Tom is a wonderful host! The cottage is lovely and the surrounding gardens are beautiful. Five of us were very comfortable here. The cottage is well stocked...from laundry detergent to toiletries. It was great to be able to do our laundry. Plus, you can hang your clothes on the line to dry (if you'd like, but don't have to as there is a dryer in the cottage)! Tom gave us suggestions for sight-seeing...everyone must see The Rock of Cashel. It remains one of our favorites. The village of Doon is a quick walk from the cottage, which I consider rural. We visited Kelly's Pub every night we were there. The locals were very warm and friendly. The only clarification I would make is that it is not as close to Limerick as we had anticipated, but once we settled in we were delighted with Doon. I would return in a heartbeat.