With well-maintained gardens, plenty of parking and beautiful views, this purpose-built B&B and adjoining self-catering cottage creates a great first impression - and a warm welcome extends to your four-legged friends too.
Owners Mike Hegarty and Julia Bird will be known to many as former owners of the unique Tin Pub at Ahakista, and they have brought the laid-back charm associated with it to this venture, which offers a home from home with all sorts of hospitable gestures such as a well-stocked drinks fridge where you replace what you take, or use it to store your own.
A very comfortable guest sitting room has lots of books, DVDs and games, and there’s a sheltered patio for guests; tea and coffee is always available in the dining room, where residents’ evening meals are served at a big wooden table.
As far as possible, all foods are either home produced or locally sourced and many are organic; fish is a speciality (Wild Atlantic fish pie, traditional fish & chips and fried fish) but the menu also includes other choices including home-made soup (served with freshly baked yeast bread) and steak, perhaps, or a casserole, and various home-made puddings.
Alternatively, a 'Lite Bites' menu can be served in the conservatory; offering a short à la carte ranging from homemade beef burgers to fish & chips (local fish in beer batter) or a platter of local cheeses, it's a nice option for guests who don't feel like a full meal.
Bedrooms are spacious, simply furnished and modern - not the height of luxury, but very comfortable; two are en-suite with separate bath and shower, the third has a similar bathroom across the corridor.
Full breakfasts are available all morning, and packed lunches can be arranged.
This is a real can-do place, and would make a wonderfully relaxed holiday base. It is also an interesting off-season weekend destination for dog owners, as Mike is a qualified dog handler and offers weekend training sessions in winter - a great excuse for another trip to West Cork.
