Ever so rarely one chances upon a property so unique that it deserves its own special category and rating, because to put it in the same class as other listings on AirBnB would do it a disservice.
Yes, of course, the accommodation was one of a kind – c. 1600s restored cottage with traditional thatch roof, great sleeping beds with comfy, cozy sheets and blankets, nice baths, fully equipped kitchen, wood stove, etc., but what must be conveyed is the EXPERIENCE.
If you’re like us, you may work a bit too much. You may burn the candle at both ends. Devices may be a little too much a part of life. I can assure you, if that even remotely resembles you, then Cnoc Suain should be #1 on your list of options when planning a trip to the west of Ireland.
First, you will not have a cell signal nor wireless connectivity, and certainly no television. If you can’t live without these things, at least for the time you spend at the property, then this location isn’t for you. A short drive down the hill to An Spiddal will hook you back up if you must get online. What occurred to us quite spontaneously was the possibility of spending some truly quality time with each other around the fireplace or reading various books and literature on Ireland on the shelf instead of habitually being online. And it was terrific!
How about waking up before sunrise and walking the track over to the peat bog and watching the sun come up as you breathe in the fresh air and feel the absolute silence and stillness of this beautiful place? Or perhaps arise to a cool, misty morning, start a fire in the wood stove, and cook up a great breakfast with the delicious eggs, scones, breads, and cereals your hosts lovingly provided? Not to mention picking bowls full of blackberries from the bushes right outside the door? One morning was like that, and while we had a full-day plan for sightseeing, we lingered because it was so relaxing. Of course we were lucky to have visited during blackberry season.
Another thing I especially noted was the great sleep I had every night. I wonder if it was being disconnected, the absolute silence and darkness, the cool room and great bed, or maybe it was a combination of all those things.
The hosts, Dearbhaill and Charlie, complete the splendor of this property. Outstanding in every way. They gave us a tour of the entire property and grounds, explaining the cultural programs they put on as well as the natural history and ecology of this special ecosystem that surrounds us. Our only regret was that we didn’t engage with them before our last morning, as the information we learned from them would have been nicer to know on the front end.