The cottage is in a truly wonderful location on a hilltop, a stones throw from the Atlantic and (when it is not raining) affording sensational views.
Throughout the process of booking the owners were more than flexible and friendly, and kindly stayed up despite our late arrival. The property itself is comfortable and well sized, but after a few hours the details sink in, and this is what makes the difference between a building that is rented out to make money and a home away from home. Things we noticed and would recommend attention:
1. The property is described as ‘newly renovated’ - it is not new. More like “ at some stage in the last 5 years’ - it is simply now too long since it was done to be described as such
2. Only upon arrival do you realize that even hot water out of the bathroom taps and kitchen sinks is electrically heated = you pay on top, for what is arguably a basic necessity. That you just pay for heating and hot water in a shower is just about Ok, but from a kitchen? And do not forget the rent is already on the healthy side of upper medium for Ireland...
3. with that in mind, despite a late arrival we were welcomed with no hot water. This cold water greeting left us feeling that this was intended to be more of a business than a passion and anything we want, we pay. We have been to many cottages that showed more heart than this, it was a cold shock (pardon the pun)
4. Poorly thought through on the details. No towel rails of any decent size that can hold more than one towel. How 6 people in this house dry their towels after a shower in bad weather is beyond me. No space to hang tea towels in the kitchen
5. Poor cleaning...look at the details...disgusting toilet brushes, beginning of mold around windows.....it needs some love
6. No mirror in one bathroom at all! No space to put anything from your toiletries anywhere in either bathroom
7. The dining table is wobbly and is almost impossible to eat off of
I am aware that this sounds pretty bad. It is not, they are details, but enough that some may be disappointed when it is so easy to fix. I could not recommend staying here but that is my personal tast...others I am sure will be more than happy