Michael’s house is on a small country road about a mile in from the west shore of Lough Sheelin. To the back is woodland and the house is bathed in the sound of wild bird song. Coal tits were nesting seven metres from the kitchen window. Orange tip butterflies abound in the countryside due to the old meadows with wild flowers. The house was immaculately clean. The beds and pillows were exceedingly comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped and a great space to cook and dine in. Outside, under cover, is a table and chairs where one can dine al fresco or just sit and read enjoying the bird song. The sitting room was very comfortable, with good TV reception and a fire place for which Michael had left turf and wood in the outside store. The bathrooms and showers were excellent with no shortage of hot water. Central heating kept us comfortably warm. The local area is beautiful with the lake and hills. Not far away is Lough Crew with it’s numerous burial mounds that are older than Newgrange. Crover House Hotel is only a six minute drive where one can enjoy good local beef and lamb. For those that want to cook head to Flood’s butcher in Oldcastle who supplies Richard Corrigan’s restaurants. Highly recommended for a quiet break. Step back into an older countryside where nature abounds and people still have time for you.