Back in the day…
This generous Georgian manor house close by Lough Corrib, dates from the late seventeenth century. Sitting in two acres of gardens, the interiors recollect more measured times, where anticipation of the next big salmon was the evening’s entertainment.
Within striking distance of the delights of Galway City, and on the verge of Connemara, this is gentle Ireland at its best.
At a Glance
Sleep up to 8 guests
Four double bedrooms – all ensuite – all double beds
Sitting room, Garden room
Open plan Kitchen – Dining room
Entrance hall, Utility room
Three Flat screen TVs, good WiFi internet
DVD player
Wood burning stoves
Grand Piano, Pipe organ
Patio
High season Weekly only: Saturday to Saturday
Weekends: Friday to Monday
Midweek: Monday to Friday
Property Features
Comfortable at the days end…
The house is an intriguing mix of Georgian elegance, rustic vernacular farmhouse and striking modern design. The 15m high chimney stacks at either end of the house date from the late seventeenth century, whilst the rest of the historic fabric is largely eighteenth century.
A sturdy door in the granite framed entrance opens into the spacious hallway, with switchback stairs leading to the accommodation.
Polished black flagstones follow through to the large eclectic country kitchen, which is the heart of the house.
At its centre is a muscular table made from an ash tree felled in the garden, and a large and recently restored 80-year-old working range.
The house boasts fully restored interior woodwork, including an impressive, perfectly panelled reception room to the right of the entrance hall.
This room features a grand piano. A large wood-burning stove is set into the hearth at one end, while tall glazed double-doors open onto the rear garden.
Panel shutters frame the windows – deep enough for cushioned seats. The extensive programme of restoration and conservation recently culminated in the addition of a light-filled garden room at the rear of the house, where bi-fold doors embrace the back garden – a stunning design in glass and steel by internationally acclaimed architects McCullough Mulvin.
Bedroom
Sleeps up to 8 guests.
Before reaching the bedrooms, a roomy landing at the top of the stairs is home to a slightly exotic pipe organ for budding recitalists. There are four ensuite double bedrooms, differentiated by colour. Two of them have functioning fireplaces. The blue room has a seductive canopy bed and a quirky period style bathroom.
Facilities
Kitchen Appliances
- Solid fuel range with 4 ovens
- Gas hob
- Electric Cooker
- Fridge
- 2 Freezers
- Dishwasher
- Toaster
- Coffee machine
- Microwave
- Blender
- Juicer
- 2 Slow cookers
Utility Appliances
- Washing machine
- Spin dryer
- Iron
Bedrooms
- 3 King-size beds and
- one Super King 180cm bed
- Hairdryer
Tech & Entertainment
- Wi-Fi Internet
- 3 Flat-screen TVs
- DVD player
Other
- Good selection of books & DVD movies
- Grand piano
- Home pipe organ
- Barbeque
- Herb garden
Our Highlights of this Home
Out and About
Adjacent to Loughs Corrib and Mask, this area is a mecca for anglers and those of us who love messing about in boats.
Things to do
- A spot of culture at Galway’s Town Hall Theatre
- Oscar’s for some seafood
- Do a distillery tour
- Charter a boat on the lake
- Or just take a cruise
- Golf around Ashford Castle
- Michelin star dining in Galway City
- Visit the Quiet Man museum
- Hire out a fishing boat
- Visit the ruins of Ross Errilly Friary
- Play a spot of golf in Tuam
- Pony trekking in Cong
The Locality
The house is about 35 minutes North West of Galway City, a secluded area that is one of the best kept secrets in Galway. The nearest village is Headford, just five minutes’ drive away, where you can find a supermarket, hotel, and several cosy pubs and restaurants.
The house was built by the Skerrett family – one of the famous tribes of Galway – and dates from the late seventeenth century, with many an addition along the way. Perhaps the most famous member of the family was Nicholas Skerrett, Archbishop of Tuam in the mid 1500s.
The townland is adjacent to Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the State, stretching Northwards for about 56 Kms from Galway City.
There are well over 300 islands to be explored on the lake. A stroll will bring you to one of several nearby unspoilt inlets, however the closest jetty is at Kilbeg Pier, 7 minutes’ drive away.
Lough Corrib is renowned for its stocks of salmon and wild brown trout. The salmon-fishing season opens on 1st February and the trout season on 15th February, and both end on 30th September.
