See all properties
Save
Entire home

Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.

Photo gallery for Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.

Exterior detail
Beach nearby
Outdoor dining
Aerial view
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroom

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.

Holly Lodge is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, on the Burren Way / Green Road close to the Burren College of Art originally a 16th century round tower castle (Newtown Castle) and only 10 minutes drive from the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan, an enchanting village on the West Atlantic Coast of Ireland in the heart of the Burren National Park, a karst limestone region, one of the largest in Europe where you will find Arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants side by side. It is an ideal base for any traveller to enjoy one of the most fascinating places in Ireland and Europe.

The Burren is rich with historical and archaeological sites offering wonderful opportunities for exploring, walking, cycling, rock climbing and a host of water sports such as surfing, kayaking and angling are just some of the activities available for your enjoyment.

Ballyvaughan is regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Burren region and has a choice of good restaurants, craft shops and traditional pubs.

It is the ideal base to explore the rich heritage of the Burren and surrounding areas. The famous Burren Way (26 miles of green road) starts Ballyvaughan, goes to Fanore, Doolin and ends in Liscannor taking in the Cliffs of Moher. Ballyvaughan is surrounded by megalithic tombs such as Poulnabrone Dolmen (which is reported to be over 6,000 years old, making it more ancient than the pyramids!), celtic ring forts and medieval churches and castles.

Ballyvaughan, an oasis in the Burren offers a warm welcome to all. Whatever it is your looking for – exhilarating adventure, romantic breaks, relaxing with friends – you will find it all here.

For the golfers, the famous links course at Lahinch is only a thirty minute drive from the house and further down the Clare coast is the Greg Norman designed Doonbeg course.
There is also a choice of courses such as Ennis and Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club.

Close to the house the unspoiled beaches of Bishops Quarter and Fanore invite you to swim, kayak and surf. The sheltered Ballyvaughan Bay is suitable for all kinds of water activities.
Also, located a short drive from the house is the famous Flaggy Shore - ‘Postscript’ the beautiful poem by Seamus Heaney.

Shannon International Airport is just an hour away from Holly Lodge.

When the Burren is in bloom the fields around the house are blooming with unique rare wild flowers such as the ‘blue gentian’ - alpine flower.

Please take a look around our luxury retreat, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Burren. From the front and the rear of the house you can see spectacular views of the mountains of the Burren, its limestone pavements, a view of the Burren College of Art originally the 16th century Newtown Castle, the Aillwee Cave, Burren Birds of Prey Centre and Galway Bay.

The house has been designed to optimize the views. The house is centrally heated throughout. Bedrooms are large with ensuites and walk-in wardrobes. Kitchen and dining area is spacious with all amenities. When it is time to relax the living room which is mostly glazed to take in the views, beckons to put your feet up, with its plush leather sofas and soft furnishings.

There is ample parking spaces with large private lawns front and rear with stone seating and table.

The house itself is a unique design with a great sense of space and comfort, with views of the Burren Mountains and Galway Bay.

Property manager

Mary

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Blender
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Books
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront
  • In the mountains
  • In a rural location
  • Near the bay
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Swimming nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Cycling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Exterior

Cottage in a beautiful setting overlooking Galway Bay

  • Hot Tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Free WiFi
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (7)
Cottage in a beautiful setting overlooking Galway Bay

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Map
Ballyvaughan, Clare (county)

What's nearby

  • Newtown Castle - 6 min walk
  • Galway Bay - 6 min drive
  • Burren Birds of Prey Centre - 8 min drive
  • Aillwee Cave - 8 min drive
  • Poulnabrone Dolmen - 10 min drive

Getting around

  • Ardrahan Station - 42 min drive
  • Shannon Airport (SNN) - 74 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Monks Pub & Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪O'Donohue's - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Linnane's Lobster Bar - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Soda Parlour - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Larder - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan. located?

