We had a wonderful time at John and Brid’s Beech Cottage. The cottage is very conveniently located closed to Castlebar and all shops are easily accessible. You’re only a few minutes drive from Westport the start of the cycle greenway (highly recommended) and about an hour’s drive from Keel and Keem strand (don’t miss this). An hour north you’ll find Downpatrick Head and South Croagh Patrick and Connemara. Castlebar is therefore a great base to explore the wild Atlantic way and the cottage is a great choice if you’re after a piece of country life. Be advised though there isn’t a full bath and the shower can overflow if you cover the sieve. Phone reception can be sketchy at times especially in bad weather and there is no WiFi or tv (which for us was a plus but for others may not be). The cottage while close enough to castlebar is still very private and quiet. You don’t hear a lot of traffic at all. All in all we are sad to leave and dying to go back.