Gorse Cottage

Enlarge

1 of 21

loading photos

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

House |5 bedrooms |Sleeps 10

Burren in Doolin

from £50 / night

This is the estimated nightly price based on a weekly stay. Contact the advertiser to confirm the price - it varies depending on when you stay and how long for.

£350–£650 / weekBookable online

This property can be booked securely online within a few minutes. Just click on the ‘Check availability and book’ button.

Short stays welcome

Changeover Saturday

5 out of 5

9 reviews | Write a review

Key info  Beach or lakeside relaxation, car advised, private garden, pets welcome

Check availability and book

About the home

GORSE COTTAGE is set on a gentle hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay and distant Conemara mountain ranges. Close to the famous villages of Doolin and Lisdoonvarna in County Clare. It is situated in a peaceful coastal location in the heart of a farming community,and provides relaxed and tranquil base from which to discover the beautiful west coast of Ireland.

The cottage has five bedrooms, two reception rooms, a large kitchen/dining area, two bathrooms and a utility room. It is traditional at heart, but is also designed with stylish and contemporary comfort in mind.

In addition to the stunning views and mesmerising sunsets, there are some breath-taking walks right on the doorstep of the cottage, where one can walk for hours without meeting another soul.....down local farm tracks, through the 'fairy fields', and along natural coastal pavements.

Facilities

Further details indoors:
This is a contemporary home with a tasteful eye for traditional Irish style. With it's traditional cottage windows and white-washed finish it sits beautifully into the surrounding landscape .

The kitchen is large and traditional, but with a very contemporary feel. It features solid wood cabinetry, granite countertops, a huge range-style cooker with gas hob, and a beautiful stone floor which runs through the hallways. Perfect for entertaining or just relaxing with some good Irish cook-books (provided). The kitchen also has west facing French Windows which open out onto the enclosed garden, limestone patio and picnic bench, with beautiful views of open countryside, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. There is also a small herb garden which visitors are welcome to use (in season).

There is a living room adjoining the kitchen and another separate family room. Both of the living rooms contain an Irish Waterford/Stanley solid-fuel burner and floors of solid local wood (Larch). They both provide panoramic views of tranquil burren countryside and the Atlantic sea.

For most of the year twobeautiful ponies are resident in the meadow just in font of the house, and the gorse to the wes and north provides a wonderful sheltered habitat for an amazing variety of birds (including a couple of pheasant). Hares can usually be spotted in Spring and even the occasional Pine Marten.

The bedrooms are all tastefully finished with an eye for comfort and simplicity. High quality beds and matresses are used in all rooms. Four of the five bedrooms look our onto stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

There is a bathroom/WC upstairs and a shower room/WC downstairs. Both bathrooms are spacious, beautifully tiled, and fitted with high quality sanitary ware.

Welcom pack will be available on arrival including a local newspaper with listings of all local activities and festivals. Some excellent books on the local area are also provided for visitors use.

There is a small enclosed garden and play area to the back and west side of the house. This area contains a small children's play area with swings etc, limestone picnic bench and traditional limestone walls on the western side.

Further details outdoors:
Traditional Limestone Patio
Limestone Picnic Bench
Children's Play Area (swings and small trampolene)
Good quality bicycles available for hire locally

Further details

Sorry - Parties or groups under the ages of 25 are not accepted.
Proprietors of "Gorse Cottage" are not liable for any damages, loss of valuables or personal injury.

Conditions

Security deposit returned promptly after your stay.
Property must be left clean and tidy as found.
Visitors should generally aim to vacate property by around 10am on day of departure, and arrive not before 4pm on day of arrival to allow time for changeover. Though we can accommodate different arrival/departure times in most cases if required.

Photos

 

Enlarge

The back of the house from the south side - with the sea of Galway Bay in the distance

 

Enlarge

The front of the house, looking towards the Cliffs of Moher

 

Enlarge

The living room, with stove and wood floors

 

Enlarge

The kitchen, looking south west towards the Cliffs of Moher

The County Galway / County Clare / County Clare region

Galway/Clare region is situated in the heart of the west of Ireland, famous for it's wild and beautiful landscape, and a warm Irish welcome. The climate is temperate. The west of Ireland has kept much of its traditional charm, and is dotted with small towns and picturesque villages that contain independent family-run establishments. There are endless historic sights to see and places of interest to visit. Host to numerous festivals all year round. A holiday in this part of Ireland will never be forgotten.

The Doolin / Burren area

Gorse Cottage is located on the edge of the Burren, one of the most unique ecological regions in Europe. An area of rare beauty due to its limestone landscape and interesting flora, it also holds numerous ancient archeological sites - Poulnabrone wedgetomb, Caher Connell ring-fort, ancient churches and tower houses - and some not so ancient, such as Father Ted's house (from the TV sitcom). You can drive or hike into the Burren, or hire bikes from Doolin village.

