Truly a gem. We stayed three nights and it was everything we'd secretly hoped for but didn't dare to expect. The descriptions of the distances & proximities to all the classical Irish sights are accurate & the ride is a joy. The drive to Galway city is brief and easy. And if you don't really care about all that but just want to get away, relax, maybe get lost wandering some back roads, explore a few small villages & towns, or just take in some striking countryside landscapes, you're right there. The cottages (& really, the term cottage does not do justice here. They're more like luxury mini-homes surrounded by verdant fields, pastures, old stone walls & the attendant farm animals of the area) are a brilliant blend of the traditional with the contemporary in design, & include all the amenities we could have possibly needed to ensure our comfort. (The bowl of fresh fruit Martina left out for us was a warm & welcoming gesture.) If I remember correctly, & maybe I don't, because I drank a lot of Guinness, I'm pretty sure they were designed & built by Martina's husband, John, & the attention to detail, as well as the care & quality of the craftsmanship, is as impressive as it is impeccable. The use of authentic period slate to construct the roof is only one example. This detail may seem excessive & trivial but I included it to show the sense of care that you get here. & besides, it's an incredible roof. Really. This review is already too long, but it wouldn't be complete without saying that Martina & her family are not only great hosts but also very cool people, whose graciousness, hospitality & generosity is both selfless & remarkable.

We've been gone three days. We can't wait to go back.