"An absolute gem- tucked away and private location"
We must have driven past Maumeen Cottage hundreds of times over the past 40 years, hardly noticing it from the road. But this year was different- we are just back from two weeks in this most lovely of cottages! An absolute gem - tucked away and private but not isolated- beautiful, really comfortable, impeccably kitted out and with such a lovely atmosphere- an interior designer could be very inspired by the decorative choices! All very efficient with excellent wifi, and the option for a great open fire or instant central heating if needed. The uninterrupted views from the back directly on to the lake and beyond to the Connemara Pins are unbeatable, with a very naturally styled garden running down to the lake’s edge. As a vetern local visitors let me share some nuggets! We love and frequent the well known long sandy Gorteen, Dog’s Bay and Mannin beaches both for swimming and walking and the nearby sheltered little Calla beach. However, Dunloughan beach with its waves for surfers and bodyboarders still remains a fairly well kept secret! Accessed over a large common, with grazing Connemara ponies, there are no road signs, but ask at Keogh’s supermarket in Ballyconneely –it’s 10 mins from there. A cycle along the Bog Road is perfect for amateur cyclists, the road is almost deserted and the scenery is breathtaking. A few miles before Clifden at a bridge,there’s a sharp rt turn for the Bog Road and Roundstone. Find a suitable parking spot and start your cycle (aprx.1 hr). At the end of the road, turn back, or continue into Roundstone for refreshments! More energetically, the Bog Road loop from the cottage is 32km along both bog and coast roads. And do look up the Tour de Bog on line! There is a terrific new Saturday morning fish market on Bunowen pier- you need to be there by 9.30am. And lastly, if you want to see the beautiful classic Connemara ponies, watch out for the local pony shows through the summer in Clifden, Ballyconneely and Roundstone.
We simply could not have stayed in a lovelier cottage to enjoy our favourite part of the world- many thanks to our most helpful and efficient host Peter!