I went to stay for five weeks at Loch Cruite Cottage just before the 'lock-down' in Ireland. So, obviously my movements and travel in the area were restricted and not as I had originally planned.
Paddy gave me a lovely warm welcome and introduced me to the cottage and its facilities. There was a fire waiting to be lit and a delicious loaf of bread and bottle of wine on the table!
Parts of the cottage are 300 years old, I believe. There are lovely wooden ceilings through out. The cottage nestles into the hill and mountain at the back. It all felt cosy, comfortable and very well equipped. There are three bedrooms but only one was needed as my visitors could not join me. As it happened I had brought along a radio and CD player, this was very well used.
Next door to the cottage is a farm run by Brendan, he was very busy during my stay because it was lambing season. In normal times, I think there may have been an opportunity to help feed a lamb or two.
The cottage is situated in The Glen which is a valley alongside the Connor Pass. There are. a number of lakes in the valley and a few farms. The countryside is wild, rocky and beautiful. There are a few beautiful beaches a few miles away. Dingle which is normally a lively and very attractive large town is on the other side of the Connor Pass. The Dingle Peninsula has a lot of very interesting history, archaeology, Irish culture and music.
I really appreciated my stay at Loch Cruite Cottage (even though the circumstances in the world were so strange and challenging) It is a place to be revisited and where you can be renewed. Thank you Paddy and Eileen.
