Looking for more top-class accommodation in Co Mayo? Try these
HAWTHORN LODGE Castlebar
Philip and Anna O'Malley-Dunlop bought a small 18th-century house - originally built as a hunting lodge - in 1991, and have restored it painstakingly. The O'Malley-Dunlops are descendants of Maud Burke, great granddaughter of Granuaile, the pirate queen of Mayo. Philip, a former chorister and classics scholar in Manchester, runs an orchestra called the Mayo Strings. They rehearse in the house every Thursday, so guests may occasionally get free concerts. The enormous basement kitchen is where Anna makes her fresh soda bread and delicious home-made jams. Other members of the household include Cassius, a black labrador; Hector, a beagle; and Vita the cat. Hens provide fresh free-range eggs for residents and visitors. There are two ensuite bedrooms, one double and one twin. B&B is €38 per person. Call 094-9021085.
Deirdre McQuillan
ROSTURK WOODS Rosturk, Mulrany
I have never stayed at Rosturk Woods, but knowing its location, its reputation and its owner, Alan Stoney, I have no hesitation in recommending it. The house, between Newport and Mulrany, was built in 1991, is situated on five acres of woodland, and includes a tennis court and a little stream. The apartment is a self-contained annexe to the main house, and can accommodate six people. It is comfortable, bright and airy, with views of Clew Bay and the vast, long, sandy beach a few minutes' walk away. Alan Stoney is a sailing instructor, and wildlife tours can be arranged. Weekly rental ranges from €750 for April, May and October, €850 for June and September and €975 for July and August. B&B by arrangement. Call 098-36264.
Deirdre McQuillan
SHRULE HOUSE Shrule
As a child in Shrule, Roseanne Hughes was a regular visitor to a local museum, located just outside the town, in the house of an English couple. She and her friends would furnish the museum with any items of interest they came across in their play. Later, the contents of the small museum was passed on to the Museum of Country Life in Castlebar. The house gradually fell into disrepair, until Roseanne bought it two years ago and renovated and reroofed it. It's now available for short-term rental. The seven bedrooms sleep up to 13 (eight to nine comfortably), at a total charge of €400 per weekend, or €900 per week. The simply-decorated 1760s house shares a three-acre plot with a Norman keep. Contact Roseanne at 00-44-79-31431637, or her parents in Mayo at 093-31254.
Conor Goodman