Vacation Rentals by Owner

very much at home in Ireland

Guest: Rob and Fé (Dordrecht, Holland)
Date of Stay: 04/27/12 Review Submitted: 05/08/12

The sixth time that we stayed here and still we want to come back tomorrow! A beautiful house completely furnished, a beautiful ocean view and very comfortable also in cold or rainy periods, central heating and peat fire. Always a very warm welcome from Phil and Alec and the children. Sheep and horses in the garden, what more do you want!

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

The Most Beautiful View

Guest: Cindy (Smithsburg, Maryland USA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/12 Review Submitted: 04/22/12

We stayed in this beautifful house for four nights in early April. Phil's family were so accomodating and made us feel so welcome. Even though we missed seeing Phil, her personal touches were seen everywhere in the house. The house has everything you need for a few days or for a few weeks. The house is much larger than the photos show. The view from the house almost doesn't look real, but it is. It was one of the beautiful places I have ever seen in my entire life. I am hoping to return next year with my husband to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. The bathrooms and kitchen were exceptionally clean and everything was in working order. I would highly recommend this house to anyone who is thinking about spending some time in this part of Ireland, near the town of Dingle. Phil, please re-assure your son that we did not take any of the adorable baby lambs in the field below the house, even though we really wanted to. Thank you again for a wonderful vacation!

Owner response:Cindy,thank you for a great review and I am so happy you enjoyed your stay in the stone house and surrounding area,I was sorry to have missed you all but we look forward to your 25th anniversary next summer,phil.

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

A lifetime of memories

Guest: Fitzsea (Farmington, Ct. US)
Date of Stay: 11/20/11 Review Submitted: 12/02/11

We had planned this trip for well over a year, we spent 7 days in this wonderful village of Ballyferriter and comforted by this cozy wonderful home. Phil and Alec are wonderful people, so I hope they continue to get nice guests for their cottage, we will miss them and can only hope we get back someday. The property surrounding the home is absolutely inspiring, we climbed to the ruined tower on top of Sibeal Head, which is one of the views outside our back window. Off to the right are the three sisters, a series of breathtaking cliffs that knife edge into the atlantic. We enjoyed postcard views while drinking our morning coffee everyday. The location is very quaint and well off the beatin path, but that is exactly the Ireland I wanted my family of four children to experience. The inside of the house is very inviting with gorgous woodwork, most of which was done by Alec I believe. A well stabled house with all comfortable seating and bedding. Each window and sky light in the home is well postitioned and reveals a picturesque view. The kids enjoyed the cozy downstairs where we all could sit around the fireplace as a family. This county experience will last a lifetime, however I will never stop dreaming of going back. Thank you Phil for our lovely stay, you are a wonderfully warm person...hope to see you both in the not too distant future. (our stay date was Nov. 2011)

Owner response:Jeff and Jill and family...thank you for a great review in our home away home,but most of all thank you for staying in our home and for being such wonderful and gracious neighbours,hope we will see you again.

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

Excellent! What a view.

Guest: Bob (Denver Co. USA)
Date of Stay: 10/19/11 Review Submitted: 11/03/11

This is a great place to stay and enjoy the Dingle area. The views from the house are even better than the pictures on the site. This is so close to the ocean that you can hear the waves at night. We walked to the beach several times and took a long hike along the coast on a trail called the " Dingle Way" one day. The owner Philomena is a great person, very helpful and hospitable and made our stay very comfortable. Thanks for sharing a great place! We hope to return.

Owner response:It was great that you picked our stone house for your holidays in Ireland and that you enjoyed the great views and walks around the house...hope you will return someday and thank you Robert for a great review.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

beautiful holiday home

Guest: ann from dublin (dublin)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

We had a wonderful few days at this beautiful house... a family reunion from texas cincinnatti cork and dublin. A big thank you to Phil who was so helpful in every way. Views from house breathtaking.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Annual Visitor!

