The Pump House is a traditional style cottage, which overlooks a beautiful Victorian lawn with native and exotic trees to the front, and a cobblestone yard to the back. The cottage is tastefully decorated throughout, bright and spacious, with the guests' comfort and enjoyment in mind. It has oil fired central heating and a solid fuel stove as well as a range of extra complimentary amenities. It is located next to our 18th century house, in the middle of 35 acres of farmland dotted with ancient trees, shrubberies, and a wide variety of wildlife and domestic animals-yet only 20 minutes walk from the historic town of Athy. The Barrow runs adjacent to it and is ideal for coarse fishing. We pride ourselves on the gentle hospitality we provide our guests and look forward to welcoming you soon!
About Athy: - a heritage town in south Kildare, situated on the intersection of the River Barrow and the Grand Canal. The town developed from a 12th century Anglo-Norman settlement and has many beautiful landmark monuments. The Heritage Centre, situated in the main town square, provides a wealth of information to all visitors and doubles as a local history museum. There are several important festivals in Athy throughout the year, namely Tri-Athy (early June), Gordon Bennett Vintage Motor Rally (June) and the Shackleton Autumn School (October). Tuesdays are market day in Athy. There is also a number of quality restaurants in the town, as well as traditional Irish pubs and a good selection of shops.
Activities on our farm: FISHING - The Barrow runs adjacent to our farm and offers fishing enthusiasts enjoyment all year round, with plenty of pike, bream and roach available. FAUNA AND FLORA - ours is a visitor friendly farm and guests are welcome to roam through the fields and enjoy the countryside at close hand. There are many beautiful old trees dotted through the farm and a wide variety of wildlife and domestic animals to be seen: pheasants, rabbits, hares, hens, sheep, cows and horses. And while you're at it, don't forget to close your eyes and enjoy the magnificent bird song, particularly if you didn't get up to hear the Dawn Chorus at day break.
Other local activities: All of these and many more are available either in Athy or within a short distance drive: GOLF - see details below. FISHING - the River Barrow and the Grand Canal offer fishing enthusiasts enjoyment all year round, with plenty of pike, bream and roach available. HORSE RACING -The Curragh, Naas and Punchestown are the nearest racecourses and host monthly meetings. GREYHOUND RACING - a cheaper and exciting alternative to horse racing. Races take place in Newbridge every Friday and Saturday night. MOTOR RACING - for 'would-be Verstappens' at Mondello Park Racing Circuit. SOMETHING WE DIDN'T MENTION? If there is any other activity that you are particularly interested in, just ask and we will be happy to make enquiries for you!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Athy
Located in Athy, this cottage is in a rural area. Stradbally Narrow Gauge Steam Train and Rock of Dunamase are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Carlow Farmer's Market and Fairgreen Shopping Centre. Travelling with kids? Consider Ballintubbert Gardens and Stradbally Steam Museum. Discover the area's water adventures with power boating and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking.
Athy Heritage Centre-Museum - 2 min drive - 1.1 km
Athy Par 3 Golf Course - 8 min drive - 5.1 km
Ballintubbert Gardens - 10 min drive - 10.2 km
Stradbally Steam Museum - 17 min drive - 15.7 km
Kildare Shopping Village - 25 min drive - 29.9 km
Getting around
Athy Station - 2 min drive
Restaurants
O’Brien - 16 min walk
New Moon Tandoori - 20 min walk
J-One Cafe - 17 min walk
Bradbury's - 17 min walk
Restaurant 1180 - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Pump House - cosy farm cottage for two pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Pump House - cosy farm cottage for two?
As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Pump House - cosy farm cottage for two on 5 Jul 2026 start from £117, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Pump House - cosy farm cottage for two?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Pump House - cosy farm cottage for two?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Pump House - cosy farm cottage for two?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Pump House - cosy farm cottage for two located?
This family-friendly Athy cottage is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Athy Heritage Centre-Museum and Athy Par 3 Golf Course. Ballintubbert Gardens and Stradbally Steam Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km). Athy Station is 21 minutes by foot.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Immediately felt at home. Cozy atmosphere. The dogs and the cat were really cuddly after a few days. Wonderful place to stay if you're planning daytrips to the East of Ireland.
I thoroughly enjoyed staying at this cottage. It was everything I imagine a farm cottage should be with the bonus of chooks clucking in the morning. Very comfortable. Nicely positioned for our daily excursions.
