Sandbrook House

Sandbrook House

Sandbrook House

A slow-burning mix of country luxury

Book this home

County Carlow

An inviting and elegant home, this substantial 300 year old Queen Anne style country house, set in twenty five acres of mature parkland, makes the perfect setting to share memorable family gatherings, celebrations or corporate retreats.
Within easy reach of Dublin, Kilkenny and Waterford and the sunny south-east, Sandbrook House makes a totally unique escape.

 

Relaxed in character and style

As if the archetypically straight avenue isn’t classical enough, the gleaming white panelled entrance hall with its elaborate mouldings, and a guestbook touting entries from 1929, confirms you’re arriving somewhere slightly baroque and enduringly special.

There are four other lofty reception rooms spanning the core of Sandbrook House, and all of them ooze eclectic charm. In the sitting room, on the left, we find the TV and a contemporary wood-burning stove imbedded in the first of a series of white marble mantles.

Once a music room at the end of the house, the drawing room has a few reminders, including a baby grand piano. A majlis style daybed fills the arched bay window that extends onto a covered barbecue veranda.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 23 guests
    From €9,900 per week
    Or €5,000 for a weekend
  • Bedrooms
    Five double bedrooms
    One ensuite with bath and shower
    Two family quad bedrooms
    One single bedroom
  • Bathrooms
    Four plus shower room
  • Other Rooms
    Entrance Hall
    Drawing room, Sitting room, Library, Dining room
    Kitchen, Catering kitchen
    Laundry, Pantry, guest wc
  • Apartment
    Open plan Living/kitchen/dining room
    Double bedroom plus Twin
    Family bathroom
    Separate stairs
  • Features
    Covered veranda with gas BBQ
    Equine Livery boxes available
  • Contempo
    3 Flat screen TVs, DVD player, WiFi internet
    Sonos sound system ground floor & master suite
    Good Cell phone reception
  • Availability
    Weekly: Saturday to Saturday
    Weekends: Friday to Monday
    Midweek: Monday to Friday

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Aga range, plus
• Multiple appliances and catering equipment
• Multiple laundry appliances

Bedrooms

• Sizes – Five double beds, one King-size and 11 single beds
• 3 Hairdryers

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• 3 Flat-screen TVs
• DVD player
• Sonos sound system across ground floor & master suite

Other

• Huge selection of books
• Children’s high chair
• Livery stables available
• Gas Barbeque
• Croquet lawn
• Chef available

This covered terrace overlooking the croquet lawn, is furnished with a long rustic table, and accessed from both reception rooms, is equally perfect for afternoon tea, barbeques or sundowners.

The décor throughout is an idiosyncratic blend of antique furniture and contemporary art, with a smattering of collected memories from foreign travels.
Rugs from Iran thrown across traditional sisal carpets, while little brass men perch in precarious poses.

There is a comprehensive selection of books to be read, not all of them in the library at the other side of the hall.
Elegant and cosy, with another roaring fire in another classic white marble hearth.
A wireless Sonos sound system allows your favourite music to follow through the ground floor rooms, today’s essential companion when entertaining.

Beyond the library, there is a formal dining room. Resplendent gold walls, full length drapes, a blazing log fire, and a mahogany table surrounded by faux Chippendale chairs, before you even get to the starters…

The large family kitchen abuts on to the house at the rear, with a door onto the huge lawn which reveals uninterrupted views of Mount Leinster. It is country style, with tall windows, a four oven Aga range, and a substantial rustic table in the centre.

For more comprehensive cooking the adjacent catering kitchen has more of everything from freezers to microwaves.
There is also a separate pantry and a busy laundry room contiguous.

Bedrooms

There are five double bedrooms on the first floor each with its own unique character, and each with an idyllic pastoral view. The spacious master suite has a relaxed seating area, and an integral dressing room, with an ensuite embracing both slipper bath and walk-in shower.

Four shared bathrooms plus a shower room are distributed across the landing, and all the bedrooms have wash hand basins.

The dormer floor at the top of the house is given over to family accommodation. There are two large dorm style bedrooms, each with four single beds – ever popular with the younger ones! A single bedroom with ocular view separates them.

Floor Plans

Self-contained apartment

Annexed to one end of the first floor there is a separate and commodious apartment. It comes with its own open plan living area and kitchen, a double bedroom and a twin, and a family bathroom. It can also be accessed from a dedicated back stairs.

