Kenmare River Cottages

A Haven of Tranquillity on Ireland's Gulf Stream Coast

Three uniquely located self catering cottage accommodation by the shore of Kenmare Bay with superb views of the mountains and down the Bay towards the Atlantic Ocean

There are three cottages available for self-catering rental in this unique location some 16 km from Kenmare town situated on a gently rising hillside arising from the beach. Facing the waters of Kenmare Bay the site is bordered by the remains of Ardea Castle to the right and the natural inlet of Lehid Harbour to the left. Cottages 2A and 3A are nearer the shore than cottage 5A, which lies halfway up the low hillside. Some 20 or so years ago these three cottages formed part of a group of eight similar dwellings all of which were rented as holiday accommodation but built and managed by a Kerry family. Now all the cottages are owned by different individuals mainly for private use with a minority remaining available as holiday accommodation.

The three cottages are built to a similar plan and accommodate up to six guests. Being privately-owned they differ internally with regard to decoration and furnishings reflecting the owners' particular tastes. However, all are finishes to a high standard both inside and out. All cottages are situated in their own grounds and are well separated from others by substantial areas of lawn and a variety of sub-tropical trees and shrubs. There is a separate driveway to each house with ample car parking space, each drive being accessed from a private roadway within the boundaries of the original holiday home site. Consequently, the cottages have a special sense of seclusion and tranquillity yet their windows and gardens open onto a vast panoply of sea, sky and mountain scenery much admired and captured on canvas by artists over the years. This unique and private location is ideal for those seeking rest away from the turmoil of the modern world; there is no traffic and for much of the day and night you will never hear any man-made machine noise. Just the sound of the sea brushing the rocks and shoreline and birds singing as they skate and swoop over the sea. And these natural sounds are supplemented by the ever-changing light as it colours the mountains in the morning and the sea during the day, sometimes ending in vivid sunsets that drench the sky and sea with colour.

Each cottage has three bedrooms with a combination of double or single beds. All bedrooms have fitted clothes cupboards and wash-basins with hot and cold water. There is a modern fitted bathroom in every house with bath and shower facilities, The living area consists of a large lounge-dining area and adjacent kitchen. The lounge and dining table seat 6 adults; children can be accommodated in three of the cottages and cots/high-chairs are available if required. The kitchens are all fitted with modern appliances including electric hob/oven, fridge-freezer, extract hood, dishwasher and washing machine. All houses have useable large open fireplaces (fuel available from the local store) with either oil-fired or electric heating (night storage and/or convector heaters). TV and audio systems are also provided. Linen, towels and ample crockery, cookware, glasses and cooking utensils are in all houses. An iron, ironing board and vacuum cleaner are also provided. One of the cottages (5A) ls suitable for wheelchair access.

Outside there are picnic tables and chairs accessible via a patio door from the lounge. All outside areas are secluded and private and apart from the paved patio area are grassed with plantings of trees, hedges and shrubs. The large gardens all have panoramic vuews of the sea and mountains. Lehid Harbour which is adjacent has a boat slip and provides sheltered mooring.

See the official web site for Kenmare River Cottage 5A: www.kenmareholidayhome.com