Drishane House

Drishane House

Drishane House

Stories Preserved for Posterity

Book this home

County Cork

Romantically situated on the edge of one of Ireland’s prettiest villages and overlooking Castlehaven bay. Winding down the Hydrangea lined avenue and many old Azeleas and specimen trees you arrive at the spacious Georgian family house full of history, Edith Somerville creations and stories.
With full days of adventure from the 2 private coves, in boats/kayaks or dingies, or just a relaxing time spent within the Drishane estate you will feel there is nothing more unique and Irish.

 

Grand Expectations in Lofty Rooms

Built around 1780 in classic Georgian style, Drishane House has been in the same family for nine generations.

Impressive double doors with fleur de lis strap hinges allow entrance to a baronial hall. And it’s newish – the front door was re-located here from the east wall in 1820.!
Original lancet panelling conceals a side door to the kitchen. Already the sense of history prevails. In one corner, there is a fine example of a masonic Worshipful Master’s chair – stories everywhere.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 11 guests
    From €6,000 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Three double bedrooms (two ensuite)
    One twin room (ensuite).
    -in annex-
    One double bedroom w/ seperate bathroom
    One kids room  w/ensuite
  • Other Rooms
    Entrance Lobby
    Sitting room, Living/Dining room,
    Kitchen with breakfast area with Patio,
    Pantry, Utility room
    Guest bathroom with shower
  • Features
    Central Heating
    Built in fireplaces in all main rooms.

    Full-size Aga in Kitchen
    Double Fridge Freezer

  • Contempo
    Flat screen TVs, DVD player,
    WiFi internet
    Extensive Library
    Filtered drinking water
    Good Cell phone reception
  • Availability
    Weekly/Biweekly: Saturday to Saturday
    Special Rates for Public Holiday 
    -See ‘Rates’ Below- 

A sweeping stair case, dominated by a soaring, arched, multi-light window, occupies the centre of the house. Interconnecting double doors link through to the original entrance foyer, with its dramatic fan-lit glazed portal spilling out onto the east lawn.

The classical dining room is august and formal; dressed with gilded ancestral portraits hanging mutely on rich wine walls. Swags above the curtained windows date from 1820, and yes, there’s still a chamber pot hidden behind the shutters – lest a gentleman get caught short.

Across the foyer, the generous and sunny drawing room is well populated with furniture, loose cover armchairs, and a vintage baby grand piano. Someone conveniently added French doors to the southern lawn at the start of the last century.

Some rooms still bear their 1830s wallpaper, including the anteroom and its octagonal study, which is cosy in scale with a wood-burning stove and flat screen TV…

The modern kitchen has been fitted out in light oak and has a gas hob and a raised electric oven to compliment the traditional four oven Aga. There is a full height fridge and a matching freezer, and a utility room for laundry and pantry requirements. A tight little secret stairs runs up to the west wing bedrooms.

Adjacent to the kitchen, the spacious breakfast room opens onto the garden patio – excellent for long al fresco luncheons.

Upstairs accommodation

consists of three generous double bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms, and two with romantic half-tester canopies above the beds.

There is also a south facing twin bedroom, with stunning sea views, that shares a contemporary family bathroom – complete with free standing claw foot bath.

A broad passage lined with books links the main house with more accommodation, including an impish kid’s bedroom with its own ample ensuite bathroom.

The acclaimed writer Edith Somerville lived in Drishane House for most of her life, and her legacy is to be found throughout the home, not least in her capacious bedroom with its ensuite on stilts.

Facilities

The house is equipped with everything you would expect from a traditional large home – and sometimes more than one of them. The house is centrally heated in parts and there are wood-burning stoves or open fires in all the public spaces.
If you have a particular requirement, such as a chef, catering staff or a babysitter, please be sure to tell us in advance…

Outside

Dressed in local slate, the house is elevated on eighteen acres that cascade down ever more steeply to Castlehaven Bay. The informal gardens vary with the seasons; in spring the woodland floor is carpeted with daffodils and bluebells. Amongst the mature trees and shrubs are many specimen varieties and botanical curiosities.
The climate here is very mild, with moist Atlantic breezes warmed by the Gulf Stream that sweeps across from the Caribbean.
There is also a small herd of diminutive black Dexter cattle, an historic breed of Irish origin.
The property is situated at the top end of and within easy walking distance of Castletownshend village.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
The owners regret Stag, Hen, 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.

