The house was the perfect size for four people (although it could easily accommodate six), and the surroundings are absolutely fantastic! Supermarkets and the vibrant village of Clifden are only a few minutes' drive away, while Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden and Connemara National Park are less than a 30-minute drive away.
The cottage is very chic and cosy, and fully equipped with everything one could wish for. There's a tennis court nearby, and equipment (balls and rackets) is provided by the hosts. Nothing is lacking, from dishes and cutlery to spare bed sheets, towels (including beach towels), coal for the BBQ and fireplace, lanterns, insect repellent, spices, rice, olive oil, coffee pods, and countless other thoughtful extras.
Everyone was so excited to find the Jenga game and the tennis equipment provided that we actually didn't spend any time on our phones in the evenings, but instead enjoyed quality time together as a family.
The place is immaculate, with comfortable mattresses and duvets, lovely furniture, and everything exactly as shown in the photographs. The backyard is very inviting, and we enjoyed the BBQ facilities provided, although one has to be very cautious as the midges are quite aggressive both early in the morning and late in the evening.
The only downside is the midges, which can be relentless and may affect your enjoyment of the outdoors. However, this is certainly not something the hosts can control, as it is simply part of the local environment. In fact, they went above and beyond to help guests deal with them by providing insect repellent, protective suits, and clear advice on how to avoid the worst of them. Follow their recommendations and stay indoors early in the morning and late in the evening whenever possible.
Everything else is perfect, but these tiny insects reminded me of the scene where the one-eyed alien Agent Pleakley (from Lilo & Stitch) discovers mosquitoes for the very first time. I never thought I would relate to a cartoon character quite so much!
