We've been home in the States for a few days but I was waiting until I really had time to sit down and write a good review on my computer. I'll never be able to do justice to our stay, and Marilla and Danny's generosity, but I need to try!
We stayed for an entire month at the house with our family of 6 (kids age 8, 6, 3.5, and 1.5). My husband was able to work remotely for the first two weeks from the little office area upstairs; for the second half of the month we rented a van and drove all over the northern half of the country on day trips.
The house is wonderful for kids! Marilla had toys and books out for them, a huge beanbag in the sitting room, activities and games for outside, and even gates for the stairs (top and bottom!), a highchair and crib for our baby, and she managed to find a big stroller for us to borrow. My kids loved playing ball outside, drawing with chalk, walking everywhere, watching the farm chores, hauling wood for our fire, playing with leprechauns in the garden, and blowing bubbles in the drive. There's a lot you can do locally with just walking and the bus. It took our distractable kids 45 minutes to walk into the village, but purposeful adults could do it in 30 minutes or less. Just don't forget your raincoat - which of course I did, but Marilla lent me one of hers!
Marilla and Danny are INCREDIBLE hosts. We've stayed at a variety of Airbnbs and they are above and beyond. We felt like we were staying with family and leaving behind our Irish grandparents when we flew home. We had a few adventures including a two-day hospital stay for our asthmatic 6 year old! Marilla was so helpful and helped us figure out the late night emergency when we didn't have a car! I'm not exaggerating when I say she saved Patrick's life. We also had two flat tires with our rental car (note to self, next time purchase the tire coverage!) and Danny was so quick to help us fill the first flat and recommend a place in Carrick to get a replacement. They're very good with kids and respectful of privacy; they made us feel like we had our own home in Ireland and were so quick to answer questions or give suggestions for activities. I spent days reading reviews and looking at houses and locations and this place and these people were an absolute dream. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone and would stay here again in a heartbeat. God bless Marilla and Danny - sláinte!