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Charming old cottage overlooking Dunmanus Bay

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Exterior
Living area
Living area
Dining
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Durrus, Cork
  • Bantry Bay
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Bantry House
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Schull Harbour
    ‪27 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds and 1 Crib

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Charming old cottage overlooking Dunmanus Bay

A charming old stone farmhouse nestled in a rocky hillside with views over Dumanus Bay. Cotton's Cottage has been in our family for about 50 years and is restored as a comfortable holiday home with typical cottage characteristics (traditional low ceilings and steep narrow stairs which give it a cosy atmosphere!)
A leafy lane leads to the fishing and farming village of Ahakista which lies at the centre of the Sheep's Head peninsular with its 200km walking route.
The real charm of the cottage is its tranquility and beautiful setting. For those looking for more activity there is something for the gourmet, the golfer, the cyclist, the surfer, the fisherman, the sailor, the gardener....in particular, the walker.

The ground floor has a sitting room with original inglenook fireplace leading to a semi open plan kitchen. In the next room there is a dining room with a utility area and shower room at the back and a back door.
Up to the first floor there are 2 staircases with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom each side. On one side there is a double room, a twin room and a bathroom and on the other side there are 2 twin rooms and a bathroom.
There are bay views from 3 of the 4 bedrooms. Please note one of the staircases is original, steep and narrow.
Heating is by panel heaters, paying for what you use.

Outsider there is a terrace overlooking the view and a garden leading down to a stream. The garden is semi enclosed.

Property manager

Charlie Cotton
Premier Host

Languages

English, French
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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Exterior

Renovated farm house with an unobstructed view of the Atlantic

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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
9.6 out of 10, (41 reviews)
Renovated farm house with an unobstructed view of the Atlantic

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ahakista

Located in Ahakista, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. Bere Island Heritage Centre and Catherine Hammond Gallery are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Kilravock Garden and Whyte Bookshop. Schull Planetarium and Issie's Handmade Chocolate are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with sailing and surfing/body boarding nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and cycling.
Map
Durrus, Cork

What's nearby

  • Bantry Bay - 14 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Bantry House - 19 min drive - 19.8 km
  • Schull Harbour - 27 min drive - 26.3 km
  • Garnish Island - 35 min drive - 38.5 km
  • Mizen Head - 39 min drive - 41.9 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Arundels by the Pier - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Eileens Bar - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The old creamery - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Gateway Café - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Heron Gallery Café - ‬9 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming old cottage overlooking Dunmanus Bay pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Charming old cottage overlooking Dunmanus Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming old cottage overlooking Dunmanus Bay?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming old cottage overlooking Dunmanus Bay located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Dunmanus Bay and within 9 miles (15 km) of Kilravock Garden and Bantry Bay. Wolfe Tone Square and Bantry House are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 43 out of 59 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 59 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 59 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 59 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 59 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

ANGELA M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 14 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great trip

Thanks to Margaret and Annette for a lovely stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Craig S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

New Year's Eve at Charlie's

Had a wonderful stay on the Sheepshead Peninsula. Great walks and – naturally – pubs: Eileen's at Kilcrohane; Arundels by the Pier at Akhahista, where we celebrated our friend's birthday and partied on New Year's Eve; and Ma Murphy's in Bantry. The food at Arundels was delicious. We would love to come back and visit during the spring and summer and go to the Tin Pub, which is just down the road from the cottage.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mr Terry Barry

It was absolutely brilliant on all fronts. Margaret and Anette were fantastic in setting the place up and being helpful with any requests. The owner Charlie Cotton was also brilliant in helping us. We loved our 3 week stay here. It was even better than our earlier 3 week stay at the Blairscove cottage at Dunmanus Pier prior to crossing Dunmanus Bay to Ahakista.
Stayed 21 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sheer bliss

We stepped back in time to a gentler pace of life in this idyllic cottage in a breathtakingly beautiful area. We had a warm welcome in the local bars and wonderful walks in the hills. Perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Sheena C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable & quaiby

We stayed 4 nights: 3 would have been sufficient. The cottage is old and therefore very dark in the daytime. No tv didn't bother us but would be nice as an option - especially when the weather is as bad as it was for the first 2 days! Didn't like having to calculate electric cost: 20c a unit was over €30 for the 4 days -and we didn't use the radiators or washing machine. To include in the cost upfront would have been much more convenient. Margaret the property manager was very helpful. Double room is very comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Richard L., London

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful escape

Cotton’s cottage is a wonderful peaceful hideaway with everything you need for a cosy holiday. There is an excellent guide to the Sheep’s Head peninsula and some really good walks from the front door. There are games, jigsaws and books for rainy days and a kitchen with all the essentials. The garden is lovely too - find the big rocks to sit on with a glass of something in the evening. The Wi-fi is fast but this is an old-fashioned place, kitted out over many years. Don’t come expecting a flat-screen, a rainforest shower head or brand new kitchen equipment. It’s not pretending to be anything other than the comfortable old cottage that it is. We really enjoyed it.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Helen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just perfect

We loved everything about the cottage and the area so much and wish we could have stayed longer but will definitely be back - thank you to Margaret, lovely to meet you. Great to have Arundels by the Pier within walking distance and support the new owners who are doing a wonderful job, great food & atmosphere in most perfect setting ever.

10/10 Excellent

Andrea O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing break!

Our week in Cotton's Cottage must count as one of the most peaceful and scenic breaks we have had in out 16 year marriage. The cottage is perfectly cosy with everything you could possibly need. The location is truly breathtaking with stables for riders just 20 minutes away. Margaret was lovely and welcoming (thank you Margaret) - we will be back!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Milli M.