Provisional Booking Form

 This Home is only available for 2 week minimum stay, except for high season, which may be for one week, and Christmas period as shown below.
An additional two person apartment is available for assistants – details on request.

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

Heritage Week (August 14th-22nd) House Available – Please Apply for Rates

5th January to 17th March €3,500 per week, 2 weeks minimum stay
23rd June to 1st September €6,000 per week, 1 week minimum stay
14th April to 5th May €4,500 per week, 2 weeks minimum stay
29th September to 22nd December €4,500 per week, 2 weeks minimum stay
17th March to 14th April €5,000 per week, 2 weeks minimum stay
5th May to 23rd June €5,000 per week, 2 weeks minimum stay
1st September to 29th September €6,000 per week, 2 weeks minimum stay
22nd December to 27th December €6,950 for 5 night minimum stay
27th December to 2nd January2020 €6,950 per week, 5 night minimum stay

 

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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Out & About

 

West Cork is like a charm on the bracelet of the Wild Atlantic Way. We have food, festivals, folklore and the ocean – all inviting exploration.
We can’t list everything, so here are a few of our favourites…

Here are some of our favourites…

Annual festivals a-plenty include Traditional Irish music Festival, Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival, Skibbereen Food Festival, Cape Clear Storytelling, and many sailing events including Calves Week

 

The Locality

 

 

The history of Castletownshend village, and Drishane House are entwined. Originally built by the son of a vicar resident at Castlehaven Castle, the house was purposely positioned to monitor the comings and goings of his ships as they traded with America. The silent h in the middle was added in 1870.

The deep sheltered water of Castlehaven Bay was the scene of the sinking of a small Spanish Armada in 1602 that subsequently led to a game-changing event in Irish history known as the Flight of the Earls.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

Edith Somerville (1858-1949) spent most of her life in Drishane House. Memorable for her writings in collaboration with her cousin under the pseudonym Somerville and Ross– of which The Experiences of an Irish R.M is probably the best known – she was also a highly regarded painter, with many examples of her work in the house.

painted by Edith of local girl Mary Ann

There is a sheltered beach at Castlehaven – five minutes away – which is ideal for launching kayaks, but for a more sandy and south facing beach, Tragumna blue flag beach is about 15 minutes away, and an easy cycle.

There are three stained glass windows by the renowned Art Nouveau illustrator Harry Clarke in St.Barrahane’s Castletownshend church which you may find interesting. He was a particularly obsessed with blue qualities.

Just ten kilometres away to the North is the thriving market town of Skibbereen. Every Saturday there is a lively farmers market here with excellent artisan food and crafts.

30 mins away, Drombeg Stone Circle or The Druid’s Altar, is one of the most visited megalithic sites in Ireland – go early to avoid crowds.

photo – Cawlef

Baltimore is perhaps Ireland’s most southern town. A 30 minute drive away, it is the terminal for ferries to Clear and Sherkin Islands. The town has a long tradition of wooden boat building. Between 1880 and 1926 Baltimore was the largest fishing port in the country and 78 fishing vessels were registered locally.
By 1907, the fleet was so numerous that you could, it was said, walk to Sherkin across the decks of the boats! At one stage there were seven trains every day out of Baltimore, all carrying fish for the American market.

How to get there – Car advised..

By Air: Cheap flights to Kerry Airport (Farrenfore) Cork, Dublin or Shannon.
Kerry Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Cork Airport – approx 1.5 hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 3.5 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 4.5 hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Rosslare Port is approx 4 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 4 hours from house.

