Wow! Just back to Dublin after a weekend at Sinead and Bernhard’s cottage in the woods and we already wish we were back there reading our books next to the fireplace.
We are a family of three spending two weeks teaching in Dublin and wanted a weekend getaway close to nature, disconnected from WiFi, phones, email, etc. We originally were thinking Galway or the coast, but once we saw this cottage, decided to take a chance. We found our Irish paradise!
From the moment Sinead greeted us and showed us around the cottage, I was writing a review in my head. It was beautiful, and makes for a fantastic retreat for a couple looking for a romantic escape, friends, or a family. Although we were three, there were two unused twin beds in a third bedroom (all upstairs). I haven’t slept more than 7 hours in over a decade but the first night I went nine in the comfy bed and down comforter. The pillows I wanted to take home!
The kitchen was perfect with everything you need. Sinead recommended stopping in Portumna for groceries and we were glad we did. We forgot a couple of items and Sinead was gracious to assist. The living room was idyllic, with soft chairs and a couch in front of a log fireplace. There’s also a nice dry sauna which I used daily.
We ate out a couple of times - Walsh’s in Woodford, which I recommend the fried scampi over the burger. But the real jewel was Cafe Rose in Portumna - fantastic breakfast and lunch items and the banoffee pie was the best I’ve eaten. The castle in Portumna also had great tours and activities as well as a cute cafe.
If you’re looking to get away from the craziness of life for a few days, a week, or longer (we threatened to move in), definitely stay here! We loved every minute and will most definitely return next year when we’re back in Ireland!