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

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8th January to 12th March €3,500 per week, 2 weeks minimum stay
12th March to 13th April €4000 per week, 1 week minimum stay
13th April to 30th May €5,500 per week, 2 weeks minimum stay
30th May to 1st October €6,500 per week, 1 week minimum stay
31st October to 22nd December €3,500 per week, 2 weeks minimum stay
Christmas week – 23rd December to 28th December 2022. €6,500 for those dates.
New Years Eve – 30th December to 2nd January 2023 €6,500 for those dates.

 

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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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

Castlehaven House

Castlehaven House

Castlehaven House

A Rambling Rural Rectory

Book this home

West Cork

This is a spacious, charming and historical Georgian country home. Superb for family vacations, with lots to entertain, dazzling views of the Atlantic, acres of maintained exclusive gardens, and a private walk through an historic glen to the secluded seashore. Uniquely West Cork.

 

Something special for everyone

Built as a parish rectory more than 200 years ago, this substantial three storey holiday home retains all of its original charm while integrating liberal concessions to modern comforts.

The interior is simply stated – solid white walls, and authentic wooden floor boards stained black. Paneled shutters and roller blinds are all that frame the bright latticed sash windows throughout.

There are white marble open fireplaces in the two living rooms. An east facing bay in the larger one has stunning views across Castlehaven Bay through French doors that step down to a furnished terrace and stone barbeque.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 12 Guests
    From €3,900 per week
  • Bedrooms
    Four Double Bedrooms
    &
    One Twin Bedroom
    All Ensuite
  • Other Rooms
    Two Reception Rooms
    Dining Room
    Kitchen
    Billiard Room
    Study with Double Sofa Bed
    Utility Room
  • Contempo
    Sauna Spa
    Logs&Turf

  • CHECK HERE

Piano enthusiasts will appreciate the vintage John Broadwood, the world’s first piano manufacturer.

The furniture mainly observes a wicker theme, offset by occasional vintage cabinets and chairs, as in the dining room.

A matching pair of leather wingback chairs off the reception hall are inviting to pass some time with a coffee and the papers.

The adjoining billiard room, has a dartboard, and for the less competitive, a wall full of books.

Less formal meals can be taken tepenyaki style in the kitchen on stools around the central cooking island.

Room sizes throughout this home are generous, and all the bedrooms enjoy awesome views of the landscaped gardens, ‘The Stags’ and the sheltered bay. There is ample built in wardrobe space in each.

There is also a large sauna and walk through rainfall shower tower in the basement for complete pampering.

The four fully tiled ensuite bathrooms are spacious, bright and well appointed.

Outside

A cobbled yard of beach stones and rough stone walled outbuildings, lead to a greenhouse laden with vegetables that spans its southern walls.

The garden consists of a generous 20 acres of rambling lawns, hedges, and woodland fern glade pathways, leading down to the pebble beach and pier.

There is an historic, if very small, holy well known as Saint Barrahane’s Well, within the grounds. The saint appears in a stained glass window in Castletownsend.

Facilities

The house is equipped with everything you would expect from a luxury home – from Sauna to WiFi to barbeque, clothes dryer to microwave, piano, billiards, darts, books, games, dvds.
If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us..

Restrictions

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

For larger groups, Castlehaven Lodge which sleeps 4 may be used in conjunction with the main house.
More here …

Provisional Booking Form

  This Home is only let by the week

Please Note: For Christmas and New Years 2021 the House is Available for Set Dates:

The 23rd to the 28th December 2021 -€4,950
The 28th to the 2nd January 2022- €4,950

Holidays’ Dates for 2022 are priced as following.
Easter Week 14th-  19th April 2022 – €4,950
Halloween  26th- 1st October 2022 – €4,950
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €4,950
New Years’ 30th December 2022 to the 2nd January 2023  –€4,950

Important – A Week’s booking runs from Saturday to Saturday
There is a breakages deposit €800 – refundable within 7 days – applicable to this property.

Please Also Note:  There is a caretaker resident on the estate.

May to June €4,500 per week
July to September €4,950 per week
October to April €3,900 per week

 

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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Please select a date first.

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

Reviews

 

We had a wonderful week…

the house was very special and Noel couldn’t have been more helpful. Also thank you for referring us to Don – the cycles were there when we arrived and were well used during the week. We left the house tidy and took good care of it.

Judy, UK, June 2017

I just wanted to say a huge thank you for our wonderful week at Castlehaven House 2 weeks ago. We all had the most incredible, memorable time and the house provided the perfect back drop, helping us create some truly special memories. We loved the walk down to the cove, the gardens, the spacious, beautifully thought out living areas & the surrounding area for visits. Thank you for helping us organise an exceptionally memorable week.

Siobhan & family, UK , May 2017

Facebook Page

using Castlehaven House  in search for posts

Out & About

 

Castlehaven House is ideally situated for exploring all that’s great about West Cork. Enjoy great scenery, lively events and festivals, a warm welcome and some great days out and about.
…there really is too much choice and not enough room.

