Dereenaraig, Ring of Kerry, Ireland

• Sleeps 6
• 3 bedrooms
• Perfect for a family
• Perfect for a romantic getaway
• Close to the Ring of Kerry
• Surrounded by countryside but only 1km from the coast
• Dog Friendly (by arrangement)
• Wood burning stove

In tranquil countryside close to the Ring of Kerry, Southwest Ireland.

The perfect, traditional family holiday home, or romantic getaway.

Built centuries ago, Dereenaraig is a delightful, rural, whitewashed farmhouse surrounded by fields and hills. It provides a perfect base for a holiday to the Ring of Kerry, whether that’s a walking holiday, a driving holiday or just somewhere away from it all to relax and unwind.  Walks start from the front door and you are only one km from both the coast and the Ring of Kerry.

Once inside tradition and practicality combine, here the dining room is the heart of the house where a wood burning stove sits in the old fireplace and where there is an original example of a traditional Irish settle. The modern kitchen contains everything you will need to feed and entertain whilst on holiday. As well as the usual appliances, the original farmhouse dresser stands against the wall.  It is believed that this particular piece of furniture must have been purpose-built for the house and it has previously stood between the kitchen and dinning room to form the wall between the two rooms.   The sitting room still has the original fire surround and wooden ceiling. If you look closely, you will see that the Georgian-style architrave around the ceiling is actually made from tree branches. There is a TV and DVD player, with a selection of DVDs, as well as a good selection of books, including some on the local area,  to keep you occupied on lazy days.  There are two bathrooms, both on the ground floor.

Upstairs are three bedrooms, the largest of which still has the original cast iron fire surround.  It has a double bed, river and mountain views from the windows and with its high ceilings it is a lovely light and airy room.  The second double still has an original solid wood double bed which has been repaired and renovated.  During work to the bed it became apparent that it had been made from older furniture and interestingly some parts show the carpenter’s marks.  This room was probably a hay loft and the rear window opens as the original door would have done when hay was unloaded from carts.  It is a room with an intimate feel to it, perfect for a romantic getaway.  Finally, there is a cosy twin room with a roof window which is an ideal bedroom for children.

The cottage stands within an acre of wild garden where children can roam free. Active families will also love kayaking around Kenmare Bay or rock-pooling along the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula. There is plenty to do in this area of Ireland, whether it be walking, fishing, exploring or just relaxing.