This is a genuine farm experience! The cottage was comfortable and clean, and well appointed, including a cheery log burning fireplace, all combined to make for a very nice stay! The best part, however, was the communication with our hosts! We were given all the information we needed, and very generously supplied with fresh eggs, hearty bread, and coffee. Delightful!
This place was in the perfect spot for all our travels. We toured almost all of Ireland and this was just in the perfect location. The owners were just so sweet and I loved their dog Rocket, he was the sweetest. It was so much better than staying at a hotel. It was a more home like feeling. I recommend this place to everyone
Maile D.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2024
Archival
8/10 Good
Carol O.
14 Jan 2009
Pump house review
My boyfriend and I stayed at the pump house in December 2008. It was a wonderful stay. The house was very warm and welcoming and Claudia made us feel very at home straight away. The fire made it so cosy and perfect in the cold and rainy december weather and having shops nearby made it so easy to cook in the evening. I only wish we could'v stayed longer.
We loved Athy and this cottage! Claudia and James were excellent hosts. They were there for anything we needed but also allowed us space and privacy.
We did not rent a car for 3 of the 4 weeks we were there and relied on public transportation. We were able to walk to town, grocery stores and the train station from this property. With a car, everything in town is mere minutes away.
The cottage provided everything we needed and was comfortable, clean and spacious….our home away from home.
The town has plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops to choose from and plenty of sites to see.
You can enjoy the quiet of the countryside while still having amenities close by with this property. A true place to relax after a day of exploring all that Ireland has to offer.
Amy S.
Stayed 28 nights in Sep 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
10 Jun 2010
Aussies in Athy
The Pump House was the first of four cottages we rented whilst in Ireland and was probably the best! The time of year we were there called for a warm and cosy refuge and The Pump House was that. Claudia and James made us feel welcome and included us in their family life. The cottage was extremely comfortable being well-heated and appointed. The heated bathroom floor, "very large" bed and the welcoming hamper were much appreciated. The township of Athy is quintessential Irish and well-serviced with friendly pubs, shops, restaurants and everything for the tourist. The history of Athy and surrounding areas we found particularly fascinating. The Pump House in Co. Kildare is an ideal base from which to explore a large part of Ireland and we highly recommend it. Thank you James, Claudia and family.
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Mar 2020
Thank you so much for your kind review. It was a pleasure having you as our guests and we look forward to staying in touch with you "down-under"!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
8 Nov 2008
The perfect getaway
We had a fabulous weekend in the Pump House, the decor is beautifully done and the wood burning stove a real treat, the cottage is extremely cosy in a late October chill. A fantastic hideaway set in beautiful surroundings, with the donkey coming to visit in the mornings. The surprise bottle of wine, the flowers in the room and the excellent amenities really added to our already surpassed expectations. Thank you so much to Claudia and James for making us so welcome, we would love to come back and enjoy more of the river and the local golf when the weather is more amenable. We enjoyed learning about Shackleton in Athy town museum and a trip to the farmers market provided us with an excellent dinner. The bed was a pure joy... I want one. Congratulations on getting it all right!
Heerlijk huis. Enigszins verstopt, maar dat maakt het juist extra leuk. Fijne gastvrouw en gastheer. Alle voorzieningen zijn aanwezig.Goede uitvalsbasis voor verschillende trips. Lekker welkomstpakket met heerlijk brood en ook verse eitjes van de eigen kippen die je nieuwsgierig komen begroeten. Superdeal!!
Ein toller letzter Stop auf unserer Rundreise durch Irland. Die Unterkunft hatte alles für einen gemütlichen Aufenthalt. Kamin, Fernseher mit Smarthub, Spülmaschine, Waschmaschine und ein toll ausgestattetes Bad mit Dusche und Badewanne. Es gab ein riesiges, bequemes Bett und ein zusätzliches Bett mit Blick in die Sterne. Alles wirkte sehr liebevoll eingerichtet und wir wurden sehr herzlich am ersten Tag empfangen.Sehr zu empfehlen als Startpunkt für Erkundungen in der Region, oder zum Entspannen vor Ort.
Wir hatten wunderbare 7 Tage zu dritt im Ferienhaus. Es enthält alles was man braucht und ist sehr gemütlich eingerichtet. Die Lage inmitten von Feldern und etwas entfernt vom Stadtzentrum ist schön ruhig. Wir haben Mitte August von dort aus sogar Sternschnuppen am Himmel gesehen. Die Gastgeber war sehr hilfsbereit und haben uns alle Fragen freundlich beantwortet und Tipps gegeben.
