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Kilgallán from the West

Restored Stone Church, West Coast of Ireland as Seen on Grand Designs [#67101ha] | View Property

Corratowick
Heritage Holiday Rental Self-Catering 4 Bed, 3 bath, Sleeps 10
€229 - €257 per night (EUR)
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Traveler Reviews (12)

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  • Best Summer Vacation Ever

    Best Summer Vacation Ever

    • Guest Darrin H.
    • Date of stay 08/05/12
    • Review Submitted 08/11/12
    What an amazing place. Not only Kilgallan, but it's location in Western Ireland. From this launching point we saw so many beautiful and incredible sites within a two-hour drive. Jackie will take care of you from start to finish and make you feel welcome in the restored church into which she and Andrew clearly put a ton of effort and vision. The main hall is an amazing place to take in a book or simply stare up at the architecture -- all while piping your music of choice through the wireless AirPlay speakers. My single favorite part of the visit was the music and acoustics, while the architecture and light in the space was a close second. There is also reliable wireless Internet. Our three kids found the grounds to be magical. The 6 year old referred to it as "The Castle". Highly recommend renting a car of course, but with a car you can dismiss any worries about location. You are in the heart of Western Ireland, and while we visited everything from Achill Island to Limerick, our favorite town was still Westport -- 10 minutes away. Be sure to eat at 'The Helm'. Seafood chowder is the best I've ever had and the service was tremendous. At the end of each day you return to an amazing destination in its own right, and it's all yours, if only for a time. We only hope we can return to Kilgallan...

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

  • Awesome church!!

    Awesome church!!

    • Guest Rebecca
    • Date of stay 04/09/11
    • Review Submitted 04/17/11
    We had a great vacation staying in this old restored church. The kids loved it!! It was just right for 2 families with some kids. They even had fun playing outside on the grounds!! Truly a unique place to stay and the town of Westport was great!! Would recommend to anyone and would definitely go back to visit!! It was very neat to drive around the corner and see a steeple and know that that is where your staying for a week!!

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

  • A Traditional Irish Christmas

    A Traditional Irish Christmas

    • Guest Mike M.
    • Date of stay 12/18/10
    • Review Submitted 07/01/11
    We had the great pleasure of spending Christmas 2010 in the magical setting provided by this lovingly restored Irish church. The weather was unfortunately less than magical (including a couple of the coldest days in Irish history!) and this made our travel from Germany to Ireland slightly chaotic, but Jackie and Andrew were absolutely exceptional before and throughout our visit to Ireland - truly superb customer service in every regard. Aiden met us at the property, and ensured we were well set up for our white Christmas on the emerald Isle - there was even a Christmas tree and decorations all set for our family's enjoyment! At Kilgallan, we dipped into the bottomless supply of firewood, peat and coal and enjoyed evenings in front of the fireplace with moonlight beaming through the windows and music wafting through the rafters. I couldn't have scripted a better family Christmas memory.The church was definitely on the cool side in the evenings, but given the absolutely un-Irish winter weather for most of our stay, I can't find fault here - as the outside temperatures became more "normal" the stone church was really quite cosy. The property was fascinating to see from outside and in, and was clean, well appointed and "as advertised" throughout. The local town of Westport was picturesque and provided easy access for all the necessities and included plenty of tempting restaurants and pubs. The surrounding area provided endless opportunities for day trips including historical buildings, Achill Island, Galway and even the Cliffs of Moher. Although winter travel is always potentially problematic, and I had my doubts en-route on the icy roads between Dublin and Westport, Kilgallan lived up to both the description and reviews. It is indeed unique; the care and attention to detail are readily apparent throughout. Thanks again Jackie, Andrew and Aiden for a wonderful memory of Christmas 2010.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

  • Inspiring location for a wonderful holiday!

    Inspiring location for a wonderful holiday!