Located in Newtown, this vacation home is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Newtown Castle and 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from Aillwee Cave. Galway Bay and Poulnabrone Dolmen are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan. Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house in a unique location
The house is bigger than it looks in the pictures. It has everything you might need. The sitting room is amazing, surrounded by windows so you are looking at the Burren from the sofa. The kitchen is huge and we liked having the dining table there close to the big windows. It’s very quiet and very comfortable, and it’s just five minutes by car from town. The surroundings are spectacular. Mary and Poppy were extremely kind. They were very flexible with the check in /out time. They left plenty of coffe, tea, and even chocolates for us. They were quick to answer any question we might have. We liked the house so much that we didn't want to leave. We recommend it, it is probably the best rental house we ever had.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay!
Mary's house was perfect for us. The location, privacy, views all wonderful. The house was very well equipped for our 5 night stay, we lacked nothing. Such a peaceful spot within a short drive of Ballyvaughan and several restaurant options. If you are looking for a quiet spot near all the Burren has to offer, this is your place!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

robert e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic house to base your travels from.
Wonderful very communicative hosts welcomed us with a basket of breads, tea and goodies. The house is large and was very comfortable for our group of 4 adults. Excellent home to base your travels to all the sites around the Burren ring. Absolutely would recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bettina W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sehr schönes Haus in traumhafter Lage
Das Ferienhaus liegt traumhaft mitten im Burren, vom Wintergarten hat man einen tollen Rundumblick bis runter zur Küste. Die Lage ist absolut ruhig. Die Ausstattung der Küche , der Zimmer und Bäder ließen keine Wünsche offen. Die Kommunikation mit dem Gastgeber verlief problemlos und bei unserer Ankunft waren sogar Lebensmittel, Kuchen, Kaffee und Milch vor Ort. Nochmals danke dafür. Alles in allem ein rundum perfekter Urlaub.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caleb R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stillness of the Burren
There is something special about the stillness of the Burren. The views of the windswept limestone hills were breathtaking. Peace and quiet, with easy access to some of the best sights of County Clare: Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabronne, Galway City. Hoke was perfect. Setting was perfect. Hosts were very thoughtful. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark C., Mokena, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Location
The location and accommodations were perfect. Easy access to Cliffs of Moher, Burrens, Gallway and many others. Mary was a great host. Thank you for contributing to our wonderful memories of Ireland.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tatyana S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home in the fairyland for a week
Mary is an amazing host - she escorted us personally to the property, ensured we knew how everything works so we have a comfortable break and even brought some supplies. It is like being at home but in a totally surreal beautiful location - views from all the windows are so stunning that you don't really need to go anywhere if the rain has its way ))) Plenty of information about the attractions, very comfortable and well equipped. We could properly chill out as a family and it was perfectly safe for our child with additional needs. Thank you Mary, I am glad I found your listing.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Maggie H.

Lovely, gracious home
My family of four (two adults and two kids age 12 and 9) had a wonderful stay in Holly Lodge, Ballyvaughn in July 2018. The house is large and comfortable with everything we needed to relax and spread out. We loved the sun room with its amazing views from multiple large windows; sunsets were beautiful. We loved the fact that we could see a castle (Newtown Castle/Burren College of Art) from inside the house. Mary was such a kind host - meeting us at the church parking lot to escort us to the house, which she had prepped with home-made soda bread, delicious Irish butter, an apple pie, a carton of milk, and plenty of coffee and tea. Next door and/or across the lane neighbors are sheep, cows, horses, and donkeys. The road is quiet, with little traffic. The location is great for exploring the Burren. The kitchen is a bit under-supplied for cooking, but we were able to creatively make do. We ate and drank at many local places, and had good food and friendly service everywhere. Favorites are Linnane's in New Quay, Monk's in Ballyvaughan, etc. It was unusually hot when we visited so we spent lots of time at beaches like Flaggy Shore and Bishop's Quarter in Newquay, Lahinch, Fanore, and had a great time tidepooling and swimming. The house is a very short drive from Ailwee caves and the Poulnabrone Dolmen, along with other fun cultural sites like Corcomroe Abbey, Cliffs of Moher and St. Brigid's well among others. Very highly recommended!
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jenny T.