Fabulous cottage in a wonderful setting

Everything we wanted in our trip was right here in this cottage and Ahakista. Great walks on your doorstep, fabulous views, the bay and the tin shed pub was a nightly ritual ending with a packed pub and plenty of singing! I would highly recommend a stay here. Milli
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Robert E.

A super cottage in a lovely seting

The cottage was roomy and comfortable. Margaret gave us a lovely welcome and she keeps the cottage in lovely order. It is a great base for exploring West Cork.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Adele G.

Great location

We stayed for a week over Easter and found the house great. It is a good size with lovely bedrooms and a nice sitting room. The kids loved feeding the donkeys every day. Margaret, who looks after the house was so lovely and really helpful. The weather was very cold and damp over the Easter period and we did find the house quite cold. It took awhile to heat up but as mentioned, it was exceptionally cold for the time of year. Overall I would definitely recommend the house as it is in a great location and a great price.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Bruce C.

The Most Quaint Irish Cottage

The most wonderful Irish Cottage we have ever stayed in. We could have spent another 2 weeks here. Everything you need in the most stunning setting you could ever imagine. Beautiful walks, scenery, quaint pubs, a cottage so cozy you never want to leave, & Margaret who hands over the keys is the kindest most helpful lady you ever likely to meet. In short - this place is heaven on earth.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

8/10 Good

Aishling N.

Lovely property in a very beautiful area

We had a lovely stay in this cottage. It felt like home away from home. Margaret was so friendly and helpful. The property is really clean and had everything we needed. There are stunning walks right on the doorstep and it overlooks the sea. The electricity was expensive - 70 euro for 4 days (2 people). The only downside is the cottage has storage heaters. It does heat up after awhile but it's costly. Overall I would recommend it and we'd love to go back again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2018
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Olive O.

Cosy

Great break away. Plenty space for all of us (Family of 5 and a dog) all very happy. Enough firewood left for our first night which was welcomed. Plenty to do in the area, lovely walks. The kids loved the small beach down by the tin shed. The tin shed was closed for the season but Arundels open and very pleasant. Plenty to do in the area. A visit to mizen head a must and Barleycove beech was just amazing. Went to Crookhaven for lunch and our little doggie was welcomed into the pub. Went to garnish island which I feel would have been amazing in the spring and summer when the plants would be seen in all their glory. Unfortunately some of the island was closed due to storm damage but the ferry over was special, we saw plenty of seals. The cottage was welcoming after a day of activities. Easy space to prepare meals and dining room offered a space where we discussed our days and plan the next. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Matthias G.

A lovely place to relax

We spent a very relaxing week in this lovely cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peter C.

excellent

very comfortable, Margaret very helpful; wonderful views of the light on Dunmanus peninsula to the south, wonderful walks; Bantry very convenient.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Harvey W.

Great find

Great cottage all you could want for self catering very present place great local people and a great local pub ( the tin shed )
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Josette S.

Beautiful, idyllic and immaculate.

My friend, our two children and myself arrived at Cottons Cottage after a somewhat stressful journey from England and the calming effects of the cottage were instantaneous. I don't think I have ever been anywhere as beautiful as this little slice of heaven before! The cottage was immaculate and had every appliance we could need during our 5 day stay. Whilst the cottage itself is old, the appliances are certainly not. We were able to wash and dry clothes, enjoy hot showers and baths, and store all of our food in the fridge with no worries at all. The cottage is situated in the rural village/hamlet of Ahakista and the true beauty of this area is that it is totally unspoilt. There is no noise pollution, just the sounds of birds and animals. The scenery is spectacular and everything you could need is nearby - from woodland, seaside to shops and restaurants. The children spent 5 days running around outside away from technology and the lure of TV, forgetting about the worries and pressures of school. My friend and I managed to read, colour, walk and explore and enjoy every second of our children. Listening to them laugh and play, engaging with nature and reading together is something that cannot be compared to anything. No amount of iPads, TV's or phones can even begin to match this type of joy! The cottage was cosy and warm, we made use of the lovely fireplace and spent a lot of time searching for fairies in the garden! We woke up to rabbits on the grass and the friendly dogs belonging to the neighbours sitting by the benches. We took walks to see the donkeys and to the nearby pub for lunch, we took spectacular walks to see the stones on the hill (the name escapes me!) and we read stories with our tea and toast. We left the cottage rosy cheeked, healthy and wishing the 5 days could go on forever. Cottons Cottage is our new love and I recommend this break to anyone and everyone. Artists, authors, parents, children, couples, workaholics, hikers... no matter who you are or what you do then Cottons Cottage is an absolute must!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Imogen S.

Gorgeous, homely, comfy cottage

I stayed with my friend and our 2 young children. Although the weather wasn't on our side completely (as to be expected) we still had such a lovely time! The cottage is so beautiful and felt like home away from home. Although a cottage, there was plenty of space for us all without feeling like we were stepping on each others toes or in each others way. The bedrooms were all lovely and spacious with a super cosy living area and modern dining room. We were all very comfortable there and there was plenty to do. From walks up to see the "Fairy Stones" and trips to the harbour and local towns we weren't short on places to visit and access was easy to everywhere. The kids loved the donkeys across the road and the farm dogs that came to visit. I would definitely recommend a stay and will most certainly be going back :) Thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us

10/10 Excellent

Anna O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfectly cosy

Exactly as described, cosy and well equipped (dryer in humid winter was a real plus). Bedrooms were great with comfy beds and spacious dining room. The fireplace worked really well.We had a lovