I'll admit it - we've succumbed to the lure of Ireland. Once we got there, it was TRUE. Green. Friendly people. Incredible scenery. History. Music. Culture. And more.

Pier Cottage

Westcove House and Westcove Harbor

As you know, there is a plethora of places to stay in Ireland. From fancy hotels and castles to B&Bs with classic Irish Breakfasts, you've got choices. But have you ever wanted to venture off the beaten path, and explore Ireland on your own terms? Let me recommend my very favorite place in ALL of Ireland. It's a rental home called Pier Cottage, and we lived there for 2 weeks last fall.

fuschia

Pier Cottage

blackberry vines

Pier Cottage is a renovated Coast Guard Cottage, built in the 17th century. It's got solid walls, a great kitchen, HOT water, laundry, a huge yard and beach, and of course, extraordinary views. Pier Cottage is located near Caherdaniel, on the Ring of Kerry. A mere 45 minutes from Kenmare, and an hour from Killarney, it's the perfect stepping stone to exploring the Ring of Kerry - and your own back yard. Pier Cottage is located on Westcove Harbor, and you will see so many picturesque sailboats and lobster traps that you'll continually need to download your photos. Something in the salt air called to me, and I rose each day at sunrise and reveled in the views, coffee perched alongside me on a huge rock in the bracken at sea's edge, camera at the ready.

Pier Cottage, sunrise

Sunrise, Westcove Harbor

Your backyard includes plenty of large slugs (watch those early morning walks), a rowboat of your own to paddle to the beach across the channel, sheep so close you can hear them at times, and PLENTY of fresh blackberries. In fact, when we first drove in, I was so happy about the blackberries that I jumped out of the car and picked my way to the front door (repeat daily). You'll also revel in the tides, the animal life (herons, seals), and the rhythms of small town village life. There are restaurants - in Sneem, or closer, the Blind Piper in Caherdaniel. But you'll also have a kitchen, from which to cook your treasures after market day.

heron, low tide 

breakfast! fresh blackberries, on the kitchen windowsill

sunrise from Pier Cove

Sheep at high tide

Human neighbors

Your kids will run in nature, and get a sense of life lived close to the land. We learned about the tides, and found eels, crabs, shrimp, fish, barnacles, and tons of different shellfish on both rock beaches.  No kids? Well, you can do all of the above - and it is SO romantic. Whether watching the moon shine on the water, or cuddling by the peat fire, it's perfect.  It's very special, and a home of a lifetime, even if only for a week or two.

LU in various locations. She always travels with our daughter! 

It's true. It rains in Ireland every day (that's why it is so green). The seafood chowder and brown bread are still dreamt of, years later, by visitors to Ireland. Raise a pint and join in the singing. But is it home? Ireland is now home to us - thanks to the peat fires, warmth, and slow living at Pier Cottage.

Our rowboat, low tide

Pier Cottage from across the channel. We're picking up seashells!

Dusk from Pier Cottage

Welcome home!

Want to stay there yourself?
For more information, please see:
vrbo.com/en-gb/p8235078