 

​

Map

The Well

The Well

The Well

Family Magic on the Mizen Peninsula

Book this home

County Cork

Cached on a sunny embankment that gently tumbles down to the azure waters of Schull harbour in wonderful west Cork, we have a spacious stone cottage completely irresistible for a family vacation on the Wild Atlantic Way.
This is where the line between alfresco and interior becomes blurred of a summer’s day…

 

Everything from breakfast to barbeque

A continuous sweep of living space runs from the broad screen of glazing that is the entrance, along the kitchen and spills out through French doors on to a barbeque balcony with delicious views and a table that seats eight.

The catering island finished in black granite, with induction hob, integral deep fryer and fitted chargrill, occupies centre stage in the kitchen. The range of culinary contrivances includes a pizza oven.

At the breakfast bar end, there is a level change and the mottled ochre floor tiles step down into the morning sun of the dining area.
There is plenty of room here for the robust dinner table to pivot out from the alcove and expand to its full ten seater capacity.

Fold back the pair of arched doors and step down into the chic double height living room. A single glazed door opens onto sunset terrace the better to appreciate spectacular views of the harbour.

There is under-floor heating throughout the home, but here you have the added comfort of a generous rustic stone open fireplace.

The opposing half of the living room has a panelled ceiling and an expansive of library of books and DVD’s. Television viewing is augmented by the home cinema surround sound audio.

The master bedroom is on the ground floor has French doors to the paved terrace, more of that spectacular view, its own ensuite shower-room and an exclusive sauna.

Upstairs in the attic apex there is a cosy compact twin bedroom and a captivating powder blue bedroom with three limed oak sleigh beds that kids will love.

Two of the beds accommodate comfortable fold out single beds, which can pop up to make a double or function as singles.

A separate balcony reached by external stairs accesses a charming ensuite loft bedroom for two.

Outside

The cottage boasts amazing views west, overlooking the slopes of its sunny informal garden across the bobbing boats of Schull harbour to the village beyond.
The paved terrace is ideal for outdoor dining with a large table, wickerwork tub chairs, easy access to the kitchen, and a choice of built in charcoal barbeque or a handier gas version.

The swimming pool is solar heated and has its own sun decking, loungers, and stone hot/cold shower cubicle. There is a separate changing room with shower.
The lounge deck is a magical outdoor sundown sitting room with sofas and chairs.

Three minutes down the road brings you to Cooradaragan, a shale beach where there is a slip way.

Facilities

The Cottage has its own well, and is equipped with everything you would expect from a five star home –
Apart from the heated pool, there is a central piped Bang & Olufson sound system, central vacuum system, a very comprehensive selection of children’s toys, Kayaks, bicycles etc.
If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us..

Laundry and ice making machines are in the utility annex, along with life-jackets etc.

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.

Provisional Booking Form

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

The house has a double and two twinbedroom, sleeping six.
There is also a young adults triple bedroom with two pull out single beds, sleeping five younger persons. 

Allergy Warning! Please note that this is a Dog Friendly Home.
If you intend bringing a dog, please advise below whether there will be more than one, and approximate size, as large dogs may need to be cleared by the owner.

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

All Year €5,500 per week
Christmas Offer 23rd-28th December 2020: €5,950
New Year’s Offer 29th-3rd January 2021 €5,950

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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Please select a date first.

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

 

Reviews

 

We loved our stay…

at your magnificent house that was so thoughtfully stocked with everything we needed – although we were tempted by the wines we were able to resist them!! The pool temperature was just right and we used the sauna after swimming every day. The children loved the toys – I hope they were put away carefully with any breakages. The house was so inviting to be in. Thanks again

Richard, Australia, July 2017

Can I thank you once again…

for enabling my family to stay at the Well in Schull last month. Your website was easy to use and accurately explained the facilities in each of the properties and enabled us to make an informed choice. For example the fact that the property accepted dogs was a principal requirement and your search engine filtered properties thereby avoiding the need to go through each property in turn as we experienced on other sites.
The property itself was superb, and the [owners] were informative and helpful in introducing the property, as well as being kind enough to wait for us and also to drive me to Cork Airport to collect my other two sons and a hire car.
I cannot rate the property or the area highly enough and I feel privileged to have enjoyed a family holiday there.

