We spent a week in the Beach House retreat - we were welcomed by Paula and her family with a comprehensive list of what we needed to know and answers to any of our immediate questions. Their sister is in the local post office so it was great to know there was support there if we needed it but Paula checked in with us regularly by text and we knew help was close by if we needed it. We didn't though as everything was exactly what we needed. We're a family of two adults and three kids and even though the weather was bad we were out exploring each day. The cottage is 20 minutes drive from kenmare and apart from the local post office, this is the nearest place for shopping for food, petrol etc. The house has three comfortable bedrooms, a gorgeous outdoor seating and dining area and the most incredible views of the sea. The kitchen is modern and has all you need, There's a pool table to entertain during rainy days and wifi and apple tv means you're not bored. The kids attended camp in a nearby watersports place and they loved it - during July and August they take bookings for half day, full day or weekly camp and vary the activities each day. Kenmare is a busy town and can be hard to secure dinner table at peak times so need to get in their early. Sneem Hotel is a drive away but very nice and Derrynane beach is lovely for surfing (approx. 90 minutes drive). We also took a boat trip to see the seals and this was educational but a little long (4 hours instead of the advertised 2.5 and the kids had to sit still for a long time so as not to disturb the seals - they weren't happy with that!). We drove around the Beara peninsula, took a long walk in Gleninchaquin Park – Kenmare, - gorgeous views and scenery and on another day got lost looking for one of the many stone circles in the area! All in all, this is a beautiful side of the country and there is lots to do but be prepared to spend time in the car as the roads are narrow and 40 kms can take you an hour! The Beach Retreat is a lovely house to return to at the end of a days exploring - lots of hot water and all mod cons for cooking dinner.