner has a passion for quality recycled or repurposed furnishings, evident in fittings such as the truly efficient heating radiators, wash handbasins, vintage furniture and artworks.

 

Bedrooms

The master bedroom is of generous size and bookends the kitchen end of the house.

The ensuite features a commodious walk-in wet room shower.

At its centre, an archetypal wrought iron and brass knob bedstead overlooked by a brooding of bird pictures.

Directly off the dining room, there is a whimsical box bedroom paneled in a pale watery teal with views to the beach. The snug, cabin bed is as cosy as it is unique.

Off the passageway that threads through the house, a steeply meandering stairway leads to a long loft bedroom, furnished with a pair of traditional iron beds.

Timber sheeted and long, a charming feature is the novel interior window that overlooks the dining room.

There is a delightful bedroom in soft terracotta, with twin wrought iron and brass bedsteads and a duo of windows accessed from the central passageway.

The spacious family bathroom, also off the passageway, has a quirky bath dressed in rusticated stone tiles, a wet-room style walk-in shower and classic vintage sink.

Outside

The accomplished stonework of the house extends to the Rapunzel-tower entrance columns.

An expansive banked lawn falls away to a heavily shrubbed woodland in the front, where the stunning Culdaff beach view is the hero.

 

Out-buildings at the rear have been re-purposed to serve as a utility room, with an unexpected spacious games room above.

Provisional Booking Form

2023 Holiday Breaks

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

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 are not currently available
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 Mid-week
October to May € 2,000 € 1,600
June to September € 2,500 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
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Out & About

 

Not only is Inishowen a fascinating and historical peninsula, with endless, empty sandy beaches and great golf, but for food and music it is unrivalled…

Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 

On the way you will drive through Culdaff, which is the nearest village to the house. It has 3 pubs, a restaurant and a coffee shop. Impossible to ignore is the magnificent Culdaff beach which the cottage looks out onto. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer months making it brilliant for swimmers and surfers. The eastern end has rocky coves and a children’s play area.
Boats may be chartered at Bunagee Pier, just down from the house – very popular with anglers and dolphin watchers alike.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

The market town of Cardonagh – 15 minutes by car – is where you will find a more comprehensive selection of shops, pubs and cafes; see also the famous 7th century St. Patricks Cross.

Inishowen is the largest peninsula on the island of Ireland, and is the starting (or ending) point of the Wild Atlantic Way. Far enough north, and with very little light pollution, you may catch occasional glimpses of the plasma light show that is the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. There are several websites that do forecasts of when views can be expected.

Just a 25-minute drive northwards is Banba’s Crown – the tip of Malin Head and the most northerly point of mainland Ireland. It is statistically the sunniest part of Ireland and also the windiest. Parts of the Star Wars movies were filmed in this other-worldly landscape.
There is said to be the highest concentration of shipwrecks in the world off the headland, which attracts both divers and fishermen alike. The German U-boat fleet was scuttled here at the end of World War II. A short ramble from the car park is a deep and narrow subterranean cavern known as Hells Hole.

More about Malin here

Inishowen has many historical monuments, dating back to early settlements, including the ruins of several castles, and the circular 7th century dry-stone fort at Grianán Aileach, which is probably the best known. Built some 250m above sea level, it is a windy and exposed place with breathtaking views. The 5m high walls consist of three terraces and accommodation was provided by wooden structures built against them.

Buncrana, half an hour away the second most populous town in County Donegal, after Letterkenny, and the largest in Inishowen. the historic home of the O’Doherty clan, and a major centre for the textile industry in County Donegal. The town is well known for its live music pubs. The renowned Fruit of the Loom clothing plant was a large source of employment in the town before it moved its operations overseas in 2006.

Golf Vacations are extremely popular in Donegal with its many fine courses. The most famous is Ballyliffin Golf Club, home to 2 championship 18-hole courses and just 20 minutes away.

10 minutes west from the house brings you to the inlet that is Trawbreaga Bay.
This is a Wildlife Sanctuary which is an important landfall for migrating geese and other birds.
At the narrow mouth of the bay is the fine sandy beach known as Five Fingers Strand. It is backed by ancient sand dunes which are amongst the highest in Europe – some reaching 30 metres high all held together by tough marram grass that prevents wind erosion.

Five Fingers Strand

The wonderful Kinnagoe Beach is a short trip south from the house, and it is here that in 1588 the Spanish Armada ship ‘La Trinidad Valencera’ was wrecked and lay undiscovered until 1971.

The peninsula is renowned for its traditional musicians and singers, so it will be difficult to avoid coming across a session in one of the pubs or hotels of an evening.

Derry City, the second largest in Northern Ireland after Belfast, is under an hour away by car. Built in the early 1600’s, it is the only surviving example of a complete walled city in Ireland, and one of the finest in Europe.It is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached, withstanding several sieges and has a complex and troubled history.

Visiting The North of Ireland in the summer months you can avoid Derry altogether and save yourself a good half an hour by using the Lough Foyle Car ferry

The Inishowen 100 tourist route is an approximately 100-mile signposted scenic drive around the peninsula. Here is a link  to illustrate what you can expect in more detail.

Cycling is extremely popular in County Donegal, and the annual Inishowen 100 attracts hundreds of entrants every August.

How to get there – Car advised..

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Belfast or Donegal airports.
Belfast Airport – is about 2 hours away
Donegal Airport – is also about 2 hours away
Dublin Airport – just under 4 hours from the house

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Belfast Port is just over 2 hours away with ferries to Liverpool and Scotland
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is just over 4 hours from the house
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is just under 6 hours from the house.

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Map