|
Nestling in Ireland's beautiful lake district, near Lough Mask and Lough Corrib, Pat Mor's Cottage has undergone complete refurbishment in the last 10 years. It has lovely stone floors, a woodburning stove in a large fireplace and splendid exposed beams providing accommodation that is full of character.
The cottage is in total seclusion, yet it makes an excellent base from which to explore Galway, Connemara and Mayo. The small village of Finny is only 2km, while 10km away, the larger village of Clonbur has shops, restaurants and pubs that offer traditional Irish music. The cottage is also only 4km drive to the nearest beach in an area that boasts some of the finest sandy beaches in the country.
The cottage was built in the late 1800s as home to a stonemason and his family. Examples of his work are to be found around the farm. Inside the cottage's wonderfully thick stone walls are 3 bedrooms (1 downstairs double, and 1 double and 1 single upstairs) an open plan kitchen/living room, toilet and shower. If the weather is fine you can enjoy breakfast or an evening meal in the pretty landscaped garden where you can take in the stunning surroundings including the wonderful and unusual view of Lough Nafooey.
There are many beautiful walks in the vicinity. The Volcano Walk, named after an ancient eruption in the area, starts at nearby Knockkilbride, traverses the Finny River using stepping stones and provides a marvellous view of Lough Nafooey. The distinctive pillow rocks of lava can be seen on the route. The area is renowned for fishing, with salmon, trout and coarse fishing on Lough Corrib and Lough Mask making it a popular base for anglers.
A short drive away, Connemara National Park spans nearly 3000 hectares of stunningly varied mountain scenery with bogs, heathland, pasture and forest. The constantly changing light makes the peaks of the Twelve Bens an endlessly spectacular sight. To the north, Connemara is edged by Ireland's only fjord, Killary harbour, from which you can cruise the fjord. Boat cruises are also available on Lough Corrib.
The cottage is 10km from the large village of Clonbur which offers a good selection of restaurants and pubs playing traditional music. Here there are plenty of colourful shops from where you can stock up on picnic supplies before you embark on a strenuous hike up Mount Gable. While not of extreme height, the climb can be boggy and demanding in parts. From the top, enjoy the views of the island-dotted Lough Corrib the Maamturk Mountains and the giant austere plateau of Maumtrasna.
The cottage is 2km from the small village of Finny with the Happy Kettle Tea shop that provides excellent tea and cake; welcome sustenance after a long walk.
Nearby Cong is a pretty town on a narrow strip of cavernous limestone sandwiched in between the two Loughs. As well as being the centre of plenty of activities, the landscape around here is peppered with monastic ruins and the remains of Norman castles.
35 km away is Galway City, a colourful, young, vibrant university city intersected by a river and many canals. There are many traditional pubs, restaurants and cafes. Buskers line the street giving it a bohemian, arty atmosphere.
The area offers plenty of activities for familly; there are bicycles for hire at Cong, and cycling along the narrow, snaking roads can be fun. Horseriding can be also be arranged in Cong and there is a pitch and putt course. There is a real golf course at Ballinirobe, 20km away.
|
- week free
- short break booked
- week booked