Gorse Cottage

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House |5 bedrooms |Sleeps 10

Burren in Doolin

From £350 per week

Short stays welcome

Changeover Saturday

4.5 out of 5

7 reviews | Write a review

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

About the home

GORSE COTTAGE is set on a 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 very quiet 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 & small trampolene)

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
Gas and electricity use charged extra as per meter readings.

Conditions

Security deposit required
Property must be left clean and tidy as found
Visitors please aim to vacate property by 10am on day of departure, and arrive not before 4pm on day of arrival to allow time for changeover

Photos

 

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The western side of the house from the herb garden

 

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

 

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View through the front door

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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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 7

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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

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

Review: 1 to 3 of 7

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Review: 4 to 6 of 7

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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

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

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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 7 of 7

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Reviews powered by

Guestbook for Gorse Cottage

We have so many wonderful comments it is hard to choose. To see our online reviews from previous guests visit our flipkey site

Here is a selection copied from our guestbook:
"Awesome cottage. Follow the recommendations in the wecome folder and you can't go wrong". Guests from London (October 2010).

"Truely heaven on earth". Guests from UK (September 2010).

"Just superb! Views location and all Clare has to offer, and most of all comfort for older members of our party. By far the best equipped holiday house I've rented in Ireland and abroad in the past 30 years". Guests from Australia and Ireland (Spetember 2010).

"Our three boys, two 7 year-olds and one aged 4 had a perfect comfortable spot for their first visit to Ireland. We took great hikes and saw wonderful sites. Ted was very generous and welcoming. For ten days in November we were rained out only once! And the pubs love kids! - Guests from New Hampshire, USA (November 2009).

"We had a wonderful time here in Ireland. Gorse Cottage is beauritul and relaxing and set in wonderful surroundings. - Guests from Leeds (October 2009).

"This place is a slice of heaven on earth. We are very sad to leave and hope we can come back again. The view is unbelievable and the home is so comfortable and fun and relaxing to be in. Thanks so much!" - Guests from New York, USA (August 2008).

"A superb holiday property. We had a relaxing, zoned out away from it all week. The property is thoughtfully set-up for all ages (on this occasion from 2 months to 40 years old), with cots, literature, condiments etc etc. Views to die for, and a homely feel par excellence. " - Guests from Ireland (July 2008).

"Wonderful magical place. The kids enjoyed being here. Two of them really bonded with the cows. Pubs and music great and scenery could not be beat" - Guests from Maine, USA (July 2008).

"A wonderful holiday. Many thanks. We'll never forget the sun going down over Galway Bay. The weather was kind to us. Lots of sun, lots of wind and one day of showers. Wild flowers that we've never seen before (after 50 years of searching). Birds seen from Gorse Cottage: Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Greefinch, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Rook, Magpies, Swallow, Wren, Stonechat, Robin, Great Tit, Linnet, Cuckoo, Wood Pigeon. Never seen so many hares before - they actually came in the garden! No room to list the wild flowers.” – Guests from Cheshire, England (May 2008).

“Very nice spacious property. Lovely views from all aspects.” – Guests from Worcestershire, UK (April 2008).

“We really loved our stay here. The views are ridiculous – Cliffs of Moher at one side, Aran Islands our front and the Burren and Galway mountains on the other side, not to mention the castles. Such a peaceful and beautiful spot. The house is great – very well done. We appreciated the details, from the books and the maps to the dishes. We will definitely be back.” – Guests from NY, USA (April 2008).

“We loved drinking our coffee with the views of the Cliffs of Moher right out the window. We hiked all over this lovely land and were rewarded with exploration of ring forts, portal tombs, castles, churches and all the wonders of the natural landscape as well”. – Guests from Dublin, Ireland (March 2008).

“Everything perfect. Not enough time to do things. We have to come back with friends. Just keep the house like that and it will be perfect.” – Guests from France, March 2007).

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	0-	0-	1 Week
April to May 2010	31 Mar 12	26 May 12	425£ 425	0-	0-	1 Week
May to June 2012	26 May 12	30 Jun 12	500£ 500	0-	0-	1 Week
July to August 2012	30 Jun 12	1 Sep 12	650£ 650	0-	0-	1 Week
September 2012	1 Sep 12	29 Sep 12	500£ 500	0-	0-	1 Week
October 2012	29 Sep 12	27 Oct 12	400£ 400	0-	0-	1 Week
November to December 2012	27 Oct 12	22 Dec 12	350£ 350	0-	0-	1 Week
Christmas 2012	22 Dec 12	29 Dec 12	400£ 400	0-	0-	1 Week
New Year 2012	29 Dec 12	7 Jan 13	500£ 500	0-	0-	1 Week
Jan to March 2013	7 Jan 13	31 Mar 13	350£ 350	0-	0-	1 Week
April to May 2013	31 Mar 13	2 Jun 13	425£ 425	0-	0-	1 Week
June 2013	2 Jun 13	30 Jun 13	500£ 500	0-	0-	1 Week
July to Aucust 2013	30 Jun 13	1 Sep 13	650£ 650	0-	0-	1 Week
September 2013	1 Sep 13	29 Sep 13	500£ 500	0-	0-	1 Week
October 2013	29 Sep 13	27 Oct 13	400£ 400	0-	0-	1 Week
November to December 2013	27 Oct 13	22 Dec 13	350£ 350	0-	0-	1 Week
Christmas 2013	22 Dec 13	29 Dec 13	400£ 400	0-	0-	1 Week
New Year	29 Dec 13	5 Jan 14	500£ 500	0-	0-	1 Week

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

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

4 years listed You are contacting Cynthia Mccormac Landline n/a Mobile n/a Payment accepted Credit cards accepted PayPal accepted Languages spoken The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2007. This house has received 7 reviews from previous guests.