“Shabby chic and wonderful.”
Ok, we rented the entire property( stables, coach house and Gilies), for 17 friends of ours. We wanted a little something different than the usual boring hotel rooms and with Craig Moher ( or their business name is Escape to the burren). The houses were originally built in 1856 and this place is simply charming. It has a beautiful lake to the front and an amazing court yard. Very rustic, very charming.
The only words our friends could say was - wow. The best part of renting it had to be this beautiful dining area we could all sit. It is just brilliant to have a bit of food and drinks and not have to worry about splitting expensive restaurant bills.
I am a tough reviewer- so this place won its 5 stars. There are some quirky things that I would point out. I don't think they will be a problem for some but were for me. We mentioned this to the owner and so I have no doubt as a business man he will response proactively to feedback but one thing I did not like was that there was only one key per house.
The intention would be that you give the owner Martin the key when you leave and come back. Now I am the type of person that wants to get the keys and be left to our own devices and not have to ask for keys and what not. I like my privacy and so this is a personal bug bare. They were of course very friendly but if this is one thing they could change their approach on, that would make the place- 100% perfect. By day 5 I will admit to being very short with the owner being asked again who was staying and going- just far far far too intrusive for me and I think that they need to understand that when you rent a place to people you need to give up a little control and simple things like giving people a key to where they are staying is simply expected. We also noticed a habit that I would respectively suggest they stop doing. They have a habit of walking into the house.- for example, we had a photo shoot with girl friends in the house and the owner and his wife in the house stayed to watch! As typical Irish we said nothing but that was a bit intrusive for me.
Would totally recommend the place but if you want to book probably best to cover off the areas above in advance with Martin before booking if this is something that is likely to annoy you.
We will be back again.
- DoneDublin, August 2014