“Awesome Converted 18th Century Coach Hoise”
If you are looking for a memorable place to stay while visiting County Clare, look no further because you have found the perfect place ...
If you are looking for a memorable place to stay while visiting County Clare, look no further because you have found the perfect place!
The Sunny-Side Cottage is the ideal base for exploring this part of Ireland.
Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, all of the must-see sights are within 5 miles: The Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, St Bridget’s Well, Lisdoonvarna........
The lovely coastal spots of Doolin, Lahinch Beach & Promenade, Ballyvaugn and access to the Aran Islands are close by, too.
Just a short 5 minute walk brings you to the quaint, picturesque village of Ennistymon with its famous Cascades. There you will find friendly pubs, restaurants, a market and The Falls Hotel & Spa (which was the former manor, Ennistymon House.)
The Sunny-Side Cottage is set among mature Woodlands and manicured Gardens and is sparkling clean, tastefully decorated, spacious, well appointed and beautifully restored.
The warm, friendly, helpful owners, Phyllis and Kevin Haran (whose families have lived in the area for several generations - I think Phyllis said 7 or 8) did all the restoration, themselves. It is very obvious that this project is a labor of love. Against the advice of everyone, they knew what they wanted and they brought the once neglected Cottage back to life.
They succeeded in bringing this 200 year old property into the 21st century while still retaining the unique features of the original Coach House.
Inside its two stories, you will find a beautiful and comfortable townhouse. Downstairs is a cozy living room with fireplace and dining area and a fully stocked and modern kitchen that opens onto a peaceful deck which is surrounded by one of Phyllis’ gardens. It’s the perfect spot for a morning cup of tea.
If you keep walking from the deck through the mature trees, you will come to the banks of the Cascades and see the quiet, facade of the famous Falls Hotel across the way.
On the top floor of the Coach House are two tastefully appointed bedrooms with ample closets plus a modern, clean bathroom.
The House is very bright and airy with skylights upstairs which fill those rooms with warm natural sunlight all day.
But, as wonderful as this property is, its best feature is its hosts/owners whose warm, helpful and friendly hospitality are unmatched.
In full disclosure:
My great grandparents owned The Sunny-Side Cottage from about 1875-1920 and my grandfather was born there in 1886.
All my life, I had fantasized about someday visiting the Cottage. To be waking up there every morning felt like a dream come true to me.
Phyllis and Kevin were sensitive to the emotions that I was feeling and they enjoyed the family stories and memories that I shared with them. They could not have been more gracious.
They answered all of my questions and invited us into their home to show us around and explain what they had changed and what they had restored.
Standing in front of the Carrara marble fireplace which warmed their cozy living room, Kevin took our picture and remarked: “Your grandad had his nappies changed right here!”
Phyllis walked me around the property and pointed out where my great grandmother had probably had her vegetable and flower gardens.
Both my great grandfather and his father - two generations - had been Estate Agents for the Ennistymon House (1850-1890), now The Falls Hotel. It was overwhelming just standing at the river bank and thinking of my ancestors doing the same thing.
We could not be happier or more pleased that our ancestral home is in the loving hands of a family for whom it means so much.
We can’t wait to return to The Sunny-Side Coach House. You will feel the same!
- Crazy4nuns, April 2020
