'Conor's Cottage' Traditional Irish Thatched Cottage Self-Catering (Rental) Accommodation Derryadda, Ballyhean, Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland Traditional thatched cottage located 1km south of Ballyhean church, school and pub on the Castlebar/Ballinrobe road (N84). The cottage is in a central location for tourism in the West of Ireland. It is a 19th century thatched cottage with stables, the whole complex recently restored while retaining its original charm, as kitchen/living room, bedrooms and utility room. It has the original small windows and half door and flagged living room floor. The bedrooms have timber floors. The fireplace retains the original crane and a solid fuel stove. Accommodation (sleeps 5) Bedroom 1 - en suite with double bed Bedroom 2 - en suite with 2 single beds The en suites have electric showers Traditional 'cailleach' (single recessed bed) in the living room Bathroom with toilet, bath and shower Separate utility/laundry room with clothes washer, dryer and sink unit, suitable for fishing gear Fully fitted kitchen - microwave, electric cooker, toaster, fridge/freezer, satellite television, CD/DVD player, electric storage heating, hair dryer, linens provided, towels, tea-towels, ironing board Cot and high chair available The Grounds The thatched cottage is situated on extensive, newly landscaped grounds with a variety of gardens - the raised garden to the rear of the cottage with views of the surrounding countryside and Cooley Lake; the secluded walled-garden with seated bench for quiet moments; the rock garden, front of house lawn and flower gardens. There is ample parking space for two cars to the rear of the cottage. Bedroom 2 Kitchen/Living Room Things To Do Famous 12th century Ballintubber Abbey is located nearby (guided tours during the summer months) Knock Marian Shrine is 40km from the cottage Climb Croagh Patrick, overlooking Clew Bay, one of Mayo's most famous landmarks 32km Ashford Castle and Cong, home of the 'Quiet Man' film 30km Westport for shopping, Mayo's most beautiful town (designated as one of Bord Fáilte's Heritage towns) and Westport House Zoo and country estate 25km On a fine day enjoy a cruise of Lough Corrib, cruiser from Ashford Castle Bangor Walks (a map of this walk at the cottage) Delphi Mountain Lodge & Spa, Leenane offers a choice of 25 outdoor activities Horse riding and pony trekking (details available at the cottage) Recreation / Activities Castlebar town is located 7km north of the thatched cottage where amenities include an 18 hole golf course, pitch and putt, walks by Lough Lannagh, shopping, County Library, restaurants, cinema complex, bowling, go-karting, swimming pool, night club/disco, children's playground, 2 theatres, an arts centre with exhibition galleries. Nearby in Turlough is the National Museum of Country Life (guided tours, displays, audio and video presentations of Irish Country Life). Breaffy House Hotel and Spa is nearby on the T39. Day Trips Take a day for a beautiful scenic drive from the thatched cottage - Castlebar, Westport, Croagh Patrick, Louisburgh, and on to Leenane for lunch and directly back to Westport. While in Leenane a trip down Killary Harbour in a cabin cruiser may be an option. Another day trip would take you through Leenane to visit Kylemore Abbey and Lake, and Connemara National Park at Letterfrack, 20 km west of Leenane (good for scenic walks and nature trails). For walking enthusiasts a climb of Croagh Patrick from the village of Murrisk may be an option, where walkers will enjoy a view of the 365 islands in Clew Bay. While at Murrisk visit the National Famine Memorial and the ruins of the 13th century Murrisk Abbey. Take a one-hour drive to visit the Ceide Fields and visitors' centre, the most extensive Stone Age farmed landscape in the world, located west of Ballycastle in North Mayo 75km. A day-trip to Galway could take in the Galway Arts Festival in mid-July, Galway International Oyster Festival last week of September, or Galway Race Week late July/early August. View from rear of cottage Fishing The thatched cottage is located in the heart of the best fresh water fishing in Ireland. Lakes Corrib, Mask and Carra are all within 16km. Lough Mask is host to the World Cup Trout Angling Competition Other good trout lakes are Lough Beltra, Moher Lake, Bilberry Lake, Aille Lough, Kinlooey Lough (brown trout), Glenicmurrin Lough (sea trout), Fermoyle Lough (sea trout) and Clogher Lough (sea trout) Pike angling is available on many lakes, eg Derryhick and Levally lakes to the south and west of Pontoon respectively and in Cooley Lake beside the cottage Westport Sea Angling Festival - end of June. Getting Here Ferry Ports Airports Belfast - 270km Cork - 245km Dublin - 220km Larne - 280km Rosslare - 280km Dublin - 220km Knock - 37km Shannon - 120km Public Transport - Daily trains to Castlebar from Dublin and most major cities. For convenient day trips, buses depart daily from Castlebar to Westport, Achill, Ballina, Sligo & Galway. Buses for Galway will stop on request outside the Thatched Cottage. Directions From Dublin take the N5 to Castlebar. At the 2nd roundabout follow the sign for Ballinrobe (N84). Continue on the N84 to Ballyhean (8km). Conor's Cottage is 1km further on the roadside from Ballyhean church and school. From Knock Airport take the N5 to Castlebar and follow directions as above. Rates & Conditions euro420 - July & Aug euro370 - June euro300 - April, May & Sept euro250 - Off Peak euro220 - Off Peak weekends / Off Peak mid-week (3 nights) A euro100 or $100 or stg £100 (non refundable) payment secures your booking. Balance payable on arrival Refundable damage deposit of euro60, payable on arrival Extra Charges: Fuel and electricity - meter reading   Contact Tom & Mary Higgins Currach Castlebar County Mayo Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 94 902 1351 Mobile: +353 (0) 86 4189115 Email: tmhiggins.ias@eircom.net or use the Conor's Cottage self-catering accommodation, Castlebar | In English | En Francais | Auf Deutsch | In Italiano |

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