Paul Tucker, July 2017

Click here for reviews on using The Well in Search for Posts

All went very well, thanks. Good, realistic photos of the house on your site, site was easy to navigate, very nice house, landlord was very easy to deal with, no issues during the week. Your website will be my first port of call for Irish holidays from now on. Hope you keep up the good work!

Donnacha, August 2016

 

Out & About

 

Rugged and remote, this part of West Cork encourages leisurely endeavours, rambling, cycling and of course eating.
There are amazing pristine beaches for surfing and kiting, fishing, sailing and boat tours and brilliant restaurants.

With wonderful walks, splendid scenery, and legendary gardens to visit, we just can’t list them all, so here are a few of our favourites…

Annual festivals a-plenty include Traditional Irish music Festival, Ballydehob Jazz Festival, Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival, Skibbereen Food Festival, Cape Clear Storytelling, and many sailing events including Calves Week

 

The Locality

 

 

Schull is the nearest village just 2.5K away, and has an number of small boutique shops and restaurants, and of course a great fish shop. In the summer months the harbour fills with fishing boats and yachts.

West Cork is renowned for its long jagged peninsulas and deep bays – the last point of land visible to travelers from Great Britain and Ireland as they headed for America in the 19th century.

The climate is very mild, with moist Atlantic breezes warmed by the Gulf Stream that sweeps across from the Caribbean. Semi-tropical plants and palm trees are common in this region. Fuchsia abound and have become the unofficial emblem of West Cork.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

The Fastnet rock lighthouse lies 19km to the south of Baltimore and is Ireland’s most southerly. It is also extremely exposed.
The original cast iron lighthouse used to shake violently in storms.
A rogue wave reportedly washed over the 48m tower in 1985. Its light flashes once every five seconds, and has a range of 27 nautical miles.

Every second August, Rolex sponsor a yacht race from the Isle of Wight (UK) to the Fastnet and back, a distance of 700 miles.

Sailing is the most ubiquitous pastime along this stretch of Corks coastline, and from Crookhaven to Kinsale there are countless regattas throughout the summer, and great opportunities for the serious sailor to up their skills.

The lighthouse on the cliffs of Mizen Head at the end of the peninsula is Ireland’s most south westerly point, and can be reached by a dramatic bridge.

A megalith at Toormore Bay, known as the Alter Wedge Tomb is one of a dozen or so similar Stone Age constructions to be found around the peninsula.

Cape Clear island is Ireland’s most southerly, and has a population of 120 Irish speaking persons. It’s a 45 minute boat trip from Baltimore or Schull. The island is 3 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.
The island’s remote location, coupled with its proximity to the continental shelf, makes it the foremost centre for bird watching in Ireland, boasting Ireland’s only manned observatory.
Whale, leatherback turtle, sun fish and shark are spotted every year – dolphins constantly.

Beautiful and busy Barley Cove beach, just along the coast, has extensive sand dunes and an interesting floating pontoon link, which helps to protect the dunes from visitor erosion.

How to get there – Car advised… or yacht!

By Air: Cheap flights to Kerry Airport (Farrenfore) Cork, Dublin or Shannon.
Kerry Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Cork Airport – approx 1.5 hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 3.5 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 4.5 hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Rosslare Port is approx 4 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 4 hours from house

 

Map

 

Pipers Cottage

Pipers Cottage

Pipers Cottage

“Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling……..”

Book this home

Ardgroom Co. Cork

 

A very special, private home set above the sheltered shores of Ardgroom harbour, Pipers Cottage is surrounded by its own 11 acres of pasture and woodland with its own shoreline and private beach.

But more than that, it’s glorious secluded location and stunning private views makes Pipers the perfect spot to simply unwind and enjoy and explore the extraordinary natural power and beauty that is here in Beara.

 

A Musical Rest..

The house is built within the grounds of the 19th century home of Canon Goodman, the ruins of which provide a magical backdrop to views over Ardgroom harbour towards the Kerry and Caha mountains.

Glorious mature stands of beech, oak and plane trees line the drive and stand proudly in the surrounding meadows. We will tell you later of the great and good Canon, but first to the home, Pipers.

