We had a wonderful stay in this beautiful part of Ireland, waking, on the first morning, to a sunrise over Loch Derg with the sound of the water lapping underneath the boathouse.

Barry's parents were incredibly helpful and hospitable and made us feel right at home. The boathouse itself is wonderfully designed, by Barry's dad, with a snug loft bed and a lovely wood burner. We could quite happily have spent all our time inside! But when we did drag ourselves away, we saw some lovely parts of East Clare. We'd recommend stopping at Mountshannon harbour, the walk over Ballycroum bog and a visit to the castles at Portumna and Bunratty.

It's one of the nicest places we've stayed and we'd thoroughly recommend it!