| Description
This
traditional cottage style Island lodge has origins of over 100 years and has
been
lovingly restored to
include all modern conveniences. The unique
lodge sits on 3/4 of an acre surrounded by the natural beauty of the
quite rural surroundings and is on a
secluded island connected to the mainland by a bridge. The
lodge faces the quiet rippling and echoing silence of Tawin bay that
overlooks the Burren hills in Co. Clare. The water is calm, mirroring
the twilight sky, and the impression is one of late afternoon tranquility. The seals are barely visible shadows which slide
noiselessly through the bay, hardly breaking the surface. Blackberry
bushes sprinkle the stone walls along the road outside the lodge
that takes you down to the coral beach at the eastern tip of the
Island where there is a breathtaking view of the Atlantic in the
middle flanked on either side by Galway bay on the right and the
Burren National Park on the left. Tawin
Island is 4 miles from the nearest shop in the village of Maree, 6
miles from the nearest pub and restaurant in the town of Oranmore
and only 11 miles from Galway City. Layout
An
ample entrance hall welcomes you to a beautiful wooden kitchen hand
carved by a local craftsman. The traditional pitch styled
ceiling in the living room gives a sense of space yet old charm with
a turf/wood burning stove that draws you in. The little study off
the living room is perfect for a quiet read or just to simply gaze
out at the sea and burren hills in the distance. There are 2 small
wooden staircases at the front that wind up to two loft bedrooms at
either side of the lodge. Each loft has two twin beds, and a wonderful view of the sea
around the island. Down past the kitchen on the ground floor is the
bathroom with an electric shower and bath/tub and heated towel rail.
There is a bedroom beyond the bathroom with a handmade wooden Irish
bed that sleeps two with a unusual view through the large window of
the old traditional stone walls that encapsulate the Irish
landscape. The lodge can
accommodate up to 6.
Amenities
Reasonable
Rates that include all
fuel, electricity, bed linen and towels in this short term rental.
There is a dishwasher and microwave in the kitchen and a washer and
dryer in the stone sheds to the front of the lodge.
A large yard to the side of the house within the grounds of
the property provide ample parking space. A garden to the
front and a wild garden at the back with an orchard that bears
apples and pears in late September. Other amenities include:
Local
Activities
Tawin Island has a commanding view of Galway city on one side and the
Burren Hills in Co. Clare on the other. The beautiful
simplicity of this unique lodge on the island gives a sense of
freedom and getting away from it all and yet is near all the main
activities of Oranmore, Galway and Clarenbridge:
Galway
city
sits on the River Corrib and is a young and vibrant place, yet
ancient and historic. The
narrow medieval streets are full of character and brimful of life
where you can enjoy a variety of festivals such as Arts/Film
throughout the year. There are many opportunities to buy traditional
crafts, crystal, knitwear, as you amble around the sophisticated
shops of the city. Visit the many theatres, cinemas and a wide
variety of activities for children.
Golfing
- Tee off at the superb Christy O'Connor Jnr. designed championship golf
course, one of the best in the west of Ireland, only 15 minutes away
at Galway
country club.
Fishing - Situated at Europe's
easternmost extremity, Ireland is widely regarded as the last
unspoiled fishing location
in Europe. Experience fishing in a natural, undisturbed
habitat where you will enjoy a unique experience.
Walking
and Cycling
- Discover a coastline of
incomparable beauty as the roads loop and extend through a
scattering of unspoilt countryside with panoramic views. Follow the
renowned 'Slí na Sláinte', (The Way to Health) walking route from
Oranmore village to Rinville Point. Peace and tranquility are there
to enjoy.
Horseriding - Within ten minutes of Oranmore,
beginners and experts alike can enjoy riding lessons, treks and
trails in the nearby countryside.
Sailing / Windsurfing
- Rinville Sailing
Club, Oranmore is the main centre of Dinghy Sailing, Yachting and
Windsurfing in the West of Ireland, offering a safe anchorage and a
sheltered inner bay.
Rinville
Park - Located just ten minutes from Tawin Lodge. It is a
wonderful amenity, created around an ancient castle, a stately home
and a fine estate demesne which dates from the 16th century. With an
extensive network of walks through woodland and open farmland and by
the sea, the park offers a recreational facility of outstanding
quality and beauty. It also features some superb flora and fauna.
The park has picnic areas and a children's adventure playground.
Archaeological / Historical
- Where the
15th century castle in Oranmore and many country houses that dot the
landscape will enlighten the visitor as to Ireland's most recent
past. A glimpse of prehistoric Ireland can be seen by visiting the
dolmens, ringforts, round tower and cooking spit located around the
village. Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee, Kinvara and Athenry Castle are
many of the other significant attractions nearby.
Festivals - Come
and enjoy the world-renowned Clarenbridge
Oyster Festival and Galway
Oyster Festival in September.
Galway
Races - The famous Galway Races, 3 miles from Oranmore, enjoy three
meetings each year.
Pubs and Restaurants -
Savour the world famous oysters at Morans
of the Weir, Kilcolgan.
Nearby
Attractions
Tawin
Island is only a short distance from the stunning
landscapes of
Connemara nestled on
the western seaboard in County Galway, that includes the mountainous
Connemara National Park, the mysterious boglands and a dramatic and
rugged coastline.
The antiquities of the Aran
Islands include primitive stone
forts and dolmens, very old Christian churches and other
remains that survive from early Christian times as well
as mediaeval castles.
The Burren
is
is
a place full
of wonder, beauty and discovery with
immense ecological, botanical and archaeological importance.
The infamous Aillwee
Caves and its undergrounds surprises, a
Cave of beauty, are nearby.
The castles of
the surrounding countryside await you.
Come and
discover, you will be enriched by the experience !
Deposits
€1000 deposit fee due at time of
rental.
How to Get
There
An Tawin Lodge is located in the West of Ireland, near Galway city - about
50 miles from Shannon Airport and 130 Miles from Dublin. Click here
for local maps. Exact location of the Lodge and specific directions
is communicated prior to travel. |