A very comfortable home, with fabulous views!
Mary was a most welcoming and helpful host even before our arrival, and when we walked in and saw the panoramic views from her house we knew we'd come to the perfect location. Spacious and comfortable and well equipped, Holly Lodge is very well placed for exploring the Burren and the Galway area, and with the beautifully situated little town of Ballyvaughan close at hand providing excellent restaurants and tearooms and some shopping facilities. A most relaxing week and we would happily return!

10/10 Excellent

Birgit L.

Absolut empfehlenswert!
Wir durften, nach unserer erlebnisreichen und anstengenden Irland-Rundreise, eine sehr erholsame Woche in diesem Ferienhaus verbringen. Das Haus mit seiner großzügigen Ausstattung bietet alles, was man für einen angenehmen Auffenthalt benötigt. Besonders zu erwähnen ist der herzliche Empfang durch Mary! Sie hat an alles gedacht, sogar an eine "Erstausstattung" für ein gemütliches Kaffee- /Teetrinken nach der Ankunft. Dafür und für die schöne Zeit möchten wir ihr nochmals herzlich danken. Vielen Dank auch für die vielen Informationen im Vorfeld!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sharon H.

Peace and quiet in a picturesque setting.
We enjoyed our stay at Holly Lodge. The house was cozy, well kept, and had all the comforts of home. Mary was a helpful , informative, and caring host. We arrived to fresh soda bread, apple pie, eggs, milk, coffee and tea. She checked in with us during our stay to make sure that we had everything we needed. The area is very quiet and the sounds of cows and sheep on the hills can be heard. We found the Burren , an untouched limestone landscape to be quite fascinating. The town of Ballyvaughan is lovely and the area allows for day trips to Connemara, Galway, the Cliffs, a drive down the beautiful atlantic coast, and much more. Thank-you Mary for sharing Holly Lodge with us!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

sandra c.

Home and property is exactly as described
Mary was a great hostess, very attentive - helped us get our bearings on the first day and made sure the essentials (coffee!!) were already in the home. Holly lodge was very clean and comfy. The kitchen was very well appointed for those days when we planned to cook in; the location was great for seeing the west coast, including the Aran Islands. You will need to be patient to drive places to get groceries etc., as distances in the Burren are deceiving :-). A lovely spot to explore the West and a not too bad 2.5-3 hour trip to Dublin! Thanks a million Mary
Stayed 13 nights in May 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrea M.

My Irish Eyes are still smiling!
We just returned from a beautiful week's stay at Holly Lodge. We have visited Ireland twice before, but the first time visiting County Clare and the spectacular Burren. Mary was so wonderful to correspond with from the very beginning. She was very prompt in answering any questions via email regarding the house and or suggestions for visiting this part of Ireland. She also sent some very helpful information about the area which added to our excitement counting down to our trip. My husband and I traveled with my son and daughter in law. We all loved the house. Mary made us feel so welcome. She did a marvelous job telling us about her home and also surprised us with some fantastic brown bread, apple pie, milk, butter and a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream!!! She had the teapot hot for us when we arrived, and supplied tea and coffee. Her home is beautiful. The kitchen was huge and was well equipped. The living room was so comfortable with gorgeous views from every window. Actually, the views from every window made it hard to leave each day. There are three big bedrooms, closets and 3 bathrooms. The house is immaculate. Every night we would have a fire in the living room and relax. Mary supplies logs! This was a favorite time of day. We visited so many places. The house is just ideal for visiting western Ireland. We visited Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ailwee Caves, and travelled all over the beautiful Burren. The village of Ballyvaughan is just lovely. There is a wonderful store to pick up any groceries if needed. We ate at several of the local restaurants and they were wonderful. We ate twice at Monks. So pretty by the water and the fresh Seafood platter to die for. Another favorite was Burren Fine Wine and Food. This place was adorable and the food and service was exceptional. Mary's house is someplace you can only dream of staying. We loved the sheep and cows in the nearby fields, some of the best neighbors ever. We ate fresh local ice cream, star gazed at night and marveled at the rainbows. Holly Lodge and the Burren truly are magical and we would most definitely stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn G.