Guest: Annual Visitor (Notre Dame, IN USA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/02/11

This is one of the most spectacular places in all the world. The home is warm, comfortable, accommodating, and everything you want in a vacation home. If I could by the house and move in permanently I would. The views are as breathtaking as you will find any where in the world and definitely the best in Ireland. The walks and access to the peninsula are outstanding. The changes in the light and weather make this a mystical and magical place no matter what the conditions. I have been here during glorious sunny days and sunsets over the ocean as well as during howling wind and rain storms and it is equally as beautiful. It's a perfect match of a modern home with all you need and want to live comfortably with the remote setting of feeling like you have this slice of heaven all to yourself. You can easilty get back into Dingle and other small pubs in the area if you want or enjoy the silence and retreat atmosphere of this holy place!!! You will not be disappointed! And the owners are the most hospitable family you will meet and are very responsive to questions or concerns or helpful advice about the area. They make you feel as though you are part of the family but they also leave you alone to do your thing. So take advantage of the steal this is and enjoy the week or two of a lifetime!

Owner response:Sean,thank you so much for a great review,we always look forward to your arrivial and all the blessings you bring to this peaceful and tranquil house,we look forward to your return soon.

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

One of My Favorite Rentals Ever

Guest: Robert D. (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 04/29/12

My family (wife, daughter (13) and son (10)) and my in-laws spent a week in this cottage in August, 2011. I have rented a number of properties from VRBO, and this stands out as one of my favorites. The home was even nicer than the pictures suggest -- it is hard to do justice especially to the view from the patio of the property. It sounds corny, but my soul felt at ease. Phil was an incredibly gracious hostess, and I would return to this property in a heartbeat.

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

A perfect home

Guest: Priscilla (Rhinebeck NY USA)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/16/11

One of the best parts about this exquisite stay is getting to meet your host Philomena. Her warmth is as welcoming and beautiful as the incredible view in front of this perfect house. We have stayed in many houses over the years in Ireland, and this was our favorite! We couldn't have been made to feel more comfortable! The house itself has every amenity and is in perfect condition. The kitchen was so well equipped and we enjoyed cooking in our new "home". Philomena's sons also have an excellent restaurant that we very much enjoyed-it's called An Caintean and is in Dingle town. Everything was fresh and delicious and our little one couldn't get enough of the brisket. All in all, this was a glorious, relaxing stay in one of the loveliest homes imaginable, surrounded by equally lovely people! Thank you for a fabulous vacation.

Owner response:Priscilla and David and family, Thank you for a great review & very kind words. We also enjoyed your stay and look forward to see you all again in august 2012.

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

An AMAZING Stay in Dingle

Guest: Sharon & Hugh (Rhode Island)
Date of Stay: 03/07/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

Boyfriend and I travel to Ireland for business every year and decided this year to extend stay a week and trek out to the Dingle peninsula as we had heard SO many great things about it. We stayed here 3/7-3/11. This property was recommended by a friend who rents here often and I have to say we were so LUCKY to find it! The photos here cannot do it justice - the "cottage" is HUGE and nothing like you would think. Very modern and super clean - hardwood, stone, granite, tiled... it's extremely modern and cozy at the same time (Phil left out fresh flowers - you are amazing, Phil!) extremely modern appliances, huge clean bathrooms, cozy bed. We arrived late at night driving from Dublin and Phil patiently waited up for us to welcome us "home". Since we got to the Dingle Peninsula at night, and everything is pitch black at night, we had no idea the views waiting for us in the morning... I threw open the curtains in front of our second floor bedroom and literally SCREAMED. It was simply gorgeous - a majestic ocean, right there in front of us. We used the fireplace every day and night, and kept the heat off, our heating bill was very low. Do some shopping in the lovely little city of Dingle to have groceries at the house (not much for shopping in Ballyferriter! although the village is so lovely and quaint). Go to DICK MACK'S! you won't regret it. Splurge for dinner at The Half Door and Doyle's (to-die-for seafood!!) The cottage has 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms... it has plenty of space for a traveling group! But it's not too big to feel out of place for a couple (quite romantic, actually). If you have a chance to sit and chat with Phil, take it! She will charm and delight you :) I have to echo the sentiments of a previous post: I feel torn because I know this place is a gem and I want it to be available for when we want to come back BUT I know it will be here waiting for us and our family and we will find a way to make it happen :)

Owner response:Hugh & Sharon,thank you for a great review,we really look forward to meeting you both again some day soon to the most beautiful and peaceful place on the planet.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Autumn, spring and winter are great times for this spot!