Outside

The house is sits on 25 acres, surrounded by paddocks and mature trees. The sunny south facing croquet lawn is overlooked by an exceptional all-weather veranda.

A number of the original out buildings are undergoing renovation. If you’re a horsey sort, you could bring a couple of animals to Sandbrook – the estate has its own stables and dry arena, and there’s plenty of riding space.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
Parties – The owners regret Stag, Hen, or 21st parties are not admissible.
Children – As with all traditional country properties we would urge caution with young children in an unfamiliar environment.
Pets – Well mannered and polite dogs are accepted downstairs only.

Provisional Booking Form

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

Important – A refundable breakages deposit of €600  is payable with the rent, this will be refunded within 7 days of depature; provided all is in order.

All Year €9,900 per week Weekend €5,000 Mid-week €4,800

 

Select your Dates

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We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

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 booked Sandbrook House…

for a special birthday celebration few days and we were blown away by the comfort, spaciousness and ambiance of the house. The interior of the house is both beautiful and practical. Perfect for our whole family – from 3 to 80 years old. It served the purpose so well with lovely reception rooms and cosy but generous kitchen for a family gathering.
We stayed in Winter so the house came into its own with lovely fires in the lounges and dining room. Not to mention the gorgeous Christmas tree in the entrance hall. Jackie the house manager was extremely helpful as was John the recommended chef who provided dinner for us.
All in all, we were so delighted with our choice of venue as were our guests who all want to return. I could go on and on – giant bath tubs, books and board games in the lounge, sonos system throughout the house. Quite simply lovely, relaxing place to spend a few days in the countryside and just an hour from Dublin.

Marjory Cleary, 2018

Click here for reviews on using Sandbrook in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 
Dotted with mountains and rivers this rural landscape brings more than just golfing, history and horses…

photo Adrian Farwell
Here are some of our favourites…

Try one of the numerous local Festivals:

 

The Locality

 

 
The local village of Ballon has a couple of pubs, a great butcher and filling stations, but you will need to go the 20k to Carlow town for a broader spectrum of goods.

Carlow town was the country’s capital in the 1300’s but it’s probably best known as home of the nation’s 4th most popular Institute of Technology.

Just east of Carlow Town, Browne’s Hill Dolmen is regarded by many as one of the foremost prehistoric monuments in Ireland. Its burial chamber roof is certainly one of the heaviest in Europe at about 100 tons.

photo Kevin Higgins

Carlow Castle is a popular 13th century attraction. An attempt by a doctor in the 1800’s to convert the stone castle into an insane asylum destroyed most of the castle, however the two remaining towers demonstrate what an impressive construction it had been.

The vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny is a short drive, with its fine cathedral, and thirteenth-century Castle, which was principal residence of the Butler family for over 600 years, and well-known design and craft heritage. The city is renowned as an arts and crafts centre and is well served by restaurants and festivals.

The River Barrow which flows through Carlow town, is the second-longest river in Ireland after the River Shannon.


photo Artur Koziol

A long-distance walking trail known as The Barrow Way which follows the original towpath of the river for 114 kilometres, and would take approximately 4 days to cover on foot, though cycling is permitted. It is one of Ireland’s most scenic long distance trails but remains largely undiscovered.

Click here for more information on Ireland’s Ancient East

As mentioned elsewhere, the region is spoiled for fine golf courses within a short distance of Sandbrook. If you enjoy a spot of leisurely fly fishing, Rathcon Lake is well stocked with top quality rainbow trout. The lake is designed so that 90% of the water is coverable from the bank. Rods and tackle are available for hire.

photo Mount Wolseley Resort

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin, Belfast or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – about 1 and a half hours from the house.
Cork Airport – Just under 3 hours from the house.
Shannon Airport – under 2 and half hours from the house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and about 1 and a half hours from the house.
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is about an hour from the house.

 

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Map

Stewards Cottage

Stewards Cottage

Stewards Cottage

A magical setting of Ancient Oak and Beech

Book this home

County Waterford

This elfin cottage cloistered above the woods – just one of three – on an historic Tay valley demesne, introduces unique opportunities for exploring the beaches and headlands of Ireland’s Copper Coast, hill-walking in the Comeragh Mountains, or just rambling around a magnificent estate.

