Country Cottages Ireland

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Self-Catering Self-Catering British Isles Country Cottages Ireland 

	Country Cottages Ireland [www.countrycottagesinireland.co.uk]
Spring Mill, Earby, Barnoldswick, Lancs, BB94 0AA			MAP
tel: (0870) 585 1177; brochrues (0870) 585 1166

Part of the Holiday Cottages (Cendant) group

No of Properties

400-odd.

Location

Divided into East Coast, Southeast, County Cork County Kerry, the West, Northwest and Lakelands.

Style

Largely rural, around half modern, but also including options like a castle or a Georgian townhouse along with thatched and harbour cottages. Some offer a washing machine.

Linen

The majority of properties include linen in the price though in some cases it may be charged at £4 per person per week (beds made up on arrival). Personal towels and tea towels are almost always provided.

Heating

Around a quarter offer central heating. This, like electricity (often metered), night storage heaters and bottled gas may be payable extra. Where electricity is by slot meter, the owner or the owner's representative will provide an initial supply of the appropriate coins at cost. There may be a small charge for water heating in summer months. For open fires a starter supply of fuel is included and further quantities are available thereafter at cost. In many properties peat is used.

Facilities

Around three quarters of properties offer a cot of travel cot, though this may not be to British safety standards and is for children of two and under only. Cot linen is not provided. Where a cot is not included they may be available for hire locally. A few cottages offer babysitting including Gerahadiveen Cottage, Nr. Kenmare, Co. Kerry; An Clochar Mor, Carraroe, Co. Galway; Poppies, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow; and Grianog, Kilbrittain, Co. Cork.

Extras

A handful of properties offer a welcome pack of groceries though contents vary widely. At some properties pets are welcome.

Short Breaks

Available at around half the properties, particularly in low season.

Sample Price

For a two bedroomed property sleeping four for a week over a May Bank Holiday the price might be around £420. An Irish Superferry crossing is included in the price for one car and up to five people, or car rental can be arranged. There are also two weeks for the price of one offers.