This was our first trip to Ireland and a big part of knowing the country was to spend some time in a personal way with folks who live there. When I came upon Nathan and Lucy's renovated 18th century barn, as I researched AirBnB, I knew this was just what we would enjoy.... and we sure did!
Tucked a wee back in the country, we relied on Nathan to lead us to his country estate. He is a carpenter builder and botanist and they have almost completed an independent lifestyle with their hard work and brilliant design talent.
Nathan and Lucy have created a rustic yet modern retreat out in the country where fresh eggs from their own chickens were waiting for us. The self catering kitchen was amply supplied with milk, fresh butter, and juice. Lucy presented us with a fresh from the oven loaf of Irish soda bread, and another day, Nathan brought over a bowl of muffins of a most delicious carrot cake combination.
This is a perfect place for guests who love history and want to experience a more agrarian lifestyle for a few days. The interior of the renovated stone barn is an architectural delight with a loft and tall ceiling with sky light. A wood stove kept us comfortable and we even were even able to have a peat fire to see what it is like... ( nice!)
Nathan has made most of the wooden furniture in the retreat. He is a creative and meticulous builder/ artist.... really a renaissance man. He and Lucy made sure that anything we needed, we were to let them know and we felt the sincerity. We enjoyed part of an evening in their home which they have been restoring and modernizing. We loved learning about how the barn was converted to a unique and comfortable abode. Down their country road are other farms and the sheep and lambs played in the sunshine to our great delight!. The plants and gardens and herbs and birds and their sweet dog Molly and young Luke all combine to create a few days living the country life near Galway city. Also, Athenry ( Just 10 minutes away) is a great extra because of it's ancient history, castle and heritage center where you enter the life of a villager in Medieval times. Nathan and Lucy have a vast knowledge of the area and could create your day for you and give you great ideas for dining and sight seeing. Yes we had a great time and you will too!