Spring 2021: Seeking 1 week to 10 day exchange to Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Norway or other locations in Europe. Need not be simultaneous.

We typically want to travel in the spring and fall rather than the summer months.

This traditional white washed stone cottage is in a wonderful location surrounded by stunning countryside, close to Letterfrack (2.5 km), Connemara National Park (2.2 km), Kylemore Abbey and many other attractions. It has a central living and dining room, small but efficient galley kitchen, and three bedrooms, (two double, one single). The open fireplace provides historic character. Interior walls are rough finished and whitewashed with deep windows overlooking mountains and bay. Central heating and a modern bathroom give present-day comfort and functionality. There is a stone shed on the property with storage and a washer and dryer for guests' convenience. A house book has been provided to explain use of heating and appliances.

Walk up the path beside the cottage to the top of a small hill for spectacular 360 degree views of Diamond Mountain, the Twelve Bens, the ocean and Renvyle Peninsula. This is a wonderful area for hiking and there are good maps and guides available for your use.

Recommended sites for visits include nearby Kylemore Abbey, Aughnanure Castle, the Village and Abbey ruin at Cong, the City of Galway with its youthful upbeat lifestye, and Inish Mor, largest of the Aran Islands where you will find early Christian buildings and Iron Age hill forts on 100m cliffs. If you like museums, the National Museum of Irish Country Life near Castlebar is excellent.

There's excellent shopping and very good local restaurants and pubs in Letterfrack (2.5 km) and Clifden (12.5 km). Close to home, a short walk towards the N59 and Letterfrack brings you to the 4 star Rosleague Manor Hotel where a superb dinner awaits at the end of a busy day out (reservations required).

Historic houses have always appealed to us, and in this property we found the charm and character of a traditional Irish cottage combined with a location of incredible natural beauty and historic interest. The cottage is not large or fancy, but it is very charming. Every day we spend here we are conscious of how lucky we are to have this lovely retreat.

A car is recommended, but if you don't drive there are several buses leaving Galway daily and stopping in nearby Letterfrack (2.5 km) where you will find bike rentals.


HOMELINKING SINCE 2003