Other interesting local attractions include:
>St. Barrahane’s Feast Day, December 3 (in Castletownshend)
>Baltimore Seafood Festival and Baltimore Wooden Boats Festival in May
>Baltimore Regatta August 1st
>Concerts at St. Barrahane’s Church in Castletownshend (festival of music) late July to Mid August

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 deep sheltered waters 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.

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

photo Mike Searle

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…

Baltimore is perhaps Irelands 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.br By 1907, after the North Pier had been built, 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.

The Fastnet rock lies 19km to the south of Baltimore. Its lighthouse 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. In 2013 the last boat to cross the line, a 101 year old gaff yawl, took 6 days, 6 hours, 31 minutes and 27 seconds to complete the course. In 1985, the lighthouse was struck by a rogue wave measuring about 157 feet (48 m) in height.

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 islands 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.

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

Danieli

Danieli

Danieli

Bleached Beaches and Dry Stone Walls

Book this home

County Galway

Like a balcony onto Mannin Bay, Danieli commands Atlantic vistas that include Europe’s last sunsets.
Among the rocky outcrops and faded grasses of Connemara, and just a stone’s throw from the sea, this contemporary cottage affords an idyllic base for the entire family to indulge in Ireland’s most acclaimed region.

 

Capacious Cottage Life

Landscaped into a gently sloping site, and named after a lucky horse in the Grand National, this is a generous sprawling stone cottage with classic Connemara seascape views, uniquely suited to cross generation family vacations.

The sitting room with its roughly plastered chimney breast is mainly what remains of the original stone cottage.
Open stairs climb up to an expedient and low mezzanine playroom in the loft, with an overlooking balcony.

AT A GLANCE

  • Sleeps
    Up to 8 guests
  • Bedrooms
    Two double bedrooms-one ensuite
    One twin bedroom
    Two Single Bedrooms
    Family bathroom 
    Shower Room
  • Other Rooms
    Kitchen/Dining Area
    Sitting Room
    Sun Room
    Entrance/Boot Room
    Living/Games Room
    Children’s Mezzanine
    Utility Room
  • Contempo
    Paved Front Terraces
    Logs & Turf
    Wi-Fi Internet
    DVD’s Games and Books 

  • CHECK HERE

Off the living room, an expansive and comprehensively equipped family kitchen complete with Aga range, annexes the southerly aspect of the cottage.
This space is shared with a generous dining table, leather and chrome chairs, marble floors and a wood burning stove that together imbue a contemporary character to this multifunctional room.

French doors in a span of elegantly draped glazing open south onto a spacious front terrace.

Here stunning sea views across Mannin Bay, and left to Errisbeg Mountain are shared with the comfortable panoramic sunroom that leads back through more double doors into the cottage at the far end of this patio.

The ensuite master bedroom which exclusively occupies a corner of the cottage, and theatrically opens on to its own sunny sheltered patio, has a super king sized bed.

All the showers are of the walk in rain type, while the roll top bath invites a bit of pampering in the family bathroom.

Bookend beds feature in the twin bedroom, making it an instant hit with kids.
The two single bedrooms have been cleverly slotted in under the mezzanine in the original structure.

Facilities

The house is equipped with everything you would expect from a family home – from Wi-Fi to barbeque, clothes dryer, children’s books, some toys, games and videos …
If you have a particular requirement, be sure to tell us…

The entrance lobby at the centre of the home, opens into a multi-purpose open space that links the semi-random layout of accommodation and finds lots of use on family vacations…

Restrictions

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

Outside

There is ample parking on the property for cars and boats. Paved patio surrounds most of the cottage, affording ubiquitous tidal vistas stretching out to the Atlantic, and sheltered barbecue-ing.
It is possible to scramble down to the rocky shoreline, but a short walk or cycle in either direction is more rewarding.

Provisional Booking Form

Weekend breaks are available in low season only and  run from Friday PM till Monday AM – 3 nights
A Week’s booking consists of any 7 consecutive nights

Christmas and New Year are high season, and other Public holidays – please see below, or apply for rates:

Rates for Public Holidays 2022:
Easter Week 14th-  19th April 2022 – €2,450
Halloween  26th- 1st October 2022 – €2,450
Christmas 23rd to the 28th Dec 2022 – €2,450
New Years’ 30th December 2022 to the 2nd January 2023  –€2,450

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

October to April €2,450 per week Weekend/Midweek €1,700
May to September €2,950 per week Weekend not Available
Christmas Offer (5 nights) €2,950 –

 

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.

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

Reviews

 

A wonderful break in this beautiful home away from home.

From this perfect base we explored the stunning Connemara – the sun even shone for us! This corner of the world is good for the soul. Our children loved the playroom too! Thank you for sharing your home with us

From the guest book, April 2019

We had a wonderful holiday. House is amazing. Thank you for everything. Hope to be back soon.

From the guest book, July 2019

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us. You have created a very special place here, full of light and warmth, even on the stormiest days – and we got a few, but enjoyed the front-row seat on the power of the wind coming in from the Atlantic. We hope to return.

From the guest book, August 2019

Our family loved the house

“It’s surrounded by a great landscape. It’s a great home and all in all it has been a great stay here in Ireland. We are going to miss the AGA and hope to come back someday to enjoy another stay.”

