Self Catering Ireland | Holiday Homes & Cottages

Known as the Venice of the West, Galway City is the third greatest city in the Republic of Ireland. Shortly afterward the Anglo-Norman intrusion, in the 13th century, city power fell to fourteen merchant families, or tribes. Thus, we have Galways famous nickname, City of the Tribes. These fourteen merchant families saw themselves as English nobility, and governed the city up to the capture of Galway by Cromwells army, in 1652.

Staying in a Bed And Breakfast Galway property is without question the best way to explore this amazing location.

Now, Galway is the capital of West Ireland, and it sits on the edge of the Gaeltacht, or Irish speaking area. Galway City continues to grow with its University, Institute of Technology, theatres, cathedral, castles, restaurants, docks and industries. In fact, it is a perfect base for touring.

Lynchs Castle is a magnificent limestone construction that was the historic home of Galways most powerful family. Of the fourteen lavish merchant homes that once stood in Galway, only Lynchs Castle survives. The oldest parish church in Ireland is St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, having been a house of adoration since the 14th century, and its still the heart of Galways activities.

Known simply as The Square, Eyre Square was officially presented to the city in 1710 by then mayor, Edward Eyre. The square was renamed to the respect of US President John F. Kennedy in 1965, and is now called Kennedy Memorial Park. This open green park is a tourer favourite, and it is here you will find the Statue of Padhraig OConaire. Erected in 1935, this Albert Power carving commemorates the memory of the beloved Galway author.

The popularity of Bed And Breakfast Ireland and the quality of accommodation available will ensure you have enjoyable memories of your holiday in this fantastic country.

Synonymous with Galway is the Spanish Arch. It is all that remains of the 16th century bastion that was once added to the towns walls, to protect merchant ships from looters.

Immortalized in the song, Galway Bay, the Claddagh is an area close to the centre of Galway City. It was at one time a fishing village outside the city walls, and the locals supplied the city with fresh seafood, sold on the square in front of the Spanish Arch. Claddaghs existence has been recorded since the 5th century, and it is probably best known for its traditional jewellery, the Claddagh Ring.

The largest and most revealing building in this city is Galways Catholic Cathedral. The dome itself is 145ft high, and is a prominent landmark on Galways horizon.

In addition, Galway City hosts numerous festivals every year, including the Galway Races and Oyster Festival.

There is a nice video guide of Galway City on youtube.

Ramelton in Donegal is a Bord Failte designated Heritage Town and the ideal location to base yourself for a self catering holiday in Donegal, Ireland’s beautiful North West region.

Here you’ll find here a warm atmosphere, friendly people, lovely pubs and a wealth of accommodation. Ramelton is the perfect destination for a short break, family or active holiday.

You should also visit the Ramelton Story Exhibition in the refurbished Steamboat Store where it presents the story of Ramelton from its earliest settlement to the present day.
The Genealogical Research Centre for County Donegal is also located in this centre.

The Lennon Festival is a tradition that takes place every July with a variety of events, including the “Queen of the Lennon”, Live Music, Singing Pubs, the Carnival Parade etc.

The Town Hall was built in 1878 with money donated by the locals and was completely restored in 2005. Every Saturday people from the region offer fruits, vegetables, cakes, bread, self-made marmalades, hand-crafts, plants and others, here at the Country market.

The River Lennon has a long tradition of being a valuable fishing river. This has brought many tourists to the area. Over the years, the river has produced some prizes fishing trophies.

Since 2002, Ramelton has its own beautiful Town Park. A nice place to relax and to enjoy your Self Catering holiday with views over the mouth of the River Lennon into the Lough Swilly.

Ballyvaughan village is situated between the hills of the Burren and the southern coastline of Galway Bay. Ballyvaughan (O’Behan’s Town) developed as a fishing community from the 19th century. A castle site and celtic ring fort hint at earlier habitation of this sheltered bay.

Today this community welcomes visitors to the Burren region. Each year botanists and naturalists roam this lunar landscape searching for the Arctic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants which grow in profusion over the limestone pavements. The Burren is renowned for its archeology. Ballyvaughan is surrounded by megalithic tombs such as Poulnabrone Dolmen, celtic ring forts, medieval churches and castles.

