If you visit Ireland without staying awhile at Paudie and Anne’s you’ve missed the essential perfection and spirit that is Ireland. When Paudie picked us up from the airport, he told us what we were in store for during our stay. We learned about his family's history and how their farm developed through the years. A short distance drive through the countryside, we arrived at a stately stone farmhouse surrounded by 30 acres of rolling green slopes, with stunning views in every direction. In the distance stood a castle on a lake and green hillsides. Close in, a split rail fence penned in about 20 sheep and baby lambs, with daffodils along the driveway.
We entered the teak front door and out came Anne with a hug for both my sister and I. I’d been corresponding with Anne for several months, who said she felt we were already like family. And we felt the same about this warm, bubbly, lively lady. She escorted us through the cozy farm kitchen, decorated in country comfort and family heirlooms. Even though we’d arrived the same morning and it was too early for check- in, a mid-morning feast awaited us. Homemade scones by Paudie, soda bread, yogurt, melon with a huge array of toppings, superb coffee, and the farm's own eggs, cooked however we liked. We knew with all that hospitality and a feast of a "snack", that we were in for something special. Loved it that they immediately referred to us as "the girls”, even though we are sisters, age 61 and 70.
We paid a very reasonable amount for 2 days of private tours with Paudie- Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry. Paudie is an excellent guide, and he loves the land he was born to. He offered background when the scenery called for it, and let us stop and walk whenever the incredible beauty called for it. He was patient and funny as we peppered him with questions the whole 2 days. He took us off the beaten path, to gorgeous places where the tour buses don't go. He parked us at lunch spots with loads of local color and tasty food. His tours must not be missed.
Back at the B&B we were awed by the beauty and warmth of Paudie and Anne's home. We had the upstairs suite with lathe walls, timbered ceiling, beautiful country antique furniture, comfy beds and stunning views in every direction. Lovely blue bathroom, and a huge deck with 180* view. There were 4 other people living full time in this home and you could hear a pin drop at night, or any other time.
Anne could not do enough for us. Anne seemed clairvoyant- she knew what our needs were. She entertained us with her humor and Irish wit. All the while we knew she had a sense of what we wanted and would let us find our own way, or sit and have us laughing uproariously. So many thoughtful touches- hot water bottles in our bed at nite, a wonderful touch of whiskey, hot water and lemon at nite. Paudie stayed in the background- baking, squeezing fresh oj, volunteering bits of info when needed, retrieving lambs from flower beds- whatever was needed. Anne did most of the cooking but Paudie substituted with breakfast himself one day-perfection. Oh his scones!!!
All the while we felt these lovely people were becoming family.
It was a suggestion that we see an Irish dance and music show- everything was a suggestion not a push. Show was amazing, like a fast paced Riverdance. Our last day before we went to the airport, a boat ride was suggested (again not pushed). This was a Killarney Lakes boat trip with a buggy ride through the Gap of Dunloe with Dux- one of the highlights of our trip. One of their sons played his accordion and sang Irish melodies for us on the last night. What could be more authentically Irish than to sit in a warm farmhouse and be entertained by a live performance of a son of Ireland... perfection.
It could not have been a better stay or a more true Irish experience.
These beautiful people showed us love, kindness and warmth. You will LOVE staying here but it is very popular. I booked 5 months in advance and feel that any later than that, I would have missed out.
Staying here is magic..