Carmel is a wonderful, kind, communicative host. The remodeled Church is an amazing preservation of old and blending of new.
The Church / home is as-advertised with magnificent preservation of so much from tile, to pulpit, to carvings and stained glass, not to mention the surrounding graveyard which adjoins the Church. It is located only minutes from the small community of Portlaw. Waterford City which has substantially more amenities and offerings is also relatively close -- perhaps 20 minutes.
We enjoyed a meal at what we think may have been the closest pub --- O'Donnacha's -- about 10 minutes from the Church. That pub also offers live traditional Irish music on Tuesdays as of July 2019. Harley's in Portlaw is a wonderful small café where we enjoyed a coffee and light breakfast ( heads-up not open until 10 am) -- next to it is a small newsagent / grocery with a larger grocery available a few blocks away. That just about comprises most of Portlaw unless you happen to have access to the stunning Lord Waterford estate -- which, if you do, you should see.
Carmel's fridge thoughtfully included milk, butter, and jam. Coffee and tea was available as were all the things one would need to cook.
Two observations that might guide a booking decision are, in our experience, very spotty data service (Verizon), which coupled with the advertised and known lack of internet service make staying in contact or learning about the local community challenging, and, while the stained glass is truly beautiful, there are no windows that open and if warm, a guest could find airflow a challenge.
All that said, we utterly enjoyed our visit and would recommend a stay at this unique location and this wonderful host.