From Ballyvaughan visitors can explore this unique landscape by car, bike or by hiking over its many hills. The karst terrain hides caves and caverns. Aillwee cave is open to the general public all year round. The beaches and coastline of Ballyvaughan are ideal for swimming, kayaking, boating and fishing. The village and its surroundings offer exclusive and comfortable accommodation to relax in. Both the local residents and visitors can enjoy the restaurants and traditional pubs.

Enjoying a Self Catering visit to Ballyvaughan, many people love to escape and to stroll its shoreline and green roads or experience the solitude of the Burren wilderness.

Take a moment to dream. Imagine a peaceful place by a beautiful river, in the shadow of a 14th century castle beside one of Europe’s oldest bridges. A place redolent of history.

Activities such as fishing and boating can all be savoured locally. A few minutes walk through the village will bring you to many bars & restaurants.

Venture a little further to enjoy horse racing at Gowran Park, world-class golf at Mount Juliet or great shopping in historic Carlow town or medieval Kilkenny City (only 10 miles from either). A hour’s drive will bring you to Waterford City. Head south for County Wexford with it’s blue flag beaches!

Leighlinbridge is a must on the itinerary of those who wish to explore life in rural Ireland at its very best. The Leighlinbridge district is rich in history, favoured with fertile land and enhanced by the River Barrow which meanders slowly through the village, bringing with it a wealth of activities to the area.

With its narrow winding streets that rise and fall with the lie of the land, grey limestone malthouses and jagged castle ruins overlooking a 14th century bridge, the centre of the little town of Leighlinbridge opens a vista of an earlier Ireland to the visitor. Kingfishers and many other species of native wildlife, including otters, can be seen from the bridge.

For the keen golfer, walker or outdoor enthusiast, local activities to be enjoyed in the area include, Barrow Track (the former towpath) flanked by a reedbed with a variety of wildlife, including otters, kingfishers, dippers, snipe and heron.

The self catering holiday home in the lovely city of Waterford will be a perfect holiday destination. The ancient city, which was first established by Viking warriors in the 800’s, is chock full of interesting history. Visitors to Waterford will enjoy touring the local attractions and discovering the area’s unique history.

The city of Waterford is divided into districts. Visitors will want to spend time exploring the old part of the city and its historic districts. The oldest part of the city of Waterford has been named the Viking Triangle. Stone barriers built in the 10th century still surround the Viking triangle. As the fortifications, or barriers, are in the shape of a triangle, the name Viking triangle has proved very descriptive. This ancient area of Waterford was once the busy hub of the marketplace, while today the selfcatering traveller will find it is much more peaceful than other areas of the newer town. The winding medieval streets of the old city are lined with buildings dating back hundreds of years. These excellent examples of early Irish and Viking architecture are now home to many pubs and restaurants.

The self catering traveller will find many fortified walls in the city of Waterford. Up until the 15th century walls continued to be built to protect local citizens from danger.

Many of the walls remain today making Waterford the Irish city with the most remaining city walls. The self catering traveller can book a guided tour to learn the unique history of Waterford’s walls and see these amazing structures.

There are several monuments the selfcatering visitor to Waterford will want to put on their list of things to do. Two monuments are located in the historic Quay district. The quay is now home to both businesses and homes, but once was a popular gathering place in the town. New Reginald’s Tower and the William Vincent Wallace Plaza are must see attractions along the quay.

Self catering visitors can journey outside the city walls to visit Ballybricken. This area may well have been the area of Waterford originally dedicated to the Vikings and Irish residents were expelled when the Norman Conquest occurred. Of interest to visitors is the Bull Post where cows and bulls were kept on market days in centuries past. An ongoing archaeological excavation can be found outside the city. Woodstown was discovered in receant years and appears to be the earliest Viking settlement in Ireland.

Visitors may tour portions of the area, meet with archaeologists, and see them at work as they excavate the ruins. The selfcatering traveller will enjoy having a spacious and comfortable holiday home to return to after a long day of activities in Waterford. Waterford self-catering holiday homes offer guests all the comforts of home along with many modern amenities. One option enjoyed by many self catering travellers is the ability to cook onsite. Self catering holiday homes offer the perfect way for a family to enjoy Waterford.