To set the scene, here are just some of the views from the house, sunporch and garden: private, intimate, glorious, unchanged and special.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 4 guests
    From €1,200 per week
  • Bedrooms
    One Double Bedroom
    One Twin Room
    Family Bathroom
    w/ Power Shower
  • Other Rooms
    Sitting room, dining room
    Kitchen, 
  • Contempo
    Wi-Fi
    Television
    BBQ

  • CHECK HERE

Pipers is a kilometre and a half from the village of Ardgroom with its excellent shop, cafe and pub (Village Inn).

The home provides modern and comfortable accommodation for up to four in two bedrooms, one a double and the other with twin beds.

The south-facing terrace overlooking the harbour is well sheltered and is an absolute sun trap. A glorious spot to spend the day with the cows grazing on the green hills beyond and wonderful and often rarely seen seabirds and wildlife hunting in the waters below (Gannets, Terns, Guillemots, Sandpipers, Great Northern Divers, Herons, Sea Otters and Hares to name but a few).

The terrace entrance leads into the open plan living area through a convenient and spacious porch.

The living area comfortably accommodates six around a Scandinavian wood burning stove that combines with central heating to ensure maximum snugness on those very occasional dampish days !

Leading from the dining area is a fully equipped modern kitchen. Bright, a delight to use and spacious with views out into the surrounding gardens.

The back door into the house leads from the kitchen providing easy and direct access for car loading and unloading. A well-equipped laundry is also provided next to the kitchen

Bedrooms

The stairs to the bedrooms lead from the living area to a landing above with the master bedroom to the right and the second bedroom to the left.

The master bedroom is spacious and cosey. Three windows offer lovely views across the harbour to the hills and mountains beyond.
The sky light above the bed ensures that the room is always well and softly lit. And on the odd blowy night allows you to really hear the wind. Just magic.

​

The second bedroom consists of two single beds.

The bright and airy bathroom at the top of the stairs provides a power shower with lashings of hot water. Compact, spotless, with all that you need.

 

Pipers was built in 1900 but has been sensitively modernised while remaining true to its proud Beara roots. The house is full of lovely touches which reach back and connect you to the years gone by.

Beara has many fine resident artists and potters. Their work is exhibited in Kenmare, Castletown and Bantry or better still, follow the booklet “Beara Art Trail” and you can visit them in their own studios. Well worth doing, as they are close by.

So now to Canon Goodman; who was truly well named.
Pipers is situated in the grounds of a former rectory that once was his home.

Born in Dingle in 1828 he spent a life-time devoted to the well-being of Ireland and all its people. A fluent Irish speaker from childhood his life was one of service, education and music. Indeed he became renowned for his playing of the Uileann pipes.

His unique collection of over 2000 traditional Irish melodies for the pipe in volumes known as ‘The tunes of the Munster Pipers’ are now housed in the library of Trinity College, Dublin.

It was while in Ardgroom that the Canon commenced this collection.
And so it is that Pipers Cottage came to be named in memory of a very remarkable and good man.
His funeral in January 1896 was of “enormous proportions” and bore testimony to his life of devotion to Ireland, its people and music. “His generosity to the poor left him without wealth at the end. Yet he died rich, for money could not buy the esteem and respect of his countrymen which were without limit or reserve.”

Reflect on this exemplary life, listen to the message in the Piper’s call as you sit by his once fine home and take in, as he surely often did himself, the unspoilt beauty and peace of Ardgroom harbour with Collorus and the Caha mountains beyond.
It has changed little in 200 years and remains an inspiration.

The fine old stone buildings around the Canon’s former home to-day form a beautiful sheltered quadrangle ideal for outside dining. A barbeque is of course provided.

 

Restrictions

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

 

Pipers Cottage is a very special place. And it continues to reach out and touches all those who have had the good fortune to track it down and stay in this lovely place on this beautiful peninsula.

 

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

 

There is a €250 damage deposit applicable.

