Return to Where I Left My Heart

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Return to Where I Left My Heart

Michele Erdvig · Host

Helen,

How nice to see you back on the forum again. It's almost like old home week. We have had a lot of absentee members coming home to plan yet another trip to Ireland. Just can't keep away from the Emerlad Isle, can we? wink

I have stayed at three lovely cottages near Kenmare. One of them was actually on the Beara peninsula but only about 2 miles out from Kenmare. That made it so convenient to town while at the same time being very peaceful. Bun Cillatah was up a high hill overlooking Kenmare Bay. This is the link: http://www.kenmarerentals.com/property-view.php?prop=bb It is owned by Ger Foley who also owns O'Donnabhain's in Kenmare town. It was first class in every way. The only thing that was lacking was a hair dryer. Ger told me that people tend to take them and sometimes he doesn't realize that they are gone. Now, if only I could have fit the stove on the plane that might have been gone too. I would kill for a stove like that! biggrin

The other two cottages were at Doire Farm Cottages: http://www.kenmareholidaycottages.com/ I stayed in John's cottage one time and Pa's on another occasion. Both were perfect. They are a couple of miles from Kenmare headed in the Kilgarvan direction and out in the countryside on a farm. Very quiet. The family that owns them are simply the best. You will not find nicer hosts anywhere. They offer a 10% discount to my readers.

Beara Saoire is one farther out on the Beara Peninsula called closer to Lauragh that is offering my readers a 15% discount if they mention my article: http://irelandyes.wordpress.com/2009/12/04/tea-at-josies/. I have not visited or inspected it yet but it looks lovely on the website. I plan to see it this year if it is not rented when I am there. http://www.kerryholidayhome.co.uk/

You might also like to take a look at my self-catering page: http://www.irelandyes.com/irelandselfcatering.html

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

It appears that I opened the flood gates!! Failte, a chara! It is so good to see your smiling face again. biggrin

I have only self-catered in one spot in the Connemara and it might be a bit big for what you are needing. I have set friends up at a self-catering just outside of Roundstone and received back good reports. In fact, the last few who stayed there said that they were building a smaller cottage closer to the sea. In looking at their website just now, I see that indeed there is a smaller cottage now. Being so close into Roundstone has advantages as far as dinners out and trad music, as well. It is also close in to Galway should you need that big town fix.

As to beara, I stayed in a self catering near Eyries on Beara. Inches House gives you some fabulous views, peace and tranquility. I stayed in the Maulin Cottage and was quite content. EYries is the closest village. Castletownbere is the nearest town of any size. Castletownbere is where you will find McCarthy's Bar

If all goes according to plan, I too will be in Ireland in 2011...several friends have asked me to plan and guide a small tour, 12-14 people during the middle of June. It should be a fun trip, focused on family roots, music and photography. I will see how it all shakes out once the tour folk give me the cost...that always seems to be the point of "whoa"... biggrin

I hope this will be of some help to you in yourplannings.

Slan Beo,

Bit

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Thank you, Michele and Bit!.You'll have to forgve me for not replying yesterday--I am busy dreaming about each of the cottages, and planning my days around them! Going in 2011 will extend my daydreaming that much longer! It is hard after 7 trips to Eire to find the special places I want to see again. There are so many.

DH (ED) will be 73, so I am assuming (yes, I know!) renting a car will involve a higher price,right? He still drives every day, so am not concerned with ability.

Thanks Again!

Helen

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Helen

Welcome Back!

As one of the original IrelandYes! Irregulars, you have been missed.

Bob

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Thanks for the Welcome Back, Bob! We can't seem to stay away, can we? I mean the Forum AND Ireland!

I know you are one of the frequent "visitors" to Ireland, so maybe you have some suggestions for self-catering cottages. I am torn between that and just doing our usual 3 days at a time in one area. Am I right in remembering you visit Millstreet in Cork? Haven't been there, but one of my favorite places is the "home" of the Leary/O'Learys' (of which I am one), Inchigeelagh in Cty. Cork. Visit Joe Creeden every time we are there, staying sometimes t Creeden's Hotel.

Aw, the memories!

Helen

Michele Erdvig · Host

Helen,

Have you thought about a week self-catering and the rest of the time in B&Bs? The best of both worlds.

Michele

Laoghaire · Senior Member

Hi Michele...Yes, I am thinking that would be my favorite option. Our first born son, Larry, has put forth an interest in our trip, and may come with us (with his wife, Andrea). If they do, we might BandB it for a week with them in the SW, and then take off for the other week to the Connemara in a self-catering cottage. OH, so many wonderful things to think of! I am trying to control my excitement!

Helen

Michele Erdvig · Host

Helen,

Now that sounds like fun! Why contain the excitement? Go with it.

Michele