Guest: Judith (Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 08/03/11

I have stayed at the house at Clogher Beach in autumn and at Christmas week. The drama of the sea outside every window knows no season. The air is crisp and clear, walking and climbing are excellent, and the tourist season is slowed at these times of year, so you get to experience life as it is for residents. The house is beautiful, well furnished and equipped, and welcoming to any small group or family. It's well heated and cozy in winter, and when warmer, the ocean breeze is refreshing. Owners Phil and Alex are right down the road, which is reassuring. Some rentals have faceless and unavailable proprietors, which can be problematic. Phil and Alex are on the spot and hands on, keeping everything in topnotch condition. They are also delightful to meet and chat with, really great people. I have lived on the Dingle Peninsula, and have made more than a dozen additional visits to Ireland, staying with friends, B&Bs and self-catering. This house and location are the very best I have found in my travels. I encourage you to make your reservation now!

Owner response:Judith,we had the biggest snow storm ever when you were here last. it was so beautiful at night with the full moon and the land all white .surrounded by the blue sea,we sat at the window and watched -magic. hoping to see again soon and thank you for a great review, its people like you that promotes our beautiful stone house ,thank you Judith,

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

AWESOME IRISH COTTAGE

Guest: Nancy (Evergreen, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 11/18/10 Review Submitted: 01/29/11

As my husband and I drove into the driveway of this beautiful stone covered home on a hill..the view of the Ocean and the many sheep in the pastures between the house and the sea took our breath away! As we entered this cottage with the huge picture windows,we felt an immediate release of stress. The pictures in this listing do it justice except they can not convey the coziness and cleanliness of the home and how very welcoming, helpful and wonderful the owners were to us.Since there was only the 2 of us and it was November, we closed the doors on the other 3 bedrooms and 3 baths which saved on the heat. It ,however is a grand house for 4 couples or families. I felt relieved that the owners lived down the street so as we did not feel we were on our own if we needed anything. I would highly recommend this property to anyone and everyone that enjoys Irish history, sea and country living, true Irish hospitality, wonderful small Irish towns and friendly Irish people.

Owner response:Thank you so much for your lovely review Nancy ,its people like you that help to promote our cottage and its surrounding area--- looking forward to seeing you both soon.

Recommended for:

Paul Nancy will have her own say

Guest: Paul M. (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 11/15/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/11

To try to describe how delightful our stay was I might as well be chasing after moonbeams or light a penny candle from a star. Everything about the cottage the setting and countryside was wonderful. The furnishings, equipment and especially the owners, especially the owners all went into a terrific vacation. We have already booked it back for 2011. The ride Dingle was pleasant and Dingle itself is a town of wonderful people, restaurants and shops. It is totally Irish. The Inns, the Pubs the walks along the shorline made this the best Ireland Trip yet.

Owner response:Paul and Nancy-thank you for a great review and for the friendship and love and laughter we shared with total strangers that became dear friends to us not forgetting the Fry one cold and wintry Sunday afternoon.

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

Beautiful

Guest: Matthew L. (Kingsport, TN, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/13/10

Everything about this place was beautiful. The reviews of this place are not exaggerated, it is truly an amazing place…amazing views…perfect location. The house has plenty of room for 8 adults (each couple with a private room and bath). If you love to day-hike, “The Dingle Way” runs right by the house, and the trail to Mount Brandon is just a few minutes away. Phil is a great host. I highly recommend the property! (oh, and make sure you eat at “The Old Pier” in Ballydavid!!)

Owner response:Matt and family-thank you for the great review-we also enjoyed your stay and your friendship in our home away from home,.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway.

A wonderful place to spend some days with the family and friends

Guest: Andreas (Danziger Straße 1, D-91166 Georgensgmünd)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 07/10/10

Spending a holiday week with my family and some very good friends at end of may 2010, it was the sixth time I´ve been at the stone house. And every time I come back, I´m finding out some new spectacular views on the cliffs and some small details in vegetation on the way down to the beach. And every time I´m back at the stone house, I enjoy philomenas hospitality and so did my family and friends this time. The stone house is a wonderful place to stay with children. Exploring the beach and the cliffs is exciting. Climbing on the rocks and hiking on Mt. Brandon is a little bit exhausting. You can also visit heritage sites or enjoy a trip to Dingle town with the harbour and the fishing boats. And there´s much more activities for the family. The stone house provides all amenities you need after a sunny day on the beach in the summer or even on a rainy day in november. So I´ll be back, hopefully on our men´s trip in November with my uncle and my cousins.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Most Excellent Rental!