June to September €1,200 per week N/A N/A
October to May €1,200 per week Weekend €650 Mid-week €650

Select your Dates

AVAILABLE – BOOKED

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Book your preferred dates below or Phone us on: 085 860 0027 
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 2 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

 

If you would be so good.

 Piper’s Cottage is new to Unique Irish Homes Summer 2021. If you visit and feel the need; let us know how it went…

The Cottage is deeply appreciated by past guests…

 

“The place is very special. The cottage the best bolthole ever. We could not have asked for more. And the views…………!!!” 

(Sept 2017, Neil and Alan, Lancashire UK.)

“What a beautiful cottage Pipers is. On the website it looked great already, but in real life the views, the atmosphere and the house itself are even better.”

(May 2015, Dick, Carolyn and family. Boston USA)

“We could not have picked a better place to stay in Ireland. These wonderful views from the terrace and cosy cottage will stay in our hearts forever.”

(July, 2020. Karin, Radic, Vaclav. Pila Czech Republic.)

 

Out & About

 

Isolated but not remote, the Beara Peninsula defies analysis.
The sea, the air, the history, there’s so much to explore …

Here are some of our favourites…

 

The Locality

 

 

The nearest town for basic requirements is Ardgroom just 3km away. Close to the village there is a picturesque stone circle, one of a plethora of megalithic monuments to be found in the region.

For more serious shopping, gourmet restaurants, and an informal farmers market on Wednesdays, Kenmare is a delightful 30 minute drive back up the Bay.

The rugged Beara peninsular is shared by counties Cork and Kerry – Cove Lodge is balanced on the border. The Ring of Beara road twists its way around this headland, exposing colourful hamlets in its path. Narrow, but with minimal traffic, it is a splendid tour, and the views are spectacular. For Cyclists or walkers the Beara Way offers a safer route.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

At the tip of the peninsula a spur off the loop road continues to Ballaghboy. From here you can catch Irelands only cable car for the ten minute ride to Dursey Island. The rickety car carries six passengers (or the equivalent in sheep) about 250m above infamous Dursey Sound, where strong tides make travelling by boat hazardous.

photo – Nigel Cox

With magnificent views stretching from the Skelligs to Mizen Head, only a handful of inhabitants brave this wild and windy island. Dolphins, whales and innocent basking sharks are frequently seen in the surrounding seas.

The Caha Mountain range runs down the spine of Beara, and Hungry Hill is the highest of its peaks. The panorama at the top is of course staggering, but the route is a bit all-terrain and needs fine weather.

To cross back to Cove Lodge, don’t miss the Tim Healy Pass. This zigzag road is worth it for the wonderful scenery, and is one of the classic Irish Car Rally stages.

photo – John Gibson

For a period during the 19th century copper mining was the major industry in the area, and much evidence still exists in the small town of Allihies where there is an interesting museum.

Castletownbere on the southern side of the peninsula is Irelands largest white fish port. The harbour is deep and is reputed to be one of the safest in the world. Sheltered by Bear Island, it has a long military history.

The tiny Garnish Island, just off the town of Glengarrif demonstrates this in a series of gardens flush with rhododendrons, azaleas and other surprising plants.

There are ample sites for fishing into deep water straight off the rocky Beara shoreline. Glenbeg Lake, is also teeming with trout and the short Glenmore river spate is extremely prolific, with runs of Spring Salmon coming in March, and Sea-Trout in mid June to late July.

How to get there – Car advised…

​
By Air: Cheap flights to Kerry Airport (Farrenfore) Cork, Dublin or Shannon.
Kerry Airport – approx 1.5 hour from house.
Cork Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 3 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 4.5 hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Swansea/Cork Ferry is 2 hours from the house.
Rosslare Port is approx 4.5 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 4.5 hours from house

​

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Gortadrohid

Gortadrohid

Gortadrohid

The most South West you can go...

Book this home

West Cork

On a causeway-linked island – one of the throng at the edge of Roaring Water Bay – and wrapped in 15 acres of wildlife and flowers, this impressive and recently constructed two storey family home enjoys spectacular views and a unique relationship with the ocean.
It’s well known that West Cork is where food, festivals and family fun flourish.