The centre of Doolin is 2 km away. Doolin's three legendary pubs - O'Connors, McDermotts and McGanns - host traditional music sessions every night in summer and some of Ireland's top musicans have come from the Doolin scene (Sharon Shannon, Davy Spillane, Tommy Peoples, Owen O'Neill, Kevin Griffin and Terry Bingham). Doolin also has some interesting shops and lots of top class restaurants.

There is also a good 18 hole pitch and putt golf course, which even seasoned golfers will find a challenge. Further up the road is the harbour where ferries run regularly in summer to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. There are some great limestone rocks behind the ferry houses where older children love to clambour about, and a dolphin comes in to Doolin harbour most evenings. Bring a flask and enjoy watching the activity.

In Doolin you can sit in the antiquarian book shop, go potholing, or horse riding, or take a fishing rod out on the Aille River which runs through the village or on the coastal pavements that are all along the coast. Alternatively take a walk between the village and the coast where there are numerous bronze and iron age sites, the most impressive of which is the court tomb at Teergonean (meaning “land of no birds”) thought to be nearly 6000 years old. There is also the most incredible cliff path walk between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher which is an incredible way to experience the Cliffs (and free!).

A short drive away is Lisdoonvarna, famous for the annual bachelor festival and its traditional pubs and hotels. Our favourite is the Roadside Tavern, for great traditional sessions and good pub food.

A few km further up the road is the old town of Ennistymon, a throwback to a previous era with its old shopfronts and traditional family-run bars and pubs, and the Courthouse Art Gallery which runs some great Art exhibitions.

Nearby is Lahinch, a mecca for surfers from all over Ireland and beyond. It also has an aquarium, swimming pool and art gallery. Lahinch is perhaps most famous for its 18 hole golf course. Founded in 1892 it became one of the most celebrated links courses in the world and still draws golf enthusiasts from all over. And a little further up the coast is Miltown Malabay, a town famous for its music and beaches, plus the world renowned Willy Clancy festival in July.

The famous Cliffs of Moher are also a short drive and now have a new high tech visitor centre. There are interactive exhibits and breathtaking film shows. And Liscannor village with fantastic rock pools which are always a big hit with the children.

Half a mile to the north is Ballinalacken Castle, the stunning Burren Coast Road and Green Roads.

The world famous Doolin caves are a short walk from the house.

The blue flag beach of Fanore is around 8 km away along one of the most stunning coastal drives in Ireland. Drive a little further up the coastline and you come to the beautiful fishing villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvarra (just over the Galway border).

Other local sites of interest include Poulnabrone dolmen, Lemanah Castle, Caher Chonail Fort, The Burren Perfumery and Herb Garden, Moher Hill Pet Farm, Aliwee Caves, Doolin Caves.

A little further afield there is Galway city, Coole Park in Gort, Bunratty Folk park (well worth a visit) and Limerick city .

If all this seems a bit exhausting you can simply stay close to the cottage and go walking, either on the scenic green road from Ballinalacken. Or walk down the little boreen (track or small road) 100 meters from the house, which takes you down to a green track, to the fairy fields and the edge of the Burren where you can walk for hours through stunning countryside and along natural coastal pavements without meeting another soul. Locals sometimes fish off the coastal pavements at the bottom of the boreenn (or sometimes down at the river in Doolin), so bring angling equipment if you have any keen anglers in your party.

Castles:
1km - Ballinalacken Castle
3km - Doonagore Castle
50km - Bunratty Castle (and folk park. medieval castle and many traditional houses from around the country - see life how it used to be lived. Also battle recreations).
60km - Kinvarra Castle

Golf Courses:
Doolin Pitch and Putt - 3km
Lahinch - 10km

Fishing:
Doolin - 2km, Coastal pavements - 1 km.

Beaches:
6km - Fanore
10km - Lahinch (great for surfing)
14km - White Strand
16km - Spanish Point

Traditional Music Pubs:
1km - McDermotts, McGanns
2km - O'Connors, Fitzpatricks
4km - The Roadside Tavern

Restaurants:
1km - Ballinalacken Castle Hotel, Aran View Hotel
1.5km - Lazy Lobster, Doolin Cafe, Bruach na hAille, Roadford House
2km - Cullinans

Walks & Picnics
0.1km - the boreen and green track
1km - the green road
2km - Doolin

Ancient sites
0.5km - Cahermaccrusheen and cahermaclancy (seen from the cottage)
2km - Teergonean court tomb
12km - Poulnabrone, Caher Connell

How to get there

Gorse Cottage What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

Reset Map

Fly to Shannon International Airport (1 hour drive) or Dublin Airport (4 hour drive).

Major airlines fly there from UK (London, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands), Europe and USA.
Car hire from all major car rental companies (we recommend Irish Car Rentals).

Ferry to Dublin (4 hour drive) or Cork (4 hour drive), or Rosslare (5 hour drive).