Mayfly fishing on Corrib is legendary. From mid-May, and for a couple of weeks, the surface of the lake becomes alive with these winged insects and the trout love ‘em – the perfect opportunity to trick one of them onto your hook!
Boats and tackle are available for hire locally, but visitors are advised to employ a local guide or ghillie, at least on the first outing.
There are many prehistoric burial cairns, Iron Age stone enclosures, early Norman and later castles, and several monastic sites.
One of the most impressive surviving Franciscan friaries in Ireland, Ross Errilly is 10 mins North of the house near the border with County Mayo. Historians argue over the identity of its founder as well as its date, with 1460 the most likely.
The charming village of Cong lies at the top of Lough Corrib. This was the location for John Ford’s 1952 Oscar-winning film, The Quiet Man, which featured John Wayne, Maureen O’Hara and Barry Fitzgerald.
Filming was mostly done on the grounds of Ashford Castle, which has hardly changed since, and the village continues to attract movie tourists. The Castle is currently employed as an exclusive hotel with an outstanding international reputation, amazing service, exquisite dining, and a host of activities to indulge in.
Sir William Wilde built a country home in Cong inspiring his son Oscar Wilde to write about his experiences in South Mayo an area he frequently returned to throughout his life.
How to get there (Car advised)
By Air: Flights to Dublin, Knock or Shannon airports.
Dublin Airport – approx 2 and half hrs from the house.
Knock Airport – approx 1 hour from the house.
Shannon Airport – approx 1 and half hrs from the house.
By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is just over 2 and a half hours from the house
Rosslare Harbour for Ferries to South Wales is about 4 hours from the house.
Pricing Options
Months | Per-week | Weekend | Midweek |
April/May | €2,300 | €1,300 | €1,300 |
September | €2,500 | Not Available | Not Available |
June | €2,800 | Not Available | Not Available |
July and August | €3,000 | Not Available | Not Available |
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
A refundable breakages deposit of €500 is payable with the rental amount will be refunded within seven days of departure.
PLEASE NOTE THAT MAY AND OCTOBER 2023 IS ONLY FREE FOR WEEKENDS ONLY – FRIDAY ARRIVAL TIME AFTER 4PM AND DEPART MONDAY BEFORE 11.00AM – THE RATE IS €1100.
2023 Holiday Break |
Dates |
Price |
Easter Weekend | Friday 7th April to Monday 10th April | €2,800 |
Halloween | Friday 27th October to Wednesday 30th October | €2,800 |
Christmas Break | Saturday 23rd to Thursday 28th December | €3,000 |
New Year Break | Saturday 30th to Tuesday 2nd January | €3,000 |
Price starts from
€2,300 per week
Book This Home
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“In one word, fabulous!!”
We had an amazing stay with Mark and Tom. They made a fantastic meal, on Marco his birthday. The breakfast was amazing too. And the house is so beautiful. You really should go look for yourself.
Marion
August 2023
“The house was beyond beautiful and steeped with a rich history.”
My family and I have been traveling through Scotland and Ireland for two weeks and our time with Mark and Tom was among the highlights of our endeavor. The house was beyond beautiful and steeped with a rich history. They are both artists and their home told the story of all of their incredible works and efforts.
Not only were they welcoming hosts they were also amazing travel advisors with invaluable insights to local destinations, ruins and restaurants.
Their 16 century home is settled in a picturesque Irish setting and probably the the most authentic countryside experience one could have.
Thank you again Mark and Tom.
Daniel
July 2023
“Marks and Toms home was beautiful and cozy.”
They have an amazing way of keeping the integrity and history of this cottage while providing a comfortable environment. They made us feel like family while we were staying here. The house was in a great location in the countryside and also accessible 30 minute drive from Galway. Each room was cozy and clean. Would definitely recommend staying here if you’re looking for a traditional Irish cottage side home with history and relaxation.
Kailee
October 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
- Please note all booking requests are subject to 24 hour approval.
- Once your provisional booking has been placed, the UIH team will verify it, answer any specific queries you may have, and request a deposit to lock in your dates.
- Please note if your provisional booking is not confirmed and the deposit paid within 3 days it will expire.
- If your preferred dates are not available, click here to review alternate options.
- For additional information please contact us on +353 85 860 0027