Comfortable, Compact and Cherished

Most of the rooms radiate from the warm entrance lobby in this practical and cosy cottage. The sitting room is gracious and informal with built in units of alabaster shelving around an open log hearth. Contemporary patio doors encourage you out to a sheltered gravel terrace.

The bright kitchen, doubling as a dining room, occupies one end of the house. Modelled in a simple rustic style with a wood burning stove – though the cottage is never cold, there’s lots of fuel available from the estate.

For occasional reading, bridge games, or Monopoly there is the green room, across the tiles of the entrance lobby.

Terracotta red cabinets and vibrant parrot blinds bring strong accents of colour to the ivory white interior.

The utility room and boot lobby are off one side of the kitchen while cottage stairs rise from the other end to a dreamy double bedroom in the loft. Understated, with traditional furniture and floral fabrics, typical of the restrained decor throughout this home.

The house is equipped with everything you would expect from a five star home. An Eco friendly air source heat pump provides the central heating. If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us…
Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• Electric Oven
• 4 ring electric induction Hob
• Fridge
• Wine Cooler
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Coffee machine
• Toaster

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine
• Clothes Dryer
• Iron

Bedrooms

• 1 Super King Size bed (180cm)
• 2 single beds
• Hair dryer

Tech & Entertainment

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

Other stuff

• Good selection of books
• Good selection of board games
• Some DVD movies
• Bicycles available (book in advance)
• Babies High Chair

A second cobalt-coloured twin bedroom, with views beyond the rolling fields, lies opposite the bathroom to the left of the main entrance.

Outside

The house occupies an elevated site with its own entrance on the historic Woodhouse Estate which ranges for 340 acres West Stradbally village and is bisected by the meandering river Tay. 156 acres of woodland comprising of more than 150,000 trees – some dating back to the mid 18th century – are waiting to be explored either by foot or on cycle tracks.

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

Stradbally Cove with its sheltered sandy beach is across the road from the East gates.
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 – Parts of the property may not suitable for young children, please check with us.

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week, 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

Please note: Easter Dates are at high season rates -€1,200

Christmas 5 night stay from Thursday 23rd December to Tuesday 28th December.
-€930

New Year 5 night stay from Wednesday 29th December to Monday 3rd January.
-€930

October 23rd to 30th at High Season’s Rates:
-€1,200

May to September €1,200 per week Weekend €600 Mid-week €600
October to April €1,075 per week Weekend €500 Mid-week €500

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE BOOKED

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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

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

We have just arrived back

…from our lovely break in the south.
We wish to extend our sincere thanks to you, the Thompson family and all of the team at Woodhouse Estate for such a fabulous stay.
Stewards Cottage was beautiful, exceptionally well equipped and immaculate (congratulations to your cleaning staff). The estate is fabulous (even in the rain) and playhouse was a real hit with our children!
We hope to get a chance to stay with you again soon.

Helena and Alan, August 2020

We had an amazing time in Stradbally earlier this month.

It was our first time using the website and while it obviously all looked very high spec, we were pleasantly astounded by just how nice it was. And also, how helpful June and Ted were and were always on hand if we had any questions.
The cottage was both homely and elegant and was a pleasure to stay in and come back to after a day out and about.
We will definitely be in touch again for Steward’s cottage and others. Thank you for helping us to have such a lovely holiday.

Shane & Jenny, July 2020

We had a fabulous week in Stradbally…

Cathy gave us a very warm welcome when we arrived. The cottage was very comfortable & lovely touches like fresh flowers & freshly baked scones on the table – well what more can you ask for.
We were blown away by the whole estate, I don’t believe there is enough focus on that on the website. It was a wonderful surprise to discover the beautiful surroundings and particularly the walled garden. Stunning! The location is just second to none & we spent the week exploring all the lovely beaches & coves along the copper coast. We can’t wait to return to stay in the gatekeepers cottage next time!

Julie & Robin Brammar, August 2016

Click here for reviews on using Stewards in Search for Posts

We stayed at Stewart’s cottage in Woodhouse.

We had a fabulous holiday. The Cottage was only beautiful.
We needed nothing…
Everything was provided.The Cottage was  and the care and attention to detail was exceptional.
The grounds and walled garden were spectacular.

