We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Daragh’s enchanting Master’s Cottage. Daragh is a considerate, generous and relaxed host, who makes you feel completely at home. He gave up valuable time with his sons who were on vacation to pick us up from the bus station in Sligo and to take us shopping for essential supplies as he realized how difficult it would be for two senior ladies to manage with luggage and heavy grocery bags. He was always a phone call away in case of need and very willing to take us to the supermarket a second time. I bought my son a pair of cycling shorts which were a size too large but as our last Monday in the area turned out to be a Bank holiday I was unable to change them. I happened to mention this to Daragh as we were waiting for the Galway bus, which he had driven us and our heavy bags to. With no hesitation, he offered to change the shorts and send them to my home address. Telling people at home how easily I had handed over the expensive shorts they lifted their eyebrows and called me a ‘sucker’,which shows how little they know the Irish and in particular Daragh. I trust him completely and am certain that I will hear from him whether he succeeds or not in the mission.
We made Master’s Cottage our home for 2 and ½ weeks and loved our little fairy cottage! We had everything we needed; a beautifully renovated bathroom, comfy beds, a modern, well supplied kitchen and a small, cosy living room. The cottage was always warm and snug. We enjoyed a few luxurious days of merely staying home, cooking meals, reading and walking along the lovely, peaceful country lanes.
On the days we went out the approximately 2 kilometre walk to the bus was a refreshing start to the day. However if you don’t like walking you really need a car or bicycle. We managed very well without a car. The Derry to Galway bus took us into the town of Sligo; Drumcliffe where Yeats is buried, with its charming tea house and the nearby Rathcormac craft fair; and the beautiful coast of Donegal. There is also an excellent supermarket "SuperValue" in the village of Grange, where you can get all your daily needs at a reasonable price. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that as vegetarians we could get good wholesome food here.
We thoroughly recommend staying at Master’s Cottage and hope to return one day!