Type: Ireland
Lough Ine, Skibbereen
Skibbereen, Cork, 10
Ireland
Introduction: This stunning Regency House was built in 1830 for Lord Carbery as a hunting lodge. The House is set amongst its own private 6 hectares of parkland estate on the edge of the beatiful Lough Ine - known as one of the most beautiful, intriguing and romantic places in all of Ireland. The House has been built in a most tasteful position, offering views of the Lough, the sea and the surrounding park and woodlands. The property has its own shingle beach in an area noted for its wildlife in a protected nature reserve of outstanding beauty. The rowing boat will allow you to explore the beauties of the Lough.
A truly charming place to call home, whilst you take in everything the surrounding area of West Cork has to offer you.
Elegantly furnished for comfortable country life, large sofas, polished oak floors and a vine-filled conservatory, all add to the particular charm of this house. Sun pours through the French doors in the interconnecting reception rooms that overlooks the garden. While unwinding in the cosy living room, guests can enjoy the spectacular views of the sea lough and the surrounding hills.
From the elegant hall, a lovely curved staircase leads you to the first floor where you will find 3 double bedrooms and a large bathroom. The main bedrooms look right over the sea and are elegantly decorated with tasteful material and period furniture. One of them has a four-poster bed, the other, twin beds. The third, charming bedroom looks over the gardens.
On the ground floor are two more wood paneled twin bedrooms and two bathrooms each with bath and shower.
The surrounding Estate has meandering paths, providing opportunity for exploring, reflecting or just enjoying the exquisite nature.
The road around the lough also makes for a pleasant walk, shaded by the wooded hillside and characteristic West Cork fuchsia hedges. Hardy fuchsias escaped from gardens many years ago and are now very much at home in the hedgerows. The fuchsia has become such a familiar and well-loved plant that it has been adopted as the symbol of West Cork. In late summer, the profusion of deep red flowers is a beautiful sight and the hedges are alive with loudly buzzing bees.
The remains of an old O'Driscoll castle can be seen on an island in the middle of the lake. A local legend has it that a reclusive king, Labhrai Loinsigh2, once lived in the castle. He would only agree to have his hair cut once each year and would have the unfortunate barber killed when the job was finished. One year, a young boy was selected for the task and after the trimming was complete, he was put to death at the king's command. As he died, he whispered the king's great secret to the grass beneath. Some time later, a passing shepherd picked the blades of grass to fashion a pipe. On playing the pipe, the notes were magically transformed to repeat the young boy's dying words and 'The king has ass's ears, the king has ass's ears' sang out across the island. The king heard that his secret was discovered and in his shame, fled. He was never to be seen again.
Although not on any local bus routes, Lough Ine is easily reached by car, clearly signposted from the Skibbereen to Baltimore road. Only a few miles from Skibbereen, the trip is an easy cycle ride. Parking by the lough is limited to a couple of small parking areas, which can quickly fill up on busy days. The visitor would be well advised to stock up with snacks and drinks in Skibbereen as there are no convenient shops, pubs or restaurants there.
Price per week (Euro): 2600 - 3400
Pets Welcome: No
Wheelchair Access: Please ask
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