Amenities
The House
Nestled at the foot of Derradda Hill along the Ballynahinch River, this historic 1800s sporting lodge is a wonderfully peaceful, unspoiled retreat. Home to the Hill family since 1954, it offers a warm cottage ambience with white-washed walls, original wooden floors, open fires, and rooms filled with books and fresh wildflowers. Outside, gentle garden paths, stone walls, and river views—where otters and seals often play—create an inviting, cozy haven to unwind.
THE DINING ROOM:
The walls of the spacious, high-ceiling dining room feature seascapes, model boats, musical instruments and baskets – along with an extensive selection of Irish literature, maps and travel guides. Guests are seated at private tables, where tall windows and double doors leading out to the lawn let in the morning sun. A traditional woodstove adds charm and warmth on chilly mornings.
The Lounge
The sitting room, with 2 large bay windows, an open fire, a piano and beautiful books, opens onto a lovely terraced garden with tables for morning coffee.
THE GARDENS
The garden behind the house is nothing short of spectacular, with three acres of paths winding through azaleas, an organic vegetable patch, wild rocky outcroppings and bluebell woods. The surrounding twelve acres of deciduous woodland include orchards, centurion trees, bluebell woods, wild flowers and ferns with a surprise view at every elevation. These gardens, which are especially beautiful in late spring and early summer, provide a peaceful retreat where guests can read, paint, wander or settle down with afternoon tea. There is a magic here that only those who sit in the secluded back yard can know, with its ancient trees, stone walls and tumbling flowers.
TOUR THE GARDENS
The surrounding twelve acres of deciduous woodland include orchards, wooded walks, wild flowers and ferns. These gardens, which are especially beautiful in late spring and early summer, provide a peaceful retreat where guests can read, paint, wander or sit for afternoon tea.
Serenity & Relaxation
PERFECT for workshop groups, fishing or walking parties, or family/friend reunions. Artists, writers, walkers, sea-enthusiasts, wildlife watchers and photographers – all are welcome. (Not suitable for children)
SEMI SELF-CATERING:
A new fully fitted kitchen complete with fridge freezer, oven and microwave has been added solely for guests use giving you the option to prepare evening meals, enjoy a night in and really make yourself feel at home.
Full self-catering is a possibility if guests wish to prepare their own breakfasts too. Please contact us to discuss self-catering rates.
MEALS
MEALS & BREAKFAST
Breakfast Provided:
Start your morning with our thoughtfully prepared spread with our own freshly baked brown soda bread, organic homemade muesli, and hearty porridge. Local farm eggs can be cooked upon request, and you’ll always enjoy the garden-made jams, homemade marmalade, seasonal compotes cooked from our own garden fruit, organic yoghurts, local cheeses, chilled juices, and fresh herb teas. Please note: We no longer serve a traditional cooked Irish breakfast or bacon/pork products. Instead, guests have full access to our fully equipped guest kitchen.
GUEST KITCHEN & DINING
Included in your stay is full access to our dedicated guest kitchen—stocked with complimentary teas, coffee, light snacks, cooking essentials, and condiments. Whether you wish to prepare a simple meal, assemble a local platter of smoked salmon and cheese, or cook your own fresh catch of the day, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
EVENING RELAXATION & LOCAL EXPLORING
We provide a curated selection of local maps, books, and guidebooks to help you plan your Connemara adventures. At the end of the day, unwind by the log fire in the evening with a hot cup of tea, your favorite book, or a bottle of wine (do feel free to bring your own!).
Connemara
Connemara is a remote land of brooding, heather-covered mountains, vast mysterious moorlands, desolate bogs, and dense forests of pine and fir, interspersed with sparkling lakes and streams. Dominated by twelve towering mountains called, alternately, the Twelve Bens or Twelve Pins, it is the most rugged and magnificent land in all of Ireland.
Wild Atlantic
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's longest driving route, running 2,500 miles from Donegal to Cork. Along the way there are beaches, mountains, towns and villages and also a range of activities for people to enjoy.of the world's most dramatic coastline, crosses part of the breathtakingly beautiful Burren region.
Clifden
The Connemara mountains in Ireland, a place of dramatic beauty, are home to many secluded places. The coastal village of Clifden is one of the most visited spots in the area. .Clifden sits on the largest expanse of sand in Ireland. The town's main street is in the center of a small bay, with many cafes and restaurants providing views of both the ocean and Mount Errigal