I wish it was possible to give a six-star review on Airbnb, because my time with Uve and Colman was so incredible that five stars doesn't feel like enough. They are by far the best hosts I've ever had on Airbnb. The spaces they've created are incredible--more on that later--but *they* are what made this the best experience I've ever had on Airbnb (and I've been doing nothing but living in Airbnbs for nearly a year and have had almost nothing but great experiences).
They immediately made me feel like part of their family and part of a wonderful community. They bring people together in a really magical way I've never experienced before at any other Airbnb that hosts multiple guests. Even just in the space of a few days I was invited to multiple meals and get-togethers, served copious cups of tea, and engaged in so many wonderful conversations. Colman and Uve fully share their home and their family life. I enjoyed meeting their talented son Jonas and wonderful, sweet dog Blackie. They were quick to help with anything I needed. I was especially grateful to Colman for picking me up and dropping me off at the bus station and helping with my massive overly packed bags. It was painful to leave this place and it is the first Airbnb I will book when I can make it back to Ireland.
I was honored to be one of the first guests in the sleeping barrel. It is a wonderful space and an experience in itself. The warm wood just gives you that hygge feeling that makes you want to snuggle in and do nothing and I loved sitting at the table with my tea working or reading a book. There are touches and amenities in here that I wouldn't necessarily have expected, including one of the nicest electric kettles I've seen, a toaster, a mini-fridge, a closet, a bathrobe, snacks, and fresh milk for tea... I have stayed in many spaces much larger than the barrel that didn't have half of these things.
The barrel is actually quite efficient temperature-wise and holds heat, and you can cool it off nicely by opening the window and propping the door. The mattresses in the bunks are firm but I like them that way and I slept very well. The bathroom you'll use is in the poolhouse and is nicely appointed and as creatively and beautifully decorated as everything else in what I took to calling Uve and Colman's "holiday village" :) It's so close to the barrel that you'll hardly notice that you've stepped out before you're in there. Just remember to ask them to turn on the immersion 30 min before you want to shower!
I booked with Uve because I wanted to check out Kildare. This is a perfect jumping-off place to do so. I solely used public transportation during my time in Ireland and it worked really well here. The bus stop is about a fifteen-minute walk away. (Note that to go to Kildare, you need to take a right and go to the bus station nearer the town center--Google sent me to the wrong one, but I was thankfully steered in the right direction by a local.) The same green bus that goes to Kildare goes to many other towns and will take you all the way to the Dublin Airport, which was super convenient for me.
The barrel is just one of many options Uve and Colman offer. You honestly can't go wrong with any of them. This is exactly the place you hope to find on Airbnb--a place that is so uniquely and perfectly done that it is its own experience. If you've never slept in a sleeping barrel before, give this one a try. You'll probably want to come back and stay here again like I do!