Els and Peter O’Connor’s very special B&B near has recently been awarded the prestigious EU Green Flower Award for Eco-Accommodation – the first in this part of Ireland to achieve the commendation, and one of only 125 in Europe, it speaks volumes for this hospitable couple’s commitment to the environment.
And you’d know it anyway, as soon as you arrive and see the sign warning guests to be careful and watch out for red squirrels but, for those who wonder if the whole thing might be a bit too hippy for them, be reassured that it’s a perfectly normal, comfortable house with everything that ordinary people need when breaking a journey or – more likely - want a relaxingly low-key holiday here fishing for salmon or brown trout on the River Blackwater, or walking.
It’s a great area for walkers of all levels of ability and experience, and Peter and Els provide guests with maps and directions and then send them on their way - some walks begin right at the front gate.
The house is modern, with big windows making the best of the views over the gardens and beyond, and the bedrooms are all different and furnished simply in a pleasant country style – one family room has a brass and iron bed, others have divans – each with a neat en-suite shower room, TV and tea & coffee making facilities.
The comfortable big sitting room is the heart of the house; with plenty of books to read and space for guests to mingle around the wood burning stove, it’s big enough to have tables set up here for breakfast too.
Fresh produce comes from their own organic gardens, and from a neighbouring organic farm, and all of the normal everyday things are done as considerately to the environment as possible: solar panels heat the water, timber and waste paper heat the house, CFLs are used everywhere for lighting (outdoor lighting is mainly solar powered), only organic soaps are used, and rainwater is collected for washing clothes and watering the gardens – which are designed to be wildlife friendly.
This exceptionally beautiful and unspoilt area is perfect for people with an affinity for the great outdoors, and Peter and Else can lend guests fishing equipment, bikes, kites and even a sailboard (the coast is only a short drive away).
Dinner is not offered but there are good restaurants in both both Cappoquin and Lismore – and there’s a self-catering apartment too, if you prefer to cook your own.
Plans for the near future include the addition of a sauna and gym – and a large south-facing conservatory. Seems there’ll be no stopping them now.
Rooms 3 (all ground floor & shower only). B&B €35-37.50, ss €7.50. Children welcome (under 4s free in parents' room, cot available free of charge, baby sitting arranged, play ground). Restricted access for wheelchairs (steps to house). Free broadband wi/fi. Pets permitted (stay in outhouse/kennel). Closed 2 days Christmas. No credit cards.