 

Spacious, Comfortable, Contemporary and Private

T shaped in footprint, the westerly wing of the trio is an open plan space and the core of this family home. The room spans more than 12 metres from an informal corner group seating area, with smart flat screen TV, to a powder-blue kitchen at the extreme end. There is stone floor throughout.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 12 guests
    Incl. 2 in the Studio
    From €2,500 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Three Double Bedrooms, one en suite, one convertible to twins on ground floor
    &
    One Triple Bedroom, bunks and a single
    Family Bathroom,
    &
    W/C Shower Room on Ground Floor
  • Other Rooms
    Open Plan Living Room/Dining/Kitchen
    Sitting Room
    Entrance Lobby
    Utility Room
  • Features
    Studio in Separate Stone Cottage
    Double Bedroom en suite with W/C and Shower
    Art Studio on Ground Floor of Cottage
  • Contempo
    Multiple Paved Patios
    Private Slipway and Moorings
    Concealed Garden Lighting
    Underfloor Heating 
    Sandpit
    Barbecue 
    Internet and Smart TV
  • Availability
    Weekly: Friday to Friday
    Weekends: Friday to Monday
    Mid week: Monday to Friday

In the kitchen, devotees of the culinary arts are not only treated to exquisite vistas of the coast, but are spoiled by an American fridge and an exceptional three oven cooking range topped by a ceramic hob.

The Belfast sink has a companion countersunk in the preparation island, and twin dishwashers stand side by side to accommodate the debris of ambrosia.

The centre of this living space – occupied by a humble but long dining table – is lined with patio doors that open north and south framing panoramic views across landscaped gardens, the River Illen and North West towards Mount Gabriel.

Mimicking one in the front porch, a slender arched window illuminates the double height entrance hall, where roomy volute rail stairs make a return to the first floor gallery landing, at the centre of the house.

The more formal drawing room in the North wing benefits from multiple views, with windows everywhere, including French doors to catch sunsets on the northern terrace.

A contemporary, cosy wood burning stove enjoys centre stage below flat screen technology.

Still on the ground floor, there is a delightful and accessible double bedroom with shower and toilet in the opposite wing.

Three generous double bedrooms and a kid’s room with single bed and bunks, construe the upstairs accommodation. All the rooms are blessed with more of those ubiquitous views.

The master bedroom is ensuite – there is a shared family bathroom for the rest. King size beds may ‘zip and link’ into two where required.

The Studio

Adjacent to the home, a charming Artists studio of traditional stone construction has extra accommodation on the first floor – a spacious double bedroom with an additional single bed, serviced by its own ensuite shower room. Large French doors open from the studio onto a dedicated south facing terrace.

Facilities

The house is well insulated and employs the latest heat recovery technology. The Fridge Freezer has an ice-maker and water dispenser, while the washing machine has an extra-large capacity. There are two dishwashers. You will find a wide selection of books, DVD’s, and there is internet – in short everything you might require.
If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us…

Outside

The property sits on an island connected to the mainland by a causeway. A long driveway takes you through 15 acres of private land, dotted with heather and gorse, seals, otters and hares. Several paths lead down to the water’s edge where there is a slipway and moorings, and a stretch of private sandy shoreline. Bring your kayak, RIB or dingy because there are a lot of inlets and islets to explore!

From the two garden terraces, there are stunning views of Baltimore harbour, the multiple islands of Roaring Water Bay and Mount Gabriel beyond. A large sandpit for kids, and landscape lighting in the picturesque stone walls are delightful additions.

Restrictions

Smoking – No, sorry!
The owners regret Stag or Hen parties are not admissible.
Pets – No, sorry!

Provisional Booking Form

This Home is normally let by the fortnight for the summer; June to September.
In the off-season, it is only let by the week.
Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday

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

A refundable breakages deposit payable with the rental amount of €500 will be refunded within seven days of departure.

Period House only per week
(2 weeks only June to September)		 surcharge for Studio
June to September €3,600 €300
October to May €2,500 €400

 

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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

 

Gortadroid is idillic, a pleasurdome of pure luxury perched atop an island of serenity.

