The argument that holidaying in Ireland is better than heading abroad has been gathering pace in recent years. For one, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of airports or baggage allowances and if you do things right, you can definitely save a few quid.
One reason that often gets overlooked though, is the sheer natural beauty of our country and there aren’t many places where this is more evident than in Kerry. I’m of the opinion that on a proper summer’s day, there’s nowhere like the Kingdom and last year I was fortunate enough to spend some time down there over the June bank Holiday.
This was right at the beginning of the unbelievable heatwave of 2018 and luckily, myself and my family had already booked a stay in the Oceanfront Cottages at the Derrynane Hotel. To say we were blessed with our accommodation and the weather is an understatement.
The cottages are located just a couple of minute’s drive uphill from the picturesque village of Caherdaniel and were only recently refurbished.
Each of the houses have two floors and have enough room to sleep approximately eight people. During your downtime, you can make the most of the sun out the front or get enjoy the private patio out the back.
When it’s mealtime you can rustle something up in the oven or if you’re not bothered cooking during your holiday, all you have to do is hop across the main hotel where you’ll find top-notch breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Even if you’re not hungry, it’s worth grabbing a seat next to the window in the bar and taking in the magnificent views of the ocean through the giant windows. The serene setting is bound to push any work or life issues out of your head as you take in stunning surrounds of the Iveragh Peninsula. There’s also an outdoor pool for those who wish to cool down in this most stunning of settings. Stick around the bar for a while afterwards and you might catch some live music, the perfect way to round off an evening.
As for local amenities, the Derrynane and Caherdaniel area is an absolute haven for outdoorsy types. Visitors can try their hand at watersports such as windsurfing and wakeboarding, while cycling enthusiasts can hop on their bikes and embark on the famed Ring of Kerry.
Down in the village of Caherdaniel, be sure to pop into the Blind Piper for a drink and some grub, or if you head the other direction from the cottages, you’ll soon come across O’Carroll’s Cove beach bar. If the weather is good at this spot, you’ll genuinely feel like you’ve landed on a paradise Greek island as you sip your drink in the sun.
Nearby villages of Sneem and Waterville are also worth venturing to for a spin and however long you spend in this beautiful part of the country, you’ll never be short of things to do or places to see.
The Oceanfront Cottages are the ideal base to park yourself with a few friends or family members for a few days and I’d go as far as suggesting a week isn’t too long. Now all you have to do is pray for the weather.
