First thing, the cottage is excellent. Emma and Ronan are great hosts. highly recommended!
I would like to share a little insight into our experience here...
Many of the reviews of the cottage say this is great for a one-night stop between Dublin and Gallaway. this is probably true.
But we stayed here for three nights. We found the location to be absolutely perfect for exploring the Midlands.
Our stay was in the off season and early in the week. We still found live music about a half hour away every night here. That was a huge plus and a bit unexpected on a Monday through Wednesday night.
There was live music close by in Athlone at Sean's pub. there was live music down in Tullamore. We even found music down in Birr. so if music is your thing, and it should be your thing if you're visiting Ireland, this is an excellent place to stay.
We were within 30 to 45 minutes of many great daytime activities as well.
We explored Tullamore, and the Tullamore Dew distillery. there's a castle check out in Tullamore, although we did not check it out.
We also spent a day down in Birr. Birr Castle is a pretty neat place. they have an engineering marvel there in the form of a giant telescope . I thought the telescope was amazing.
Leap Castle was definitely a highlight for us. It's easy for this castle to slip under your radar when looking for things to do. But out of all the castles we have seen in two trips to Ireland, I would say that it by far my favorite experience. The owner of the
castle, has been hand restoring the castle for 30 plus years, and is on site to explain the history. Leap cast is highly recommended.
So if you're considering either a one night stop between Dublin and Gallaway, or like us, and you would like to explore the in between places a bit...
Emma and Ronin's place is where you should call home for a few nights!