Cosy Countryside Retreat - Laragan Lodge

Stomp up a hill or two, meet cows, sheep and donkeys. Curl up on the sofa with endless cups of tea, watch the weather change over the lake. Fish for salmon to cook in the fireplace, drive around the countryside, hole up in a local pub... Heaven. The space Laragan lies tucked into the hillside above Lough Conn in one of the most beautiful and remote parts of County Mayo in the West of Ireland. The house has wonderful views over the lake, north towards the dramatic slopes of Nephin Mountain and all around to wild, unspoilt countryside. The cottage was built in 2008 in the traditional style and its design echoes the long, low, whitewashed houses that are such a feature of this part of the country. The house sleeps eight people: the biggest bed you've ever seen upstairs, with an en-suite bathroom. On the ground floor is another lovely en-suite double bedroom, two twin bedrooms and another bathroom. The living space has a double-height ceiling, a very well-equipped kitchen and a lounge area with extremely comfortable sofa and armchairs set around a large open fireplace. All of the rooms look out onto the surrounding fields, with cows, sheep and the occasional dancing hare. The living room has a large panorama window overlooking the lake. Other things to note There is plenty to do, should you wish to venture farther afield: visit of the Foxford Woolen Mills (15 min drive); soak in the famous seaweed baths of Enniscrone (45 min drive but oh so worth it); surf on Achill Island; meet falcons at Mountfalcon across the lake, or go for tea and a walk in the gardens of Enniscoe House.