10/10 Excellent
Phil B.
13 Aug 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Deep Immersive Dive Into Irish Culture and History
If the cottage walls, and the old books that line them, could talk, they likely could not match the loquacious performance of our host, Desmond, who regaled us with tales documenting life's adventures across several centuries in this place. From a storied family tradition of equine-centric fox hunts in County Clare to his own role in the initial marketing of Guinness in America and bringing back an American bride to his Ireland homestead, Desmond enthralled us with stories and perspectives on the history of Irish Catholics and Protestants, the latter with more direct British ties, that goes back so many generations in Ireland. The family cottage, as well as the main house, have sheltered Desmond's family for centuries, predating the American Revolutionary war. Today, completely modernized by Desmond without mutilating its historic authenticity, the cottage is a picturesque haven from which to reflect on the vagaries and vicissitudes of human history. We got much more than the expected tranquility; we were enchanted by our host's kind and open hospitality and his fervent spirit of love for all things Ireland. The cottage was stocked with a thoughtful and generous supply of all we needed for our stay, which was capped off by Desmond and Melanie's invitation to a lovely teatime in their kitchen at the end of our three-night stay. Phil & Charlotte
Phil B.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
