Mary was a wonderful host. Charming, welcoming, practical, sociable, she also allowed us our own space. Breakfasts were set out for us (the Irish soda bread! The milk! The cheese!) and if we wanted something else, she would get it for us. She truly shared her clean and tidy home with us.
We were pleasantly surprised at the large bedroom, comfortable beds, fabulous view of the sea, generous parking area, and our private half bathroom (toilet and sink) which were totally up-to-date. Bathtub and shower are shared.
The house is very quiet, but so is Killala. A small, historical sea-side town situated in county Mayo, in the Republic of Ireland, it is truly a gem for those who want the peace and quiet of a century ago, combined with modern amenities. The streets are clean, and the people are incredibly friendly. The shops are full of healthy food which is generally cheaper than in Canada. In the town centre is a grocery store, helpful pharmacist, post office, the fabulous "On the Way Cafe" and many other bars and restaurants. If you are driving, mind the curbs! It is a medieval town, with winding, narrow streets. The 'round tower', souterrain at St. Patrick's, and Killala House are all sites worth visiting. If you enjoy history, we recommend the site about local points of interest, http://www.sacredlandscapes.ie, which is run by one of Mary's neighbours!
We spent most of our time "ancestor-hunting", visiting historical sites, and foraging for local foods. People were generous in sharing their knowledge and we had many wonderful adventures! We truly felt like we had come home.