A sensitively restored, stone 18th century coastguard cottage. It can be rented throughout the year as two totally self- contained units or one interconnecting cottage. These details are for the 'East End', sleeping 4 in 2 bedrooms..(for details of the West End sleeping up to 7 in 3 bedrooms see property no. , and for info on the whole cottage, sleeping up to 11, see property no.)
Pier Cottage is idyllically situated one mile west of Castlecove, just off the famous Ring of Kerry. The Cottage is only 50 metres from its own shingle beach and immerses you in the wild natural beauty of Kerry. It is ideal for many types of activities such as hiking, fishing riding and golf. However, you can just relax outside, watch the seals play as the cares of the world drift away. Then, as the sun sets over the Atlantic, you can nestle up by the open fire, guarded against the elements and listen to the cries of the curlews … whilst you sip an Irish whiskey!
Excursions:
The Cottage is an ideal base from which explore the many fascinating areas in this, the most scenic corner of Ireland. Two of Kerry's most visited sites - Derrynane House, home of Daniel O'Connell, known as the 'Liberator' and Staigue Fort, Ireland's best preserved pre Cristian stone fortress are within 15 minutes drive.
You can head north to Killarney with its famous lakes, north-west to Waterville, Ballinskelligs and Valencia Island, from where you can take an unforgettable boat trip to Skellig Michael, recently made famous as the stunning location for the last scene in 'Star Wars - The Force Awakens'. To the south lies Bantry Bay, which is reached via spectacular mountain passes. Kerry and West Cork are dotted with wonderful tropical gardens, especially beautiful in May and June.
Activities:
ANGLING AND BOAT TRIPS:-As you will see, there are several very experienced and fully insured boatmen happy to take you on a variety of sea trips...most have informative websites - Katherine knows them all and will help you make the right choice!
DERRYNANE SEA SPORTS:-Located in one of the safest and most picturesque little harbours imaginable, Helen and her experienced young helpers offer a huge variety of sea sport activities for all ages during the summer months. All details on their excellent website!
RIDING:- Caroline Donnelly, an extremely competent horsewoman, owns and runs the Eagle Rock Equestrian Centre. Turn left just before Caherdaniel, and you will find it a couple of hundred yards down the road on the right. Caroline and her team are fully insured and have horses and ponies for all shapes and sizes! Hard hats provided. As the best rides are along the Derrynane Dunes make sure you book in low tide ....A 'must' for riders of all ages and abilities!
GOLF:- The golf courses of Kerry are legendary! Four of these are within 3/4 of an hour's drive of Westcove and many more a bit further afield but still well worth the journey for serious golfers...
WALKS:-Kerry is a walker's paradise - from gentle strolls over sandy beaches to more challenging hikes over craggy hills - and our favourite local walks described here are ideal for dog owners, but please be sure to keep them well under control, especially on the hills where there are always sheep around. We suggest that the more serious walkers amongst you visit www.kerryway.com At 200km the Kerry Way is one of the longest - and certainly the most scenic - signposted walking trails in Ireland. The 3 legs worth considering and easily walkable from Westcove are - 'Waterville-Caherdaniel', 'Caherdaniel-Staigue', and 'Staigue-Sneem' - details are on their 'trail description'.
SEAWEED DISCOVERY WALKS AND FEASTS:-John and Kerryann Fitzgerald run Seaweed Workshops from their base in Caherdaniel: Their love of nature and all things marine has lead them to focus on seaweed which they have been harvesting, eating and experimenting with for many years. Kerryann uses her culinary skills to create delicious dishes from hand harvested local seaweeds.Click here to see what they can offer at Westcove. Contact John on 086 1062110 or email seaweedwalks@gmail.com
BLUEBERRY HILL FARM (about a mile north of Sneem on the Killarney road) is truly family friendly. They offer an amazing variety of courses and activities for all ages, and the Family Fun Tour is a fantastic outing for children.
For more details about the excursions and activities above please go to 'westcove.ie'
Accommodation: East End sleeps 4 in one double & one twin bedroom.
East End Ground Floor:
Living Room: Spacious open plan living area with open turf fire, storage heater, electric wall heater, TV and DVD player. A selection of toys, books and DVDs. Dining area seating up to 6.
Kitchen corner: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. A washing machine, tumble dryer and sink are in the adjacent 'lean-to' shed.
East End Upstairs:
Bedroom 1 King-size double bed. Electric wall heater.
Bedroom 2 Two single beds. Electric wall heater.
Bathroom Bath with electric shower over, loo, hand basin and heated towel rail.
Outside:
All outside facilities are shared by both the East and West Ends.
There is a large lawn facing south over the estuary with 2 picnic tables. In the lean-to shed there is additional outside furniture and 2 BBQs as well as a selection of life jackets for all ages. Fishing rods and shrimping nets are usually available (please enquire).
There is a small rowing boat for guests to use at their own risk. Please use life jackets provided.
If you have your own boat, there is a slipway for launching it beside the pier and safe mooring in the little harbour.
Owner's note… All our visitors seem to agree that the unique, magical location of this cottage surpasses all their expectations – no description or photograph can do it justice! However, being only 30 metres from the very rocky seashore and close to the pier itself, Pier Cottage can be a hazardous choice for those with very young children – they would certainly need constant supervision
the seals!. There are several sandy beaches within ten minutes drive.