The warm welcome we received into their otherworldly home, set the tone for a very enjoyable stay at Annaghmore. Nicola and Durkan couldn't have been friendlier, more gracious hosts, along with their 5 lovely, wagging tailed dogs who heralded our arrival! Presenting our wide-eyed 4 year old son Finn a real train set to play with was a big hit from the start. "The Big House" (as Finn called it!) is surrounded by acres of rolling estate, it is a step back in time, steeped in history about which Durkan gave us fascinating detail and stories. After breakfast on our first morning , we got our wellies on went with the doggies to feed two 3 day old lambs and heard first hand stories of a the grand house, his family and lifestyle from an era not long ago but a life apart from today. We spent a sunny morning walking through the old walled garden down to the river seeing relics of the Annaghmore's hey days.
Our enormous bedroom looked out down to the river and in the evenings we relaxed by the stove lit for us in the renovated games room (complete with table tennis table!!)
Willie and Jack (Springer and Old Labrador!) led us down the kitchen corridor to breakfast each morning! The house is wonderfully rambling dating back to the 1840's - we really loved the atmosphere!
The location is perfect for exploring all of Sligo's rich delights - and despite mixed weather and slow moving in the mornings - we packed alot in! Cycling around bike trails at Lough Key Forsest park (20km) and catching the sunset up at the magical Carrowkeel Cairns, climbing up to the Kesh Caves (10km) , a seaweed bath in Strandhill (10 mins drive) then driving out at low tide to Coney Island (15 mins) and a glorious afternoon kayaking out around the islands of Lough Gill (8km) Annaghmore House is a truly unique place and we hope to return soon to explore some more!