Well done to everyone.
-Susan, 2021

We returned from Stewards Cottage last Sunday

after spending 4 nights in what can only be described as an absolutely wonderful and truly magical place to stay. June welcomed us and guided us through the cottage and the grounds. The cottage itself was excellent with everything you could possibly need but also beautifully decorated giving it a homely and welcoming feel. It is perfectly located to discover the copper coast, cycle the greenway and enjoy the culinary delights of the surrounding towns and villages.
The hidden surprise and treasure was Woodhouse and the grounds of Woodhouse. It was a privilege to be afforded to stay in such a wonderful place, roam the grounds, enjoy the walled garden, fish in the river, stroll the cove, for the kids to play in the place house and to learn of the history of Woodhouse in the museum. In this I discovered an ancestry connection with my maternal grandmother to the owners of Woodhouse in the 1700’s. Marianna kindly spent time with me going through the family history and we are going to stay in touch to delve further into the family connection.
We will definitely be returning to Woodhouse and we most certainly will be using UIH for all our staycations. I have already recommended both Woodhouse and UIH to family and friends. Thank you for all your assistance.

Caroline Long, August 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.

Above Stradbally, there is the substantial ruin of the largest medieval church in rural Ireland. It contains a fortified presbytery, probably built for protection during the disputes between the Powers and Fitzgeralds, whose boundary lands ran through the area.

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.

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.

photo – euheritagedays

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.

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.
Here too you will find 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.

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 shoreline that has more than its fair share of ship wrecks.

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.

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 June.

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

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Map

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Careysville House

Careysville House

Careysville House

A slice of riverside heaven in Cork

Book this home

A slice of riverside heaven in Cork

County Cork

More than two centuries of charm and tradition permeate this country mansion, with its stunning views over the meandering River Blackwater below.
With an 160 acre private estate to explore, it’s easy to see why generations of guests have returned to this six bedroom family home just half an hour from Ireland’s second largest City, Cork.

 

Privilege, passion and priorities

The house was built in the Georgian style, on the elevated fortifications of a ruined castle. Acquired in the mid-20th century as a fishing retreat with its 3km of double bank fishing, it became part of the Devonshire family estates, which include Lismore Castle about 20km downstream.

A bright fanlight entrance with a cobweb of curved astragals, separate the entrance lobby from the expansive hallway that is the core of the house.

Papered walls are lined with a profusion of formal gilded portraits, studiously ignoring the snooker table below – a reminder that above all this is a family home.

The superb fishing and opulent comfort of Careysville house continue to be enjoyed by the latest generation of the Devonshire family. With permission of Lord Burlington, Careysville House now becomes available for exclusive hire.

 

 

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 10 guests
    From €5,995 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Two double bedrooms & Three twin bedrooms
    All are ensuite
    One family bathroom
  • Other Rooms
    Entrance hallway
    Drawing room, Dining room, Kitchen
    Staff utilities
  • Features
    Full catering available
    Fishing Pavilion
    Snooker table
  • Contempo
    Flat screen TV, WiFi internet
    Good Cell phone reception

There are splendid views across the Blackwater valley from all the chambers, and the capacious drawing room must have witnessed many an exaggerated yarn of the noble salmon around the open hearth.

 

An expansive modern country kitchen occupies the sunny front corner, where large Georgian sash windows and paneled shutters that feature throughout the lodge, flood the rooms with light.

Genteel dining is best announced by dinner gong in such a large home. Twelve can sit down to a salmon supper in deep-buttoned leather and mahogany elegance.

 

Understated opulence informs the house, where an idiosyncratic mixture of the functional, the personal and the invaluable cohabit.
Monolithic walls, languid blown-glass panes, and the occasional wayward floor board, are testimony to the antiquity of the building.

A family bathroom serves one of the six bedrooms that radiate from the landing – all the remainder are ensuite.

Crisp white sheets, and freestanding piping hot baths await the weary guest.

The sweeping stairway passes a flurry of rainbow coloured parakeets, now frozen by the taxidermist, and leads to the bedroom accommodation.

 

Outside

The tree-lined private avenue runs for a kilometre to the main road ensuring total privacy and peace. An estate of more than 160 acres beckons exploration, or bring canoes and slip down the Blackwater.

Facilities

The house is equipped with all modern appliances, and is fully centrally heated. There is WiFi, a library of books, games and DVDs.
There is also a first class in-house chef who specialises in local produce, should you choose to avail.

