Cottage 101 Moyard is located at the meeting point of sea, sky, and the steep hills of Connemara. Staying there is an extraordinary experience.
We drank morning coffee while sheep grazed in the fields around the house; we built a rock cairn above the sandy crescent of its private beach as a fishing boat passed; and we cooked ourselves a lavish holiday dinner in its efficient kitchen.
Bedrooms and bathrooms are cottage-sized and comfortable. The gravel road was no problem for our rented Opel. We were there in late December, and it was lovely to sit in front of the crackling fireplace as a cold rain or hail tapped against the windows. And when the sun came back, the old stone out-buildings shone photogenically.
There are dozens of magical tourist destinations within a short drive, including the mountain hikes of Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, a megalithic stone tomb, ocean-facing cliffs, quaint harbors and cute Connemara towns, the sites of the landing place of the first trans-Atlantic flight and first trans-Atlantic telegraph station, craft shops, astounding vistas, and of course great food, drink, and friendly Irish craic.
We felt lucky indeed for the experience!