Deborah
United States
Became a member in: 2007
Renewal Date: 11/Apr/2025
We are a family of six. I'm Donal an athlete and creator and Deirdre is a manager at a local business. We have four kids, two grown up and living away from home, and another two with us at home.
Additional languages spoken
French
Affinities
Golf,
Fishing,
Watersports,
Skiing,
Cycling / Mountain Biking,
Hiking,
Foodies,
Music Lovers
MoreLessAffiliations
University Professors,
Artists / Entertainment Industry,
Science / Research
Profession
Manager and Golf Writer/Broadcaster
Deborah
United States
Non-simultaneous Home Exchange
Simultaneous Home Exchange
Weekend Home Exchange
Smoking Not Allowed
Children Welcome
Use of Personal Car is possible
Open to all dates | Sydney NSW, Australia | Melbourne VIC, Australia | Australia |
Open to all dates | Open to all destinations |
Open to all dates | Spain |
Description of the home we are offering for exchange
Our modern & recently renovated family home (built 2001) with its own private gym is situated on a private gated lane in a wooded area 150 metres from the front gates of the World famous Ashford Castle estate (https://www.ashfordcastle.com/) , on the outskirts of picturesque Cong village, at the gateway to Connemara on the Mayo/Galway border. Set on 0.5 acres, our house is approx. 2500 sq ft with four spacious bedrooms (two en-suite), large kitchen, living room, office (fibre power broadband) and conservatory. Our landscaped garden includes three lawns and a large kids play area.
As a 'Villager', you have special privileges to freely roam the grounds of Ashford Castle and explore the 350 acres of woodland and trails on which it is built.
Our village of Cong is known as the gateway to the West Of Ireland (Connemara) and was the shooting location of "The Quiet Man" film which starred John Wayne.
The TV show "Reign" is also filmed at Ashford Castle.
Type
House - 2 or more floors/ Main Residence
Amenities
Entertainment
Extras
Setting
Description of our neighbourhood and surrounding area
Cong is a Beautiful and busy tourist village during the Summer months and known as the gateway to Connemara.
Ballinrobe town is about 5 mins drive and bustling Galway City is approx 40kms (35 mins drive). Westport, Ireland's tidiest town is also 40kms (35 mins drive.
We have done two previous exchanges with families from Rhode Island and Grenoble which were wonderful. We were delighted with the feedback received about our home and its location.
As we are a sporting family, our home comes with the use of all our sporting equipment including road bikes (Argon Gallium 18 and Orbea), mountain bikes (Trek)and golf clubs (TaylorMade). There is a 9 hole golf course in Ashford Castle and a Par 73 championship course nearby in Ballinrobe(10 minute drive). There are also numerous championship links courses within an hour drive. We also have access to Kayaks, fishing rods and boats for river and lake fishing.
Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Cultural Activities
Transport Nearby
Neighbourhood Services
Our home exchange - places to go and things to do while staying in our home
Here is an example of some things you must do on your exchange.
1. Visit magnificent Ashford Castle and discover the 350 acre estate.
2. Walk or mountain bike in the miles of forest trails around Cong.
3. Take a boat trip on Lough Corrib from Ashford, visit Inchagoill Island and go fishing on the lake.
4. Go hillwalking in the mountains of Connemara taking in Kylemore Abbey, The Ashleigh Falls, The Killary Fjord and Clifden.
5. Take a shopping trip to bustling Shop Street in Galway City or to Westport, voted Ireland's best shopping town 2012.
6. Go swimming in Lough Corrib in Cong or take a trip to the many beaches.
7. Take a day trip to the Burren and the Ailwee Caves. Get the ferry to the Aran Islands and stay over for a night.
8. Watch a GAA Football game in Summer or a rugby game in Winter.
9. Climb Croagh Patrick, Ireland's most famous mountain.
10. Relax in the many cafes in Cong and have an evening meal in Lydon's Lodge in Cong Village.
Our favourite restaurants
Cafés & bars
Leisure and cultural activities
Walks or jogging paths
Interesting day trips
Our home exchange - here are our Preferences and House Rules
Please check our exchange preferences below
Conditions
Use of Personal Car
Home Exchange Type
Became a member in: 2007
Renewal Date: 11/Apr/2025
We are a family of six. I'm Donal an athlete and creator and Deirdre is a manager at a local business. We have four kids, two grown up and living away from home, and another two with us at home.
Additional languages spoken
French
Affinities
Golf,
Fishing,
Watersports,
Skiing,
Cycling / Mountain Biking,
Hiking,
Foodies,
Music Lovers
MoreLessAffiliations
University Professors,
Artists / Entertainment Industry,
Science / Research
Profession
Manager and Golf Writer/Broadcaster
Deborah
United States
Over 70 years of home exchange experience
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