Restrictions

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

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally only let by the week:
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Sunday to Sunday

Full Board includes a full Irish Breakfast or and a full Dinner in the evening

NB. A €500 refundable breakages deposit applies to this home.

Period Self Catering per week Full Board – per person per week
October to January €5,995 per week on Application
28th June to 20th September €5,995 per week €1,750

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE – BOOKED

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Please select a date first.

We don't take payment until your enquiry is confirmed.

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

 

I’d just like to say that…

the house, surroundings, atmosphere, the people, the open fires, beds, bedlinen, every single element of our stay simply could not have been better.
We were looking forward to this stay so very much, and as we had people from all over Ireland popping in and out, each and everyone of them said, the best Christmas/New Year venue they’d ever be to. Maura met us and showed us around the house, the bedrooms were unbelievable, the open fires with all the wood there to replenish the fires when needed – it was the best.
We had a black tie dinner on New Years Eve. It went down a storm…walks down by the Blackwater river, we’re all stuck for words.
A huge, massive thank you to you Maura, all our crew want it again next year…sssh don’t tell anyone else! Take care Maura, have a great 2020.

P. Harvey, December 2019

Facebook Page

using Careysville in search for posts

Out & About

 

The Blackwater valley is centrally placed for a plethora of outings and days of exploration- so many we just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

Here are some of our favourites…

The Locality

 

Within easy walking distance is the village of Clondulane, but you will need to take the 5 minute car trip to Fermoy for the nearest supermarket. The M8 motorway ensures a very quick trip from here to Cork City.

photo Andreas F. Borchert

Labbacallee to the north west of Fermoy, is Irelands largest prehistoric wedge tomb and dates from roughly 2300 BC

The renowned Mitchelstown caves exhibit some stunning examples of stalagmites and stalactites that are well worth the visit.

Fermoy was established as a garrison town around the same time Careysville house was constructed, and the camp quickly became the largest military establishment on this island during the 1800’s.

If our ex cricket pavilion seems incongruous, you will be interested to learn that in Victorian times cricket was the largest and most popular sport in the Ireland, irrespective of class or religion. Indeed in 1855 the first team to represent this island thrashed their English opponents by 107 runs.

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.

The Munster Blackwater – there being several other rivers of the same name – is Ireland’s second largest river after the Shannon, and unquestionably one of the great salmon rivers of Europe. A lazy snaking river, it is also makes for very fine for canoeing.

The views of Lismore Castle from the water as you approach the final weir are spectacular. Beyond that the river becomes tidal for the final 30km to the sea at Youghal.

How to get there – Car advised..

By Air: Flights to Cork, Kerry Airport (Farrenfore), Dublin or Shannon.
Cork Airport – approx 40 mins from house.
Kerry Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 1 hour 30 mins from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 2 hours 30 mins from house.

 

 

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Swansea/Cork Ferry is 45 mins from the house.
Rosslare Port is approx 2 hours 30 mins from house.
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 2 hours 30 mins from house.

 

Map

Riverbend

Riverbend

Riverbend

Contemporary Copper Coast Retreat

Book this home

County Waterford

200 metres from the dunes, on the final reach of the River Mahon, this brilliant white beach bungalow is a seaside escape through and through.
Luxurious and spacious, a short stroll to the village, great coastline, cycling, fishing and golf, this is a unique family vacation choice. Just two hours from Dublin and less from Cork.

 

Contemporary and airy, with a Scandavian aesthetic

At the heart of this lustrous beach bungalow is an expansive open plan living space that absorbs the kitchen and dining area.

To one end, a modular sofa and TV define the sitting room section.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 8 guests
    From €3,500 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Two double bedrooms – 1 ensuite
    Two twin bedrooms
    Family Bathroom
  • Other Rooms
    Open plan Living room, Dining room & Kitchen
    Sitting room
    Entrance Hall, Utility room
    Guest WC
  • Features
    Large Garden
    Barbecue Patios front & rear
    Fire-pit and seating
    River frontage
  • Contempo
    Flat screen TV, fast WiFi internet
    Good Cell phone reception
  • Availability
    High season Weekly only: Saturday to Saturday
    Weekends: Friday to Monday
    Midweek: Monday to Friday
  • Restrictions
    Children over 12 are welcome
    Sorry, pets are not permitted

  • CHECK HERE

The dining table is assigned an entire glazed bay with panoramic views down to the river.