Activities near Doolin

Reviews

Review: 1 to 3 of 9

>

16 Oct 2012

“Great house, great location.” House is exactly as advertised - lovely and comfortable and great location if you want to get away from it all but still only be a few minutes drive from lovely bars, restaurants etc. Plenty of space with the 5 bedrooms - we never even used the second living room with the tv because the living space off the kitchen is so comfortable! Would highly recommend.

06 Sep 2012

“Lovely homely house from which to explore west and north Clare” Modern but characterful house, spacious, lots of natural light, great views to both Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. If you're looking for a peaceful break to recharge your batteries, Gorse Cottage fits the bill. Two or three pubs close by in Doolin with good food and music as well. Get one of the local guides (we recommend Mary Howard) to show you and explain the Burren. If you're a cyclist, do the coast road to Fanore and Ballyvaughan, it's a lovely ride.

13 Sep 2011

“Perfect Irish hoiliday” We really enjoyed our week at Gorse cottage. The house itself was very comfortable and had everything we needed - it is even stocked with books and a cupboard of toys. The fact that it had two... more

Review: 1 to 3 of 9

>

Review: 4 to 6 of 9

>

<

03 May 2011

“Perfect” It is impossible to find fault with Gorse Cottage. The cottage was perfect in every way. It had everything needed for a perfect holiday. In a perfect location with views and sunsets that are... more

08 Oct 2010

“The best family vacation rental--cost, location, comfort--it had it all!” From the time we arrived at Gorse Cottage our Doolin vacation was beyond compare. Check in was prompt and informative with the owner's father living up the driveway. He was able to give us... more

03 Oct 2010

“Peaceful cottage with beautiful views” An absolutely idyllic location with beautiful views from every window of this comfortable cottage. There was plenty of room for myself and my 5 adult children who visited me here. It's located a... more

Review: 4 to 6 of 9

>

<

Review: 7 to 9 of 9

<

27 Sep 2010

“A perfect holiday house in Ireland” We spent a fantastic week with our friends in Gorse Cottage in august. This part of Ireland is truly beautiful and has plenty of things to do with great local pubs with traditional music in Doolin.... more

20 Sep 2010

“Picture perfect Doolin” My family and my father-in-law travelled from Boston to Ireland on August 27th landing at Shannon airport. We spent our first night in Galway before heading to Gorse cottage and the town of Doolin.... more

20 Sep 2010

“Cosy haven on the windswept but beautiful Clare coast” This house is magnificent: our party was comprised of 3 families - 6 adults and 4 kids - yet the house is so big it never felt like all those people could actually be in it! It is ultra well-equipped... more

Review: 7 to 9 of 9

<

Reviews powered by

Rental prices

Prices for group size 10
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Jan to March 2012	4 Jan 12	31 Mar 12	350£ 350	-	-	1 Week
April to May 2010	31 Mar 12	26 May 12	425£ 425	-	-	1 Week
May to June 2012	26 May 12	2 Jun 12	500£ 500	-	-	1 Week
June Special	2 Jun 12	30 Jun 12	390£ 390	-	-	1 Week
July 2012 special	30 Jun 12	7 Jul 12	550£ 550	-	-	1 Week
July to August 2012	7 Jul 12	1 Sep 12	650£ 650	-	-	1 Week
September 2012 special	1 Sep 12	29 Sep 12	380£ 380	-	-	1 Week
October 2012 special	29 Sep 12	27 Oct 12	340£ 340	-	-	1 Week
November to December 2012	27 Oct 12	22 Dec 12	340£ 340	-	-	1 Week
Christmas 2012	22 Dec 12	29 Dec 12	380£ 380	-	-	1 Week
New Year 2012	29 Dec 12	7 Jan 13	500£ 500	-	-	1 Week
Jan to March 2013	7 Jan 13	31 Mar 13	350£ 350	-	-	1 Week
April to May 2013	31 Mar 13	2 Jun 13	400£ 400	-	-	1 Week
June 2013	2 Jun 13	30 Jun 13	500£ 500	-	-	1 Week
July to Aucust 2013	30 Jun 13	1 Sep 13	650£ 650	-	-	1 Week
September 2013	1 Sep 13	29 Sep 13	500£ 500	-	-	1 Week
October 2013	29 Sep 13	27 Oct 13	425£ 425	-	-	1 Week
November to December 2013	27 Oct 13	22 Dec 13	350£ 350	-	-	1 Week
Christmas 2013	22 Dec 13	29 Dec 13	400£ 400	-	-	1 Week
New Year	29 Dec 13	5 Jan 14	500£ 500	-	-	1 Week

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Gas and electricity usage charged extra at £5 per day in warmer season (May to September), and £10 per day at other times.

For larger parties only (over 6 guests) we sometimes need to request a small additional charge to cover increased laundry.

Fully refundable £150 security deposit required with final balance payment.

We can accept payments by paypal, cheque or bank transfer in GBP or Euros.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here