We loved this wonderful house, and Kate was a great host.
To begin with, we never would have found the place but Kate arranged to meet us at an easy-to-find landmark. She was there on time and led us to the property, where she went over the rules of staying there, including how everything works, the sheep, the peat, and the roads. She quickly responded to the one question I had.
Second, the house. It is a lovely little house with all the Mod Cons one needs except TV and wireless, which were not missed. The beds are comfy and it has a great kitchen, eating area and family room. Every room offers lovely views of sheep, bogs, and forests. There are ample tracks throughout the property for walking. It's so sweet to wake up listening to the sheep calling to each other. They come close but really don't want to interact with people, so they don't pose any problems.
Third, the location is great. It is right off the N59, a main east-west road that will take you from Galway to the edge of the Connamora National Park. The house is about 3 miles from the village of Oughterard, which has several grocers, good restaurants, a bunch of pubs, shops, and parking, and free wireless at a number of locations, so the lack of it at the house is no biggie.
Fun things to do include a cruise on Lake Corrib to Ashmore Castle and Inchegoille Island; Aughenure Castle, a 13th century partly restored stronghold; Bridget's Garden, a formal Celtic garden; Kylemore Abbey; the Connamora Forest; and guided fishing trips on Lough Corrib. Less than an hour to the south is the Wild Atlantic Way (the coast road), and the villages of Barna and Spiddal, with shops, pubs and restaurants. Also not too far away is Rossaveal, and ferries to the Aran Islands.
There is public bus service into town, and also in the Spiddal-Barna area, but you'd do best with a car if you're staying here.
So the area is a great place to visit, and this house especially is wonderful. It is peaceful and homey, and it really did start to feel like home - I could easily live there. Highly recommend.