We enjoyed our stay at Gael's place in Athlone. It was a very large space with everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Gael also provided plenty of cookware and utensils so we could easily prepare meals in on occasion. Athlone is a great location from which to explore the surrounding area from central Ireland to the western coast. There a many beautiful scenic places to see, places to hike, kayak and we even saw people fishing. We felt that Gael's place was a great value set in a quiet area among fields of cows, sheep and horses, but, close enough to town it was comfortable to drive in for dinner. If we find ourselves in Ireland again, we'd stay at Gael's place again.