The views in the morning are enough to defibrillate even the most exhausted city dweller and the pink sunsets soften the soul like the enzymes in the centre of expensive chocolate truffles.
The house itself is clean, bright and comfortable with many useful practical considerations. All the rooms are fitted with double blinds for extended snoozing and the kitchen is generously fitted out in every direction to make it the ideal entertaining space.
The house is warm at all times due to a magic and apparently invisible heating system and the baths are large and deep. There is a snug with a wood-burner for those that like to indulge in light pyromania and walks in all directions are imbued with panoramic views and the kind of refreshing solitude you expect from such a remote part of the world.
The local fishmongers, pubs and shopping are only a ten minuet drive away which is very useful and there are treasures to be found in the weekend markets, charity shops and antiques places even for the novice scavenger.
We absolutely loved it and plan to return just add soon as we can.

Moses Van den Bogaerde, March 2019

Click here for reviews on using Gortadrohid in Search for Posts

 

Out & About

 

It’s easy to see why West Cork is such a magnet for family vacations, there’s just so much happening.

Plus, if like Rat in Wind in the Willows, you find “there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats…” you’re in the right place.

Here are links to some of our favourites

There are few regions where you will find quite so many Festivals – there always seems to be something magical in full swing. Here are just a few: Traditional Irish music Festival, Fastnet Maritime and Folk Festival, Skibbereen Food Festival, Cape Clear Storytelling, Baltimore Seafood and Wooden Boat Festival, O’Driscioll Clan and Midsummer Festival, Baltimore Pirate Festival, Baltimore Regatta, Baltimore Sea Angling Festival, West Cork Chamber Music Festival, West Cork Literary Festival, Baltimore Fiddle Fair

 

The Locality

 

 

Baltimore village with restaurants, shops and pubs is less than ten minutes by car, and just a mile by sea. This is probably as far south as towns get in Ireland.
The town was the country largest fishing port at the turn of the last century, and a long tradition of boat building. Most of the catch was destined for America, with some seven train loads a day leaving the port.

There is a small archipelago known as Carberry’s 100 isles in this most southerly parish in Ireland. Actually there are only about 50, and they all bear the scars of Atlantic attrition that has left a jagged combed striation in the sandstone.

The Baltimore Seafood and Wooden Boat Festival runs the last weekend in May. Sailors and boat-lovers gather for a weekend of sailing, talking, learning and partying in true West Cork style!
Food tents line the pier hosting West Cork’s finest fish smokers, cheese makers and organic gardeners showcasing unique cuisine.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

The lively town of Skibbereen is about 12 km inland, and the principal town in the region. Excellent for Artisan food and crafts, there is a vibrant market here on Saturdays.
There is a fine heritage centre in the town for tracing your family, especially if you are a McCarthy. Baltimore is strong O’Driscoll territory though, so if you’re from that clan, that’s the spot for you.

The local population was decimated during the great potato famine – there are said to be 9,000 victims in burial pits outside the Skibbereen.
Some escaped west to the New World on ships like the Jeanie Johnston (pictured) which carried more than 2,500 passengers in very cramped conditions over seven years without loss of a single life.

Every two years an 1,126 km yacht race from the Isle of Wight around Ireland’s most southerly point, the Fastnet Rock, takes place. Severe weather famously took the lives of 18 sailors in the 1979 race, resulting in the largest ever peace-time rescue operation.

Baltimore is a good choice for ferries to the islands, where the best beaches are to be found, and boat tours of Roaring Water Bay.

How to get there – Car advised..

By Air: Cheap flights to Kerry Airport (Farrenfore), Cork, Dublin or Shannon.
Kerry Airport – approx 2 hours from house.
Cork Airport – approx 1.5 hours from house.
Shannon Airport – approx 3.5 hours from house.
Dublin Airport – approx 4.5 hours from house.

By Sea: Ferry crossings from Pembroke/Fishguard to Rosslare.
Stena Express – 120 mins (summer only from Fishguard)
Rosslare Port is approx 4 hours from house
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is approx 4 hours from house.

 

Map