Nous avons passé un agréable séjour en Irlande. Nous avons été très bien accueillis par Claudia et James. Le logement est d'époque mais reste très agréable.Tout est fonctionnel mais quelques équipements mériteraient remplacement notamment les fauteuils.L'emplacement est très calme c'est très agréable d'avoir la visite du chat, du cheval, des poules ainsi que des moutons dès le réveil.Le village possède toutes les commodités nécessaires ce qui est très pratique.
Geschmackvoll eingerichtetes Häuschen, sehr ruhig am Rand des Städtchens Athy gelegen. Sehr nette Vermieter. Guter Ausgangspunkt für Ausflüge nach Kilkenny (unbedingt lohnend), nach Dublin, in die Wicklow Mountains, zahlreiche Gärten rund um Carlow und Pferdeliebhaber kommen im Irish National Stud & Gardens auf ihre Kosten
Wir hatten einen angenehmen Aufenthalt in diesem Ferienhaus in Irland. Die Einrichtung war sehr schön und trug zu einer ruhigen Atmosphäre bei. Das Haus war gut ausgestattet und bot eine komfortable Unterkunft für unseren Urlaub.Besonders hervorzuheben ist die gemütliche Gestaltung, und die herzlichen Willkommensgeschenke der Gastgeber. Die Räumlichkeiten waren sauber und gut gepflegt. Die Lage des Hauses ermöglichte einen erholsamen Aufenthalt in einer ruhigen Umgebung.Die Kommunikation mit den Gastgebern war unkompliziert und sehr freundlich. Der Check-in und Check-out verliefen reibungslos.Insgesamt können wir das Ferienhaus für Paare aber auch kleine Familien wie uns (ein Kind) empfehlen, die eine ruhige und komfortable Unterkunft in Irland suchen.Vielen Dank für den Aufenthalt.
Claudia und James waren tolle Gastgeber! Das Cottage ist sehr gemütlich und liegt abseits, an Ende einer Schotterstraße, und hat viel Old-world-Charme. Rund um das Cottage stehen einige sehr alte, beeindruckend große Baeume, es gab frisch gebackene Scones zur Begrüßung, Tips für Ausflüge und Restaurants.
Leider waren wir nur für 3 Naechte hier, aber wir haben es sehr genossen!
The pump house is located on a multi generational family owned farm. The house could not be any cleaner or nicer. Claudia and James are wonderful hosts. We did some fishing along the banks of the river on their property. It’s very tranquil.
This is a great home base for those looking to do day trips. Easily accessible.
We’d highly recommend.
We were absolutely delighted with this charming cottage and our hosts Claudia and James were extremely welcoming. Their attention to detail was very impressive and they thought of everything to make our stay as pleasant as possible.
The animals were an absolute delight to see in the morning and evenings when we came home.
It's our dream retirement cottage!
Thank you, most sincerely to Claudia and James.
James and Claudia made us extremely welcome and the cottage suited our needs very well. Nice central location for a number of enjoyable attractions including the Irish National Stud.
Wir waren leider nur von Donnerstag bis Sonntag im Pupmphouse - sehr sehr gerne wären wir länger geblieben. Das gemütliche Häuschen, die mächtigen und eindrucksvollen alten Bäume auf dem weitläufigen Grundstück , die lieben Tiere in einer Umgebung, die man allen Tieren dieser Welt wünscht und vor allem: Claudia und James und ihre Familie, die uns herrlich unkompliziert, unglaublich hilfsbereit und sehr sympathisch in ihr wunderschönes Anwesen zum Erkunden und Sich-Wohlfühlen aufgenommen haben.
Ein ganz besonderer Platz mit ganz besonders offenen und freundlichen Menschen. Wir können diesen Ort nur wärmstens empfehlen.
Staying here was a good experience for us. The hosts were very pleasant and prompt with response to our questions and needs. The property is clean and well cared for. We enjoyed watching the dogs, chickens, horses, sheep and mule roam around. It is in a quiet country location about a mile or so from Athy town where there were shops, restaurants, and several supermarkets. Our favorite experiences were walking a number of the river and canal paths in the area. We also enjoyed a visit to Burtown Gardens and their excellent restaurant.
The bed in this house was an American king-size and very comfortable.
Be aware that the house is very compact and any noise in one room travels throughout. The kitchen was adequate and we cooked and ate our evening meals there.
All in all a fine place to stay for our last week in Ireland that put us within easy driving distance of Dublin airport for departure home.
William G.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022
About the host
Hosted by James and Claudia Reeves
Languages:
English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests