Blogger: Lauren Lucy Crowley
Nestled in behind the roaring Atlantic Ocean at the bottom of Mullaghmesha mountains is the delightful Bantry Pony Trekking and self catering accommodation. A big fan of holiday- making at home in Ireland, I had been looking forward to my weekend away in West Cork for a few weeks!I was very pleasantly surprised when I arrived to what was one of the most idyllic places I have ever visited…. the ultimate escape for the weekend!
Having called the night before to confirm our arrival I knew we were in for a treat as the land lady was so helpful and kind on the phone sharing all sorts of activity ideas for our stay! She gave us very descriptive directions which were well needed… as the cottage we had rented was so secluded we would have turned back thinking we had gotten lost! We travelled down twisty narrow roads, that had grass growing up the middle and barely enough room for one car (not to mind two!) , we really were deep in the beautiful countryside of West Cork! After an enjoyable car journey, we eventually pulled up onto a farm yard which was home to geese, ducks, chickens, hens, sheep, donkeys, horses, cats, and dogs… we were more than delighted when we realised we had reached our destination!
The two rental cottages are just off the farm yard… white washed on the outside, wooden and cosy on the inside! With a half- door stable style front door, beautiful idioms hanging on the walls, and an open fire… I instantly fell in love with the place! There were easily 10 horses in the field outside right in front of our cottage, the views from where we sat on the gorgeous handmade wooden bench were so beautiful… we ended up bringing all our meals out there to simply admire what a picturesque place we were in!
We spent the evening cuddled up in front of the fire relaxing, reading, and playing board games,( there was no wifi or phone reception at the cottages… which was almost like a treat!). The following morning blessed with great weather, we went on a hike up the mountains behind us! We didn’t meet a single person on our walk… just some cows, and donkeys! The view from the top was genuinely spectacular… I highly recommend checking it out for yourself!
If you enjoy horse riding… you really are staying in the perfect location, but if that’s not your thing located just 20 minutes from Bantry town, and adjacent to the Wild Atlantic Way there is an abundance of things to do in the vicinity of these beautiful cottages! We chose to take off on a day trip around the Wild Atlantic way stopping in Glengarrif (where you can get the boat to Dursey island), Castletownbere, and the picture-perfect eyeries, before having dinner in Kenmare! It was most definitely a day to remember!
I am already looking forward to returning to the slice of paradise in West Cork, what a hidden gem!
