Sandhill: a convenient family holiday home, in its own grounds, in an idyllic setting overlooking Clew Bay and the islands.
The principal rooms have stunning views; south to Croagh Patrick and west over the outer islands of the bay to Clare Island. (All of the above images have been taken from the house with the exception of image 6 which was taken while walking in the bay directly in front of the house).
Accommodation comprises four bedrooms, three double and one twin. There is a family bathroom with bath, shower and WC and one en suite WC and shower. There are wooden parquet floors throughout and all the usual appliances. (TV, DVD player, HiFi, dishwasher, washing machine, double oven cooker, central heating, BBQ etc.) There is also a travel cot and a camp bed.
The location is exceptional, being on a lane in the heart of a farming and fishing community. The walks from the house are lovely; on the lane with its abundant wildflowers; on two miles of seabed at low tide, with access 150 metres from the house. For serious walkers there are numerous looped walks, all clearly marked and one of the jewels of the area, the Great Western Greenway, over 40 km of railway line, converted for walking and cycling only 1km away; bicycles are for hire all along the route.
At Sandhill there is the sense of being remote, yet all the facilities that go to make a memorable holiday are to hand. Twelve minutes walk away is the Newfield Inn, serving excellent, reasonably priced food all day.
Four miles away is Mulranny, arguably the most attractive small town on the western seaboard. It has two small supermarkets, pubs, an antique and antiquarian bookshop, a tourist information office and the Park Inn hotel, with its swimming pool, leisure centre and two restaurants. The town overlooks the salt marsh, the blue-flag beach and the pier with a dramatic backdrop of sea and mountain. In the winter the salt marsh plays host to hundreds of wild geese.
Six miles to the east is Newport which has two excellent butchers and a lovely river. For more concentrated shopping, Castlebar and Westport are about half an hour away and both towns have cinemas.
It would be easy to fill a fortnight at Sandhill without ever doing the same activity twice. Apart from touring north and west Co. Mayo, which is a must, the other essential things to do are:-
- Visit Achill, the Atlantic Drive, the Secret Garden, the Minaun Heights and the beaches at Dugort and Keem bay.
- Explore the inlets of Clew Bay.
- Visit Seal Island.
- Go sea angling or fish for trout and salmon (regulations apply) or take a trip to Clare Island.
- Climb Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain.
- Visit the Ceide Fields, The Museum of Country Life and Westport House, which is full of attractions for children.
- The Pirate Queen, Granuaile: see the castles from which this extraordinary woman dominated the seas of the west coast during the second half of the 16th Century.
- Mulranny’s Golf course is one of the hidden gems of Ireland.
- Then there are the beaches and foraging along the shoreline.
- Touring to Connemara is possible within the day.
Children are welcome at Sandhill as are pets by prior arrangement.
