The Monaghan Family from California
Review Submitted: December 27, 2010
Date of Stay: December 2007
My very large, extended family have stayed in Ballycumber House several times over the years at Christmastime. She is a grand, welcoming and comfortable house, child and family friendly, warm and cozy yet cavernous and expansive to spread out!
Incredibly hospitable friendly townspeople (until Christmas next, Sully!xoxo), someone was always able to get us what we needed. Three pubs at the foot of the property gates (hmmm, which one today-Gavin's, Gussie's or Healy's) to choose from, two markets to provide our grocery needs (Mrs. Egan, a million thanks!) - 200 foot walk from property to pubs and markets. Bus and rail stations a short 10 minute drive, close to major cities for shopping, etc.
The boys fish for eel and salmon in the Brosna River just off the back door, chased the ponies in the yard, caught a rugby match in nearby Tullamore and sipped many, many a pint o'the black stuff at Gussie's (Our love to Tony and Eammon!)! Chipper truck serves yummy fish and chicken sandwiches, curry and garlic chips until the wee hours- parks at the foot of the gates (Kisses to Mags for us)! Just DIVINE after a night of drinking as we stumbled home.
We drove from one coast to the other sightseeing in the middle of winter, no problems! Visited Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Cliffs of Mohr, Clonmacnoise, Shrine of Knock, Kinnity Castle, Locke's distillery, Tullamore distillery, Burr Castle (closed in winter as many touristy sites are, check ahead of time) and many other local sites in our 14 days stays.
We cannot say enough about the value, the central location for Ireland and the care shown us by the owner and her family. If a quiet, country atmosphere with helpful folks and a REAL Irish experience are what you seek...Ballycumber House is for you! We are asked time and again why we come in the dead of winter during Christmastime...well, coming from California - real weather, real people and a real Irish experience are exactly what we are seeking, and it's what we love, miss and cherish at Ballycumber House! We leave a part of our heart there every time we leave!
We've talked about going other places and experiencing other cultures on our annual family trips, but our hearts, the Motherland, the people of Ballycumber Village and the Grand Dame, Ballycumber House, call us back every time.
We miss each and everyone, we count the days until we return, we cherish our memories...God Bless Ballycumber, County Offaly!
Slainte!
The Monaghan Clan
Orange County, California
Recommended for:
Age 55+,
Pet-friendly,
Adventure Seekers,
Girls Getaway,
Tourists without a Car,
Sightseeing,
Families with Teenagers,
Families with Young Children,
People with Disabilities,
Romantic Getaway
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Helpful votes: 11/11
