Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or fewer)
Changeover day:
Sat
Access:
Car advised Wheelchair access Nearest amenities: 2 km
Notes:
No pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
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.
The side of the house - looking southwest towards the Cliffs of Moher
The living room, with stove and wood floors
The western side of the house from the herb garden
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/22905
The 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.
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 (fishing is free on the river). 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 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.
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
Beaches: 7km - 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: 0.1km - the boreen and green track 1km - the green road 2km - Doolin
Ancient sites 0.5km - Cahermaccrusheen and cahermaclancy 2km - Teergonean court tomb 12km - Poulnabrone, Caher Connell
How to get there
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).
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Shannon: 64 km
Railway:
Galway/Limerick: 70 km
Ferry:
Dublin: 200 km
Activities near Doolin
Sports: Watersports Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Beach or lakeside relaxation Good nightlife Cycling holidays
Single beds (4), Double beds (3), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 10, Sleeps maximum of 10
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Private garden, Swing set, Trampoline
Access:
Wheelchair access, Parking space
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 and the Cliffs of Moher.
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, which are undisturbed down to the Atlantic sea.
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
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
July to August 2009
28 Jun 09
6 Sep 09
650£650
0-
0-
1 Week
September 2009
6 Sep 09
26 Sep 09
425£425
0-
0-
1 Week
October 2009
26 Sep 09
31 Oct 09
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
November to Dec 2009
31 Oct 09
19 Dec 09
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
Xmas and New Year 2009
19 Dec 09
10 Jan 10
500£500
0-
0-
1 Week
Jan to March 2010
10 Jan 10
4 Apr 10
350£350
0-
0-
1 Week
April to May 2010
4 Apr 10
23 May 10
425£425
0-
0-
1 Week
May to June 2010
23 May 10
26 Jun 10
500£500
0-
0-
1 Week
July to August 2010
26 Jun 10
28 Aug 10
650£650
0-
0-
1 Week
September 2009
28 Aug 10
2 Oct 10
500£500
0-
0-
1 Week
October 2008
2 Oct 10
30 Oct 10
400£400
0-
0-
1 Week
101
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 £8 per day at other times.
For large parties we request an additional £10 per person to cover extra laundry charges (only charged for guests over the standard party size of 6).
Refundable £150 security deposit required with final balance payment.
We can accept payments by paypal. cheque or bank transfer in GBP or Euros.
Guestbook for Gorse Cottage
We have so many wonderful comments it is hard to choose. So here are some comments from our most recent guests:
"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).
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/22905