Ballealy Cottage was built in 1865 for the deerkeeper on the Shane's Castle estate, beside Lough Neagh, Co. Antrim and modelled, in miniature, on the lodge of the Windsor forest ranger, possibly by the architect Richard Morrison.
Set in a woodland by a stream, this fairytale cottage exterior presents irregular gables and half-hipped roofs, edged with ornate bargeboards of trefoils and bold horned curls.
The property, carefully restored by the Irish Landmark Trust, today really is a charming holiday accommodation with plenty of original features and modern commodities, perfect for that Irish country escape you have always dreamt of.
Ballealy is built around a tiny central courtyard and is entered through an arched passageway. The kitchen, large and bright, with its original flag-stone floors, is located on the ground floor together with a separate utility room, two lovely sitting rooms and two of the three bedrooms.
The cottage features a wild garden and acres of ground and is conveniently located for walking explorations of the nearby Shane's Castle Estate and to experience the Lough Neaght's many tourist activities and attractions.
We had a great stay here ...firstly the lane is tricky to find but the instructions were correct.. the drive down the lane takes around 6 minutes cause we timed it! Very stoney and narrow etc so don’t bring your pride and joy! Greeted by housekeeper and she went through all we needed to know for the stay. Cottage was very warm and cosy and bed comfortable. It was great not having a TV or internet there if that’s what u want then go stay in a hotel.. Intermittently got phone reception. So we didn’t see any deer in the garden or much else .. the only birds I did see was a blackbird and a glimpse of a Jay.. because I left some suet on the picnic table. But! The bats were incredible!,,,,,,,,, they started to come out anytime after 9 pm peaking at 11ish and there are hundreds.. you can hear then chattering in the eaves early evening from the outside. If you don’t like bats then this is not the cottage for you. If you stay in the upstairs bedroom you can hear then in the roof space and they are loud! There is a slight odour from the poop but it didn’t annoy us. Loved the layout of the cottage and especially the courtyard. Also there is spiders and webs around but they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them..it added to the character of the cottage for me even though I don’t like spiders! Overall I would definitely come back because of the bats... really enjoyed the stay very peaceful and relaxing.
Up Front Reviews
October - 2018
We loved the house especially the location. It was really comfortable and relaxing. It was very well equipped.
Up Front Reviews
August 2018
"Fantastic" Everything we needed. Hostess was lovely, great spot. Warm, cosy, clean. Would come again and recommend to friends.
Up Front Reviews
April 2018
Once again, we were very happy with our accommodation booked thru the Landmark Trust. Corin was fantastic and was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and courteous. A beautiful property. Can only imagine who nice during the late spring and summer nights.
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