    • Guest Jenny
    • Date of stay 08/07/10
    • Review Submitted 08/20/10
    My family and I just returned from a wonderful week's holiday in Ireland at Kilgallan. The restored church was truly awe-inspiring -- everyone in the family loved it! We were 4 adults and 4 children, and everyone was happy and comfortable. The garden has lots of room for the children to run (and the church lots of nooks for hide-and-seek). The adults loved watching the renovation on Grand Designs while sitting in the finished product. Well done! Westport is a terrific town for a visit, with wonderful pubs and plenty of shops. There was a lot going on (we were there during the Westport Music Festival) in town, and Kilgallan is easy driving distance for trips to Achill Island, the Connemara, and a boat ride to Clare Island. And the pub down the road was a great place to stop in for a pint. We would definitely return to Kilgallan if we are lucky enough to make it to Westport again. Thank you!

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

  • Fabulous Place

    Fabulous Place

    • Guest BOdwyer
    • Date of stay 05/19/10
    • Review Submitted 05/27/10
    The extended family had a tremendous visit for my one year old niece's maiden voyage to Ireland. The pictures as good as they look, can't nearly do Kilgallan justice. We would highly recommend a stay at Kilgallin. .5 km to the Buckfield Inn (run by a local farmer) for an afternoon or evening pint, a short drive to Crogh Patrick and a short ride to Westport town. A taxi back to the house was approx 10E and well worth it after a few pints. Andrew and Jackie were a pleasure to work with and ultra professional. Thanks for a great time.

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

  • une expérience magique

    une expérience magique

    • Guest PRADINES
    • Date of stay 07/31/09
    • Review Submitted 08/18/09
    Depuis longtemps, mes parents souhaitaient découvrir l'Irlande, la beauté de ses paysages, la gentilesse de ses habitants... un vieux rêve de gosse exaucé de la plus belle des manières en cet été 2009 et un séjour terminé en apothéose au coeur de "the old church" ! Nous sommes donc venus à 11, frères, soeur, petits enfants pour les entourer dans leur beau voyage et vivre cette belle expérience à Killagan. Rénovation parfaite, beauté et sérénité des lieux, très jolies chambres et salles de bain, décors de rêve, surtout à la nuit tombée quand l'église brille de tous ses feux et qu'on découvre l'église en habit de lumière. "Là tout n'est qu'ordre et beauté, calme et volupté"... magique je vous dis !!!

    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/7

  • An Inspiration!

    An Inspiration!

    • Guest The Converted!
    • Date of stay 05/01/09
    • Review Submitted 05/05/09
    We've just returned from an amazing weekend break in Kilgallan to celebrate our mother's 60th birthday. My parents are currently renovating their own church in Co Wexford and we thought a trip to this wonderful restoration would give them lots of inspiration and we weren't wrong; they've gone home with lots of new ideas and renewed enthusiasm. The property accommodated all of us comfortably, in fact, there were so many nooks and crannies we had to do a headcount when we were setting off anywhere. We happened to be blessed with fair weather which was partly a shame as I could have spent hours enjoying the splendid interior. Andrew and Jackie really know how to make their guests feel at home with really comfortable bedrooms and living areas. The kitchen is a joy to potter in or sit and read a paper and is very well equipped. It was great having all the larder essentials and the makings of a cooked breakfast for our first morning was a really nice touch. I've heard and read that this property has achieved the seemingly impossible by making a historic and imposing building comfortable and dare I say it, cosy! It really catered for our mixed group very well - the children had a great time exploring but were always within eyeshot. There is plenty to do for old and young around the area (Westport, lovely beach at Luisbourg, Clew Bay etc) but we could have had equally good time spending more time back at base.We've been on plenty of self catering holidays and the places we've stayed have always fufilled our requirements but we will never forget our time in Kilgallan - it was so much more than a self-catering break, it was an amazing experience. Thank you for sharing this amazing place with us!