Guest: Carol and Family - Dream Trip to Ireland (Carmichael, California)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 06/08/10

Six of us stayed at this wonderful house in late May 2010. From the photos and VRBO site, we had expected that this would be lovely, however our expectations were not nearly as great as the reality of staying here. Soon after we arrived, Phil arrived to make sure that we knew all about the property and that we were settled for the night. She was a great and charming hostess over the next several days. The bedrooms were all clean and very comfortable, and the master especially had picture windows straight out to the sea as well as dormer windows on both sides, giving me a 270 degree view! We were blessed with incredible weather during our stay, which was great and which added to the views. However in reading the guestbook, some people return during the winter year after year and so the house must be great during that time as well. Everyone in our family enjoyed the property in different ways - walking down to the beach through the sheepfields, playing guitar on the porch, reading for hours with an incredible view, feeding carrots to the ponies, cooking in the well-equipped kitchen, soaking in the over-sized clawfoot tub, enjoying the ambiance of the living room and fire, looking at the great selections of books on Ireland and planning some walks and golfing on the Dingle Peninsula. Our Ireland dream trip is over, however we will return. When we do, we will be sure to stay in the Dunquin area at Phil's house once again. Although we loved every place that we stayed, this was by far our family favorite. Our only regret was that our five-night stay was way too short - we would have enjoyed two weeks or more here.

Owner response:Carol and family,thank you for your great review for our home away from,we look forward to your return some day.

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

As Close to Heaven as You Can Get

Guest: eileen d (St. Louis USA)
Date of Stay: 05/08/10 Review Submitted: 07/15/10

I'm torn. If I tell the truth about this house, then I risk having it become so popular that it won't be available for me when I come back. Everything other renters have said is true. This is a newly, purpose-built house with an unusually open floor plan and windows everywhere. And everyone is right. You simply can't show how good the view really is. The house is spotless, effortless, and Phil and her husband show up before you hang up the phone if you need them. The only caveat is to remember that you also pay for the heating fuel. I would and have recommended this property. If you want peace and beauty and the chance to walk over the most beautiful land in Ireland, this is the place. And the pubs, restaurants and shops of Dingle are only twenty minutes away.The Blasket Island Center and the ferry out to the Great Blasket are right around the corner. Make sure you invite Phil over for tea. And have dinner at her boys' restaurant An Canteen in Dingle. Great value! I can't wait to go back.

Owner response:Eileen,you are a sweetheart -full of life laughter and fun-i guess its the writer in you-i look forward to your return and thank you for the great review

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

Magical!

Guest: Lynn & Michael (Sawyer, Minnesota)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 04/11/10

My husband and I just returned from spending a week at the marvelous "Stone House." We were treated to warm hospitality, fabulous views, a wonderful location, and a house that is a work of art. The main bedroom overlooks the sea--what a beautiful way to begin and end each day! The Dingle Peninsula is a great place to explore for everyone--chock full of arts and crafts, music, archeological sites, excellent restaurants and pubs, and hiking and biking opportunities to suit a variety of skill levels. In the midst of all of this, however, time must be put aside to enjoy relaxing in the house itself. On one rainy day, we pulled the comfy chairs close to the fireplace, and read the day away. All descriptions fall short--you must experience this place for yourself. Staying at the Stone House on the Dingle Peninsula is magical!

Owner response:thank you both for a great review,you are a great couple and we were so lucky that you picked our little hideaway in Gods own country,we hope we will meet again.

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

A true IRISH home on the sea!

Guest: Buckeye2 (L.A.)
Date of Stay: 03/30/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

Wow...truly amazing. All the other reviews before me were right...this is the perfect place to stay in Ireland. A genuine experience of living in Ireland, if only for a week. First, of course, is the view from the house...UNREAL. No exaggeration. The pictures on this website do not do justice to how beautiful it is. The backyard is home to dozens of sheep and the property goes all the way down to the beach (about 300 yards). Second, the house is excellent inside. All 4 bedrooms are big and have bathrooms. The craftsmanship is top quality throughout the house...really well done with lots of windows and skylights. The town of Dingle is about 20 minutes away and is the biggest town nearby (50+ pubs). Some of the best times we had were sitting in pubs with only 5 bar stools listening to locals speak Gaelic (not English). Slea Head Drive is famous and it should be. It is the long way from the house to Dingle hugging the coastline...40 minutes but an amazing drive. You must take this route at least once or twice. An amazing coastline and drive. Philomena is great and I wish we had spent more time with her learning about the area. This is just a great house to rent for vacation. I would not even look at other rentals next time. I'll be back.

Owner response:I would love to live in this house myself and wake up every morning listening to the waves and the lambs bleating,peace and tranquility and good company,but i have to rent it but that's the upside,the joy of looking after ALL my rentals and the respect and kindness they show me is all i want so keep coming my friends.

Recommended for:

Guest: Barb and KC (Chicago, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 02/15/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/10

While the descriptions of this cottage are not exaggerated in the least, no one has mentioned what is, in my opinion, the best thing about the place: the best thing is that in addition to being ideally located with a breathtakingly beautiful view of a gorgeous coastline, it is immaculately CLEAN, COMFORTABLE, and has every modern CONVENIENCE so you do not have to suffer while enjoying all that the area has to offer! The rooms are large, the beds are big, EVERY bedroom has an attached bath with a heated towel bar, there is a large refrigerator, a dishwasher, a microwave, a 4-burner stove, a double oven, a washer and a dryer, timer-controlled central heat and a fireplace. We have stayed in other cottages which did not have these amenities and, believe me, I missed them. You will not miss anything if you stay here!We have just booked our third year in a row in this wonderful place. If that isn’t enough of an endorsement, you can see a detailed description of the area as well as LOTS of additional PICTURES OF THE COTTAGE, both inside and out, on my website which, unfortunately, I am not allowed to provide here but if you do a Google search on "ooakfolk 2009dingle" it should come up. If you have any other questions for someone who has stayed there three years in a row, you can email me from my website and I will do my best to answer them.Barb (and KC) in Chicago, IL

Owner response:what can i say about you two ,we feel we know you forever as friends and family,we were so lucky that you picked our haven for your holidays,thank you for a great review and many more things you have done for us-we owe you so much.

Recommended for:

Guest: Michael Stack (Kansas City, MO and Kerry)
Date of Stay: 12/18/09 Review Submitted: 12/18/09

Run, don’t walk and grab yourself a slice of heaven in the magical kingdom of Kerry! Phil’s house is a gem and boasts one of the most captivating views in Kerry, if not the whole country. You wake up to the ever-changing scenery of Clogher and Ceann Sibeal and you wonder how you can bottle it all up and take it with you forever. No photograph can do it justice. And, if you are not content relaxing in peace, you can explore the nearby Blasket Islands which brim with culture, or take a short trip to enjoy a walk around the lovely fishing town of Dingle. Take it from somebody who should know – this place is special. And to generous Phil and her family we say “go raibh mile maith agaibh go leir”. Thanks again.

Owner response:thank you for a great review-you and your family were a joy-hope we meet again -miss the long chats.

Recommended for:

Guest: Angela60 (London, UK and Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 09/29/09 Review Submitted: 09/29/09

We spent an amazing week at this incredible home. The setting is spectacular, with the cliff, beach, and ocean views, and sheep just outside your window in lush green fields. We enjoyed long hikes from the house, and it was an easy ride to anywhere on the Dingle Peninsula. Philomena is a gem - so friendly and hospitable, and we found everyone in Ireland to be very welcoming. What to say about the house? It is so lovely, beautifully decorated, sooo comfortable and spacious. We loved it, and I would love to build a house just like it and hire Phil to furnish/decorate it for me! Large, comfy bedrooms with warm comforters, beautiful wood floors, lovely dining room and well-stocked kitchen, it was just perfect. We would come back in a heartbeat - it was so hard to leave, and I truly hope that we will be able to return to this special haven. Thanks, Phil, from Scott, Angela, Jim and June!

Owner response:thank you for the great review-would have you all back in a heartbeat.

Recommended for:

Guest: Alden Finney (Great Diamond Island ME)
Date of Stay: 09/22/09 Review Submitted: 09/22/09

When I read in National Geographic that this area was one of the most beautiful places on earth, I didn't believe it. Now after we have stayed in Philomena's wonderful house I know they were right.

Owner response:Liam and Alden-you have stayed with us so many times and for so long that we consider you family, every time you come we are full of happiness and joy,thank you for all your support in the past and for a great review.

Recommended for:

Guest: LAR (MA)
Date of Stay: 09/22/09 Review Submitted: 09/22/09

We spent our 25th anniversary at Phil's "piece of paradise". Everything about our stay was fabulous... warm and inviting home that is beautifully maintained with every convenience and a view of the Atlantic that cannot be matched. The weather was perfect, the people are very friendly, the area is rich in history, language and culture. Never a lack of things to do. We enjoyed a little of everything and then some. Sit back, relax and enjoy... if you only go for the comfort and view it will be worth it!

Recommended for:

Guest: Karen Brophy (Little River, SC USA)
Date of Stay: 09/20/09 Review Submitted: 09/20/09

I can't say enough about this most beautiful home. The views from the dining room, living room and master bedroom are breathtaking. To wake in the morning to the view of the sea and Clogher is just amazing. The decor is lovely and Phil and Alex are absolutely the best people to rent from. When I walk through the front door - I am at home!

Owner response:Carol.thank you for a great review which will bring many more renters from your corner of the world --- you both come when the blackberrys are out and the place is getting quiet then we look forward to see you both.

Recommended for:

Guest: Dennis and Sandy Fleming (Edina, Minnesota, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 07/05/09

Philomeana's place is a gem. Perfect for it's location, spectacular views and accomodations. Thanks so much for making our time on the Dingle Peninsula so memorable. If we're lucky enough to return to the Dingle, this place would be our first choice.

Recommended for:

Guest: Joseph and Loretta Schmidt (Rosemount, Mn USa)
Date of Stay: 05/30/09 Review Submitted: 05/30/09

We just got back from a week stay in Philomania's guest house and a wonderful week it was. We had breath taking views just outside our dining room window. The weather was sunny and warm for Ireland and the sunsets were the best I have seen. There is plenty of hiking in the area and every place was another beautiful view!! I would recommend this VRBO to everyone who would visit Ireland, this is truly a beautiful country and wonderful friendly people!! Thank you Philomania for the great week we will always remember it!!! Joseph and Loretta Schmidt

Recommended for:

Guest: Betty & Phil Sheridan (Marco Island, FL)
Date of Stay: 11/19/08 Review Submitted: 11/19/08

What a wonderful, idyllic taste of Ireland. The house and view were beyond our expectations and an artist's paradise. Phil is the perfect hostess and the epitome of Irish hospitality. This was our 2nd trip to Ireland and was by far the best. Truly "... a little bit of heaven fell from out the sky one day." Hope we can return one day.

Recommended for:

Guest: Penny Osborne (Carleton Place, Ont. Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/03/08 Review Submitted: 11/02/08

If you want to experience rural Ireland, the Gaelic language, the glorious panorama of the Atlantic coast and Irish hospitality at its’ best, all in the comfort of a modern, relaxed and well maintained home…Fáilte! Welcome to Philomena’s cottage on the Dingle peninsula! We treasured every moment there. Go raibh maith agat Phil! We will see you again. Penny & Terry Osborne. Canada

Recommended for:

Guest: Shannon and Family (Cambridge, MA)
Date of Stay: 04/29/08 Review Submitted: 04/29/08

The photos on the site simply cannot do justice to the charm of both the house and the view. The house is roomy, and comfortable with a working fireplace - just the thing to take the chill out of an evening. The bedrooms all have skylights, and the beds are comfortable. The views are spectacular, both from the house and from the many hiking vantage points. If your young ones get bored there is a TV (with Spongebob Squarepants dubbed in Irish, no less), but the adults won't need it. I simply can't imagine a nicer place to stay in Ireland, or more pleasant hospitality. And, given how pleasnt the Irish are in general, that's saying a lot.

Recommended for:

Guest: Stephen Kayota, MD (Virginia Beach, VA)
Date of Stay: 04/06/08 Review Submitted: 04/06/08

I have stayed here for a week the past two years March 1-8). The house and location are wonderful with an unbelievable view. The home is very clean with beautiful hardwood floors and modern appliances. The location is a hikers paradise, with the best cliff hikes in all of Ireland at your doorstep. My 9 year old loved the fact that there are sheep on the property. 2 miles away is the town of Ballyferriter with quaint pubs where you will feel like a local after your 3rd night and experience guinness on tap unlike anything we can get in the states. Dingle town, with great seafood and lively pubs with trad music is a short 20 minute drive over the mountain. Come here to experience the real Ireland and relax without having to drive around the entire country and sleep in a different B&B every night. The owner Phil is also a wonderful host and she lives down the road, available for advise and help if needed. She (and her son)helped us out of jam last year when I backed up my rental car into a ditch--they pulled me out with only a kind word....Irish hospitality you cannot find anywhere else. I'm afraid to write more due to fear that this home will be continuously rented and I will not be able to come back. In summary, a wonderful home and dream Irish experience. Stephen Kayota, MD

Recommended for:

Guest: Tim Clark (Virginia Beach, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/31/07 Review Submitted: 10/31/07

We staid at this beautiful house in March of 07 and plan to come back in March of 08. The house is fantasic. The views are spectacular. You will be at home at "At a view to die for" If you want to know Ireland than you need to visit Ireland off season. This is when you get your chance to meet the locals of Ireland. The heart of Ireland. What is Ireland!

Recommended for:

Guest: F? & Rob (Dordrecht Holland)
Date of Stay: 09/11/07 Review Submitted: 09/11/07

We want to live here for ever. It 's a pity that we have to return to our daily life. But perhaps ons day we will enjoy the view and the beautiful house more than one week a year!

Recommended for:

Guest: Fitzgerald's1 (Des Moines, Ia, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/15/07 Review Submitted: 07/15/07

This truly is GOD's Country. Your home was so comfortable and peaceful and the view was breath taking. This was the Ireland we hoped to see...we were not disappointed!! Thank you so much Phil for your warm hospitality. The other O'Connor's....The Fitzgerald's

Recommended for:

Guest: Tim, Michelle, Pete, Julia Foley (Middleboro, MA)
Date of Stay: 12/19/06 Review Submitted: 12/19/06

There are no words to aptly describe the beauty and confort of this home. With great views, majestic setting, and, of course, Phil herself. She made us feel like we'd known her for years. We can't wait to return - we feel like we belong there. If you rent a holiday home in Ireland and you want to experience Irelands true charm, this is the home you should rent. Thanks Phil, we love ya. Tim, Michelle, Pete and Jules - MA, USA

Recommended for:

Guest: Birgit, Klaus, Lucas and Danica (-)
Date of Stay: 11/21/06 Review Submitted: 11/21/06

A dream has come true. It was our first holidays in Ireland and we loved it. Marvellous views, very comfortable and modern house and very friendly hospitality. We come again and again and... :) Greetings, Birgit, Klaus, Lucas and Danica from Germany

Recommended for:

Guest: Liam Finney (Great Diamond Is., Maine)
Date of Stay: 10/23/06 Review Submitted: 10/23/06

The perfect house - a photographic paradise - the warmth and charm of Ireland can all be found here. Wishing we could stay forever. Liam Finney - USA

Recommended for:

Beautiful Place Even in January!

Guest: Tricia (Cambridge, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/27/06 Review Submitted: 07/28/11

I stayed in this beautiful well built home with two sixteen years olders and our stay was excellent! Yes the Stone Cottage is indeed cozy and I am an expert of that; clean beyond compare; well designed; and in January warm. Phil the owner, came early to set the heat etc. so when we arrived every thing was ready. What dedication to guests Phil has! I recommend this home in a spectacular place to anyone any season of the year.

Owner response:Patricia,thank you for a great review,we look forward to your return to the most beautiful place on earth and the nearest point to you and America =the Dingle peninsula was selected as Irelands Best Coastal town in a TodayFM radio competition this year.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.