Beautiful light spacious home with wonderful views
Beautifully situated in The Burren with lovely views over the valley. Our home for the week was spacious and well appointed and situated very close to Ballyvaughan which has some lovely restaurants. Mary Nix our host was helpful and approachable giving us many tips before we arrived and a comprehensive visitors folder. The kitchen is well equipped and we were provided with a lovely welcome basket of a few essentials and a locally baked pie. There is an open fire in the stunning sitting room and the logs, starter and matches were provided. As a family of 5 adults we had more than enough space here. The bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious and comfortable. This is a beautiful home from home and cannot recommend it enough as it is perfectly located to explore The Burren either by car or on foot. We will certainly be returning to this gem.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrea K., Aschaffenburg

Tolles Haus mit wunderschönem Rundumblick
Das Haus ist super ausgestattet, mit allem, was man im Urlaub braucht. Mary, die Vermieterin des Hauses, durften wir jederzeit kontaktieren, wenn wir Fragen hatten (z.B. beste Wetterbedingungen für Fährüberfahrt auf die Aran Islands = sehr zu empfehlen!). Wir wurden mit leckerem Apfelkuchen, Muffins, Kaffee, Tee, Milch etc. begrüßt und haben uns in dem Haus rundum wohlgefühlt. Die Aussicht aus den Fenstern ist ein Traum. Die Lage ist für Ausflüge in die Umgebung perfekt. In ca. 1 Stunde ist man in Galway, in 25 Minuten in Doolin (Fährhafen), in 40 Minuten an den Cliffs of Moher. Ballyvauhgan (4 Minuten mit dem Auto entfernt, 20 Minuten zu Fuß) ist ein gemütlicher Ort mit schönen Restaurants/Cafes, einem kleinen, aber sehr gut ausgestatteten Supermarkt und Pubs. Wir haben einen tollen, erlebnisreichen Urlaub gehabt und können das Haus wärmstens weiterempfehlen.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Our stay in the Irish Countryside at Holly Lodge
We had the most wonderful time staying at Holly Lodge. Mary is the most gracious hostess, providing us with freshly baked goods, coffee and milk in a lovely welcome basket! She is so kind and thoughtful. The house is very clean and well maintained, exactly as pictured. The house is in a great location and we made day trips every day to the many sights and attractions that are nearby. It was so nice to "go home" after a long day and the country setting was beautiful, great for walks. It was a magical vacation and we hope to return someday.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrea K.

Sehr schönes Haus in faszinierender Landschaft
Das Haus liegt in Mitten des Burren, in 4 Minuten ist man nach Ballyvaughan gefahren, zu Fuß sind es ca 20 Minuten. Das Haus verfügt über eine topausgestattete Küche, sogar ein Smoothie-Mixer ist vorhanden. Mein Highlight-Zimmer war das lichtdurchlutete Wohnzimmer mit Kamin, von dem aus man in drei verschiedene Richtungen auf die grandiose Landschaft sehen kann. Das Haus hat 3 Schlafzimmer, sehr schön eingerichtet, Matratzen prima (nicht durchgelegen, haben wunderbar geschlafen). Benötigte Utensilien wie Toilettenpapier, Seife, Spülmittel, Handtücher, Küchentücher etc. war alles ausreichend vorhanden. Die Lage des Hauses ist für Unternehmungen perfekt. In einer Stunde ist man im lebendigen Galway, in knapp 30 Minuten in Doolin, von wo aus man mit der Fähre auf die Aran Islands (sehr zu empfehlen) fahren kann. Die Cliffs of Moher sind in knapp 45 Minuten prima zu erreichen. Ballyvaughan selbst ist ein kleines, süßes Dorf, in dem es sich prima Essen gehen lässt (Tea Garden), ein kleiner, aber gut ausgestatteter Einkaufsladen ist auch vorhanden. Mary, die Vermieterin, hat uns am Ankunftstag in Ballyvaughan abgeholt und uns zum Haus begleitet. Wir wurden mit einem leckeren Apfelkuchen, Muffins, Milch, Kaffee etc. begrüßt und konnten Mary jederzeit anrufen, wenn wir Fragen hatten oder Tipps (bestes Wetter für Fährüberfahrt) benötigten. Wir waren rundum zufrieden und hatten einen tollen Urlaub.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Elisa K., Albuquerque, New Mexico

