We’re back home from Teach Hughie Beag (THB) now a day and it’s taken me this long to think up all the superlatives of this incredible base!
The modern contemporary style was exactly our taste and the ample 3 bedrooms (master en-suite and huge walk-in wardrobe) swallowed up our party of 5 with ease. The 500MB internet is proof of Ireland’s rural development and was just the ticket for our autistic son and his iPad requirement (after beach time obviously!)
The living room and open plan modern kitchen have magical views out over Achillbeg and Clare Island in Clew Bay, with even Connemara in the distance.
It’s location is not Achill Island per-se, but rather the tip of the neighbouring Corraun Peninsula. This wonderful rural setting was spot on for our main aims of scenery, stillness and head showering. The Island itself is a mere 10 mins drive up to the bridge at Achill Sound, where the most incredible supermarket stocks every conceivable need (off-licence, fresh meat & fish among other things)
We headed over to the island every day, but soon got to prefer the serenity of Corraun where the only thing you need to dodge on the roads is unconcerned sheep, as opposed to Dublin registration Range Rovers on the Island. Make no mistake, if you're needing a browse through Marks & Spencer every day or your McDonalds burger - this house (and area) is NOT for you.
A great tip is get your next days plan on the island sorted, hit it early then on your way homeward after lunch you’re encountering all the day trippers only on their way out. This especially holds true for the iconic Keem Beach on the far western tip of the island. Beaches at Keel and Dugort are sufficiently long or further away respectively to hit at any time. None of the above are more than 45 minutes from THB.
From the house itself, the rugged coast is 5 mins away with the beach only another 5 mins walk away.
Just so you know I’m not related to the owner, the kitchen could do with a drainer for the dishes (as I’m one of those freaks who likes washing up, even with the presence of a dishwasher) Although, considering the facilities on offer at THB I’d not be surprised if there was one in the separate laundry room had I looked past the washing machine and drier and all the boxes of spare everything. But think about it, that's the worst thing I can come up with... LOL
Bottom line : We’re already try to plan a return during a time when we could light the stove (glass design between the kitchen and living room) as an entire outside wall of firewood will keep us going.
Honestly, if you’re after quality in every aspect, stay anywhere else at your peril.