From the guest book, September 2018

Danieli is a beautiful home…

on an exceptionally scenic site, and we greatly enjoyed the house and our stay in west…could not have been better. We ran into Pat Shortt on Friday, Mitchells on Saturday and pints in O’Dowds on Sunday – and with plenty of strolling was all in all great fun.

Pat Gleeson, November 2017

Click here for reviews on using Danieli in Search for Posts

We had an exceptionally happy family gathering

at Danieli, or Stone Cottage, as it is known locally.
The site was glorious: From the raised vantage point of the house, we watched the weather advancing along Mannin Bay; dramatic purple clouds disgorging horizontal rain. With each low tide, seals and otters emerged onto the rocks. Hours of happy binocular viewing.
The house itself was solid, supremely comfortable, and a delight. The underfloor heating was a revelation, although the heating controls proved a tad too complex for us visitors. The kitchen was the star of the show–but, again, the Aga heat defeated us. We were almost obliged to eat our dinner and play board games in our underwear, such was the furnace-like strength of the range. We could, of course, have adjusted the temperature of the Aga, but that would have added substantially to cooking times. Not a complaint, merely an observation–a luxurious quandary. The heat was such a novelty for my Irish mother, who grew up with frost on the inside of the windowpanes and toothpaste frozen in the tube.
Continuing the heat theme, it was good to find some logs by the hearth, but a few more, and maybe some briquettes, would have been gratefully received. Also, a couple of tables by the sofa would have obviated the need to keep standing up to put glasses on the mantlepiece, but I realise space was tight.
Everything was thoughtfully laid out; all needs catered for. It is obviously a much-loved family holiday home, though I did wonder whether the profusion of photos of children and generic household clutter might be reduced during rental periods. One had the feeling of somehow intruding on someone else’s family time. The provision of Yuletide decorations was very thoughtful and welcoming.
Rereading this, it sounds like I wasn’t entirely delighted with our stay–which I certainly was. I just wanted to point up a few, minor, issues that could perhaps be improved upon. Overall, our stay at the house was a huge success. Danieli looked beautifully designed, supremely well-appointed and beguiling in photographs, and proved no less so in reality. We all relished our time there, and would have no hesitation in recommending it to future guests.
Many thanks for all your help, and for selecting such a unique Irish home for your portfolio.

 

Sarah Newell, Christmas 2017

 

Out & About

 

Families have been visiting Connemara for generations, and it’s easy to see why. Apart from the amazing blue flag beaches for surfing, ocean inlets for kayaking, incredible lake and river fishing, there is a fabulous golf course and brilliant restaurants.

Here are some of our favourites…

The Locality

 

Danieli is about 5 km south of Clifden at the start of the Ennislannan peninsula
Easily the largest town in Connemara, Clifden is the central crossroads between north and south regions and has a host of interesting and often quirky shops, pubs and restaurants catering for all shopping and craft needs. There are 3 major supermarkets.

The hardy Connemara Pony is to be found roaming throughout west Galway. With origins traced back to the Vikings, this loveable breed collected internationally, they are known for their athleticism, versatility and good disposition.
Watch out for the Arts festival (September) and Clifden Pony Show (August).

The small fishing village of Roundstone is 20 minutes away, and has a number of very fine restaurants with lots of fish on the menu.
Just a few minutes to the west, the legendary back-to back swimming beaches of Dog’s Bay and Gurteen are stunning examples of tombolos. Not sand at all, they are rare accumulations of the remains of microscopic marine shells.

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

Connemara is famously dominated by the awesome Twelve Bens (or Pins), a series of craggy mountains that challenge hill walkers annually as they attempt to hike all twelve in a single day.

This western wilderness continues to attract game fishermen with their flies in search of the elusive salmon or trout in the hundreds of interconnected lakes and rivers.
More information can be found at G. Stanley & Son, Market Street, Clifden.

Clearly visible to the south from the cottage is Errisbeg Mountain which rises up behind Roundstone. The 300 metres to the summit can be reached in about two hours. The view is fantastic, and North from the summit, you will see over 365 bog-land lakes of various sizes that populate this environmentally unique habitat.

Wild Atlantic Way
Click here to find out more…

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

At the foot of the beacon the foundations remain of the Marconi station from which some of the earliest transatlantic wireless messages were sent in 1907. A huge engineering feat at the time, the endeavour required some 15,000 volts of electricity to power, while the aerials sizzled with sparks that could be heard for miles.
Starting just a few hundred metres from the cottage, a fascinating two hour loop walk across the bog has recently been developed which takes you on a journey through these two events.

For Golfers, the magnificent and scenic 27 hole Connemara Championship Golf links is just 15 minutes away.

“A true Championship Links Course…The elevated greens on the back nine are spectacular” – Tom Watson.

How to get there – Car advised…

By Air: Flights to Dublin, or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – Just under 4 hours from the house.
Shannon Airport – About 2 and a half hours from the Cottage.

By Sea:
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is under 4 hours from the 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 €950 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.

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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!