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 10/10

  • Absolutely perfect

    Absolutely perfect

    • Guest Stainless
    • Date of stay 09/20/08
    • Review Submitted 10/13/08
    From the moment we drove to this beautiful place I was impressed, the attention given to this building during it’s renovation was well thought out and they have done a great job! The location is perfect, and the accommodations where everything we needed! A well stocked kitchen with room for every one to get together for breakfast and dinner. Plenty of beds and bathrooms for everyone, and a great place to relax! Listen to music through out the house. Sit by the fire place and read a book, walk up to the local hotel pub for a drink with the neighbors, and we found a great golf course near by! Thank you for sharing this beautiful place! I didn't want to leave!!! Seamus

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 11/12

  • Perfect

    Perfect

    • Guest miss molly
    • Date of stay 09/20/08
    • Review Submitted 10/13/08
    My family and I traveled through the UK and Holland and our stay at Kilgallan was a highlight. The accommodations where very comfortable and spacious enough for 7 of us to have plenty of privacy. Perfect location for a variety of day trips and yet enjoyable to just stay put. We arrived late and were greeted with wine and makings for breakfast the next morning! These small details made us feel immediately at home. I recommend it highly.

    Recommended for: Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 11/11

  • Designer Holidays

    Designer Holidays

    • Guest Tim & Louella
    • Date of stay 08/10/08
    • Review Submitted 09/12/08
    If you want to live in a beautiful building ideally positioned to explore the romantic west coast of Ireland this may be your best opportunity, even if only for a week or two. It was raining almost the whole time we were there - it was the worst August for many years - but we still had a wonderful time, Mayo is still largely undicovered by the travel press despite its wonderful scenery, the rich history and the warmth of the locals. Kilgallan offers a chance to enjoy all this while establishing your own space in luxurious surroundings. The building speaks for itself (if you haven't done already, look up the Grand Designs programme about it on the web). The light and space are exciting and the kitchen and bedrooms are high spec and well thoughtout. Una, who will look after you, is a star. Nothing is too much trouble: she will come when asked and has a fund of local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday. As you may be able to guess we are hoping to go back. Book soon to avoid disappointment.

    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 10/10

  • Kilgallan

    Kilgallan

    • Guest mjbarnard
    • Date of stay 04/05/08
    • Review Submitted 09/10/08
    My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Kilgallan. The house is as spectacular as it looks in the photographs and is a fabulous and luxurious place to stay. I will not forget evenings listening to the amazing sound system bouncing around the high ceilings with the clever lighting. The local arrangements to meet us and support were very convenient and helpful. Within one to two hours drive there is some spectacular scenery and fascinating places. Dont miss the Doulough valley - awesome, but also we went to Achill island, Galway, Connemara and tracked down Grace O'Malleys castles! I would thoroughly recommend it, and hope to return one day. The owners were very helpful and accomodating.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 8/8

  • An absolute joy

    An absolute joy

    • Guest Simon S.
    • Date of stay 03/15/08
    • Review Submitted 09/10/08
    Myself and my siblings (and their children) try to get together once a year for a weekend break, as we all are busy, and spread across the country of Ireland. Instead of booking a hotel this time, I decided to look for something a little different. I had seen the "Grand Designs" episode on the church and when I found it to rent, I thought, what the hell! I booked for 9 days, as my family needed a break before the others arrived..... I didnt think the place would live up to the hype of the TV programme, but it did. It is an amazing architectural feat to make the church feel comfortable - but it has been achieved. It didnt feel cold in any sense, and the decor is somehow still in keeping with the structure. Bedrooms - well furnished and beds comfortable. Good storage space. Bathrooms - nicely equipped, especially the 2 ensuites upstairs with full baths. Living area - split level but still warm and cosy - especially with the big fire. Small choice of DVD's and a TV - which is nicely hidden in an old cabinet. Kitchen - well equipped with high end equipment (SMEG!), nice tableware - had everything we needed from mixers to cafetiere to propoer cooking utensils. Tower and stairs area - brilliant for kids! Like their own castle Garden - huge, with the odd gravestone! Pub - 15 minutes walk to a good pint (my brother did dissappear into the ditch on the walk home while avoiding a car...) Location: car needed. Overall? It is more expensive than other options, but it was worth it - a real treat.

    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6



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