Clean lines, ample storage and uncluttered surfaces characterise the kitchen.

In the centre there is a preparation island flanked by a pair of breakfast bar stools – brilliant for socially inclusive catering.

The sink and dishwasher have a dedicated zone screened from the main living area, that continues through to the sitting room.
A utility room and guest WC are also reached from this section.

A pair of glazed doors open directly onto a sheltered and sunny rear barbecue patio.

Facilities & Ameneties

Kitchen Appliances

• 4 ring induction hob with Black Hole extractor
• Electric Oven
• Fridge
• Freezer, plus another in utility room
• Dishwasher
• Toaster
• Microwave

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine
• Iron

Bedrooms

• Sizes – Two Zip & Link double beds
• Two single beds

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• Flat-screen TV
• Geo-thermal heating

Other

• Wood burning stove
• Charcoal Barbecue
• Multiple outdoor seating/dining
• River access

It’s difficult not to be impressed by views of the meandering river through the large picture window wall in the sitting room. Glazed French doors to the surrounding terrace blur the boundaries and expand the already generous interior.
This is a terrific spot for dining al fresco at any time of day.
An almost invisible balustrade of glass is a special touch.

 

Bedrooms

There is a wing of four bright bedrooms off the dog-leg hallway on the opposite side of the cottage – two doubles and two twin.

The master bedroom has a mirrored wall of Sliderobes and an ensuite bathroom.

The others share a family bathroom with walk-in shower and his & her basins.

Outside

The cottage sits on six acres of landscaped woodland and wildflower meadows that gently sweep down to the River Mahon which is tidal at this point.

A small section to the rear is fenced off for additional privacy.

There’s is 200m of private river frontage to enjoy with several judiciously placed seats for contemplating the busy wildlife – a fox’s den, heron’s nest (particularly noisy), numerous birds of prey, squirrels, even our own resident otter passes by occasionally. A birdwatchers paradise.

The river itself is alive with salmon, sea trout, mullet etc and a fishing platform has been constructed to enjoy this amenity. And of course there is a delightful fire-pit circle for sundowner stories.

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 with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.

  Per week Weekend Mid-week
September to April €3,500 €1,800 €1,800
May to August €3,500 Not Available Not Available

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.

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!

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Out & About

 

This is Ireland’s Copper Coast, packed with undiscovered gems. Here’s a few suggestions to whet your appetite…

For unique ways to make the most of your stay on the Copper Coast we recommend you contact Waterford Camino Tours

• Dunmore East Blue Grass Festival (end of August)
• Waterford Spraoi (start of August)
• Christmas Festival Waterford (22rd Nov – Dec 23rd)

Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 

Directly across from the cottage, Bunmahon Beach stretches for about half a kilometre. Its sand dunes offer protection to an abundance of unusual flora and fauna.

This region, known as the Copper Coast, gets its name from the copper mines that were active in the mid-19th century. Remnants of the engine rooms and chimneys are still evident, the most locally prominent being Tankardstown, a couple of minutes away.

Directly above the house, overlooking the village, is the Copper Coast Geopark centre where you can discover much about the legacy of the region. Don’t miss the wonderful cakes and sandwiches in the café.

It is a sometimes stormy margin and the coastline is littered with ship wrecks.

You will notice The Engine House Bar and cafe at the corner of the village – great for lunch or dinner.

Dungarvan, about 30 minutes West, is a busy seaside town with good restaurants. The main attraction is King John’s Castle, an Anglo-Norman fortification (1185) which 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 are 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.

Tramore is about 25 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.

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 roads from Fenor to Annestown.

Probably the most popular local attraction is a spectacular 46-kilometre off-road cycling/walking trail along an old railway line between Waterford and Dungarvan known as the Waterford Greenway. Bikes can be hired locally and of course you can stop or start wherever you like. Kilmacthomas might be a good place to start- Coachhouse Coffee is great for a lunch break along the way.

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

Waterford, about 30 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 June.

photo Mike Searle

About 45 minutes 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 Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – just over two hours from the cottage.
Cork Airport – approx 1 and half hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 2 and half hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is just over two hours from the cottage.
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is one and half hours from the house.

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