Lovely host; lovely property in the heart of the Burren!
Host is easy to communicate with and accessible. Property is beautiful and located close to many Burren adventures.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A Luxurious Holiday Home in the Burren
Holly Lodge is a luxurious holiday home nestled in the heart of the Burren Mountains. The rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished and decorated. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything the modern day chef requires. The house is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Burren. It is also very close to the village of Ballyvaughan with its cultural life, harbour, musical pubs, and shops. Cathleen Connole’s wonderful restaurant, Burren Fine Foods and Wine, is just a short distance away, as is The Burren College of Art. Holly Lodge is a perfect base from which to visit the attractions of Clare and Galway. Mary and Crissie are gracious hosts who have compiled a huge binder of local attractions, and several excellent books for guests to enjoy. They have created a beautiful holiday home and have thought of everything that a discerning traveller would need.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Marilyn G.

3 lovely weeks in May 2016
My husband, cousin and sister visited Holly Lodge for 3 weeks in May 2016 and what a lovely stay we had! My husband and I previously had met Mary and her mother last September when they graciously gave us a preliminary tour of the house and tea. She exceeded all of our expectations in May when she met us just off the dual carriageway from the airport and escorted us to the house for a delicious and plentiful continental breakfast. She also provided instruction on how to use the amenities. A well planned Information Book on activities and dining in the area was on the dining room table. She also provided many books on the ecology and culture of the area as well as a selection of useful maps. We especially loved the quiet of the countryside and the lovely views of The Burren from every window in the house, which sits on a walking lane. Sitting in the living room with fabulous views and a cozy fireplace to watch sunsets was extra special, as well as the lovely sunrises from the bedrooms on the upper floor. We could not have had a more wonderful vacation and much of it was thanks to Mary and her well-appointed house.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stunning Home, Great Location, Welcoming Hostess
My husband and I stayed in Mary's beautiful home for a week in July 2015. The house is wonderful - spacious, clean, nicely decorated and has absolutely everything you will need for a relaxing vacation. The kitchen is huge - fully equipped, and there was a wonderful guest basket waiting for us. Local brown bread, butter, milk, crackers, jam, fresh apple pie and more. Such a nice surprise! The family room has views to die for. The Burren, the sea, Galway lights in the distance, and many many sheep! The wifi was flawless. The bathrooms spotless and the power showers worked great. The washer and dryer - complete with supplies - worked great. This is a great location to tour up and down the west coast and the wild Atlantic Way. Do not miss the Fear Gorta Tea Gardens in Bally Vaughan! Delightful for lunch or just tea and a slice of homemade cake and terrific cheesecake! There is a small but well stocked Spar supermarket in town. It has terrific "99" ice cream cones. And there is a nice Tourist Informatiion Center next door. Everyone is so friendly! Quite a few pubs, and the ones along by the small pier have great views. Mary was a terrific hostess. From the very first email / contact, we became friends. Mary went out of her way to make sure we would not miss any of the many highlights in the region. In fact, Mary has compiled a big binder full of maps and leaflets and information perfect for planning day trips and sightseeing. She also sent us email links to help build excitement for our trip. She kept in contact with us during our stay and was available if we needed her. Mary and her lovely mum met us on the day of our arrival in the town church yard and led us up to her house. The house is just like the photos but better! We highly recommend Mary's house and look forward to visiting again! Kind regards, Linda and Tom Smith
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Eileen G.

A wonderful family stay at Holly Lodge
We had a lovely stay at Holly Lodge. The home was very accommodating for our family of four, plus two friends. The beds were most comfortable and the kitchen amenities helpful for family meals. Holly Lodge is close to town for a quick pint, shopping and music. We enjoyed a beautiful hike, "Bells on the Burren", just down the road, as well as the Newtown Castle and Gallery tour at the Burren College of Art. Every window with a view. Close to many day trips, the ocean shore, beach, Burren, castles and ruins. Look for the treasure chest hidden within, enjoy the treasure but leave it and add one of your own. Thank you Mary, for such a wonderful stay. The Colorado Murray's
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joan T.

Lovely home surrounded by the beauty of the Burren
Holly Lodge was everything our party of four senior citizens could have asked for! The house is situated on a beautiful road surrounded by the enchanting and magnificent scenery of the Burren. It is hard to pass by a window in the house and not stop to gaze at the natural beauty surrounding you, including a 16th Century Tower Castle down the street! All the rooms in the house are spacious, charming; and spotlessly clean. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you need to cook all your meals, including many spices, oils, and condiments. Lots of paper products and cleaning supplies are also provided. Holly Lodge had the BEST set of cookware that we have ever seen in our travels! We all had to agree that although every room was comfortable and beautifully furnished, we LOVED the sittingroom/sunroom the best!!!! It is large with lots of comfortable furniture facing a warm and inviting fireplace. The room is circular with large windows allowing us to view the magnificent scenery; and the knotty pine, tongue-and-groove cathedral ceiling is absolutely beautiful! We rented a car in Dublin and drove to Ballyvaughan (a car is a must!). Mary Nix had communicated with us many times before we left the USA with many suggestions and informative links to places she thought we would enjoy. She guided us along our drive to Ballyvaughan and was there with her mother to meet us and have us follow her to the house, which was only about 10 minutes from the town of Ballyvaughan. When we arrived, the house was warm and the extra heating stove in the kitchen was on to banish the chill of the evening from our bones! Also waiting for us was some fresh brown bread, an apple tart, tea, coffee, milk, sugar, and marmalade! Mary also provided a big, well organized binder with all kinds of useful information regarding the house and appliances, the town, and the many wonderful places that we could visit within a 20 minute to an hour drive from the house. We highly recommend in the town of Ballyvaughan, O'Loclainn Irish Whiskey pub and the farmer's market in town on Saturdays. Only about 20 minutes drive from the house you must go to the Caherconnell ring fort. Amazing! Also, on the same property you can see a demonstration of the sheep dogs working a flock of sheep. Just up the road see the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a 4,000 year old portal tomb. 40 minutes to the Cliffs of Moher, and you must walk the Burren! We will be back! Mary Nix is the perfect manager and now, a friend!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Valerie P.

Our Ireland Home Away From Home.
The home is beautiful. True to the photo descriptions. Mary met us at the house with a loaf of delicious brown bread and a yummy tart. We are already planning our return trip. Mary checked on us throughout our stay and provided us with the name of a driver... Who was absolutely invaluable to our stay. We will for sure stay here again!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Shirlene J.

Holly Lodge is charming, clean and comfortable
Our time at Holly Lodge could not have been more lovely. Mary and her Mom met us in the village and made us feel so very welcome. Mary prepared a large binder of tourist information so there certainly was no lack of sites to see. We enjoyed the Burren Perfumery (excellent shopping) and hikes in the Burren National Park. Ballyvaughan is a great launching spot for the Aran Islands - leaving from Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Galway City area, and a small castle just down the road. Ballyvaughan is a welcoming and cute town with a decent grocery store, pubs, and restaurants. The house was immaculate and well equipped with just about everything one might need such as kitchen utensils, extra towels, coffee, tea, etc... Mary even brought us a loaf of Irish brown bread and a pie. Mary checked in with us via email a couple of times just to ensure that we had everything we needed. The views from the bedroom and living area windows were spectacular. It was so lovely in fact, we were tempted to skip the sightseeing and just hang out. We enjoyed our time in County Clare and certainly recommend Holly Lodge to anyone interested in touring the area.