We're Americans, living on a mountain lake in South Carolina, with rental and residence properties in the Dalmatian Islands, Bonita Springs, Florida and now, Ireland. We have two sons and four grandchildren, all above average. We're retired professionals, now enjoying our avocations including musical performance, writing, ocean sailing, travel, hiking and fishing.

The picture above is my one and only selfie, taken atop Skellig Michael, off the Southwest Irish coast. The island was home to ascetic Christian monks during the 4th through 6th century. It's a United Nations World Heritage Site, and the location for the last scenes in Star Wars VII. (Don't miss it! If you book with us, I'll send you complete details on how to get there, along with much else.)

When I was a little boy, my parents admired a fine Georgian mansion on a country lane not far from where we lived. Dad's nickname was Stoney, as is mine. Dad had picked up a little pidgin English in the marines during WWII. He'd say, 'Stoney no can buy that house! Stoney broke! So my parents began calling the place, 'Stoneybroke.'

A 'brough' is an archaic Gaelic word for an enclosure, like a fort or even a walled cattle confinement area. So 'Stoneybrough' is a play on words that has meaning for our family.

One final thing: When you book with us, you will find that we care about your Irish holiday almost as much as you do.

~John and Janelle

John Stonebraker purchased this townhome in 2013

We found Kenmare by getting lost. Our travel agent described a B&B he booked for us as being 'at the foot of the Ring of Kerry'. Who knew the Ring had two feet? We were at the wrong foot, and tore through Kenmare to get to the B&B at the right foot before dark. As we whizzed through, Janelle said, 'What a lovely town! Let's stop!' We couldn't.

Two months later, having fallen hopelessly in love with Ireland, and after scouring the Internet listings, our younger son and I took a prospecting trip to Ireland looking for a possible holiday cottage. We pared the best choices down to a manageable few and visited places from Linnane and Clifden in the west central region all the way down to Kenmare and beyond. What's now Stoneybrough and its unique location stood head and shoulders above anything we saw on the entire trip.

When you book with us, you'll promptly receive our proprietary materials full of tips, sites, side trips and unique experiences you'll never find in the tour guides. Our "local knowledge" is unsurpassed. We are as committed to the success of your visit as you are.

Lonely Planet lists Ireland as #5 in the Ten Best Countries in the World for Travelers in 2014. We believe we found the nicest property in the nicest location in the nicest town in the nicest county in Ireland. We think you'll agree.

Why Stoneybrough? Well, Stoneybrough's proximity to everything is unmatched. Instead of driving miles to downtown, you're right there. Yet, you're away from the hustle and bustle along the serene, bubbling, beautiful river, with the iconic Cromwell Bridge just downstream.

Kenmare is a proud, responsibile community. A National Heritage Town, Kenmare has won the national 'Tidy Town' award and won the Small Town category in 2013. The warmth and friendliness of strangers is hard to describe until you experience it. Kenmare folks call those of us who have moved in, 'blow-ins' meaning we weren't born there. But they go out of their way to make everyone feel genuinely welcome.

And here's the magic: you don't feel like a visitor, getting into town in your rental car, finding a place to park, (not always easy), and driving back on unfamiliar, narrow roads, at night, on the wrong side of the road, after a few drinks and some good fun. Rather, you feel like you belong. You're a part of your surroundings, not a casual visitor. You walk home. Heck, you can crawl home! You're connected. The feeling is real.

Stoneybrough is fitted with the latest in technology, new furniture, carefully chosen period art, a 'super king' master bed, deck furniture and even a jaunty beach umbrella for those sunny afternoons relaxing on the deck! You'll lack for nothing. You'll stock up at the many small groceries around town, the two wine shops, and the Farmer's Market every Wednesday for gourmet meats, fresh fish, eggs, artisan cheeses, breads and all kinds of goods practically at your doorstep. Bookshelves devoted to helpful books, maps and other holiday planning resources can be found in the living room.

You'll find a welcome basket of wine and Irish products from our splendid housekeeper, Joanne, who'll help you with logistics, show you how to operate everything, and answer all your questions. She's available for anything you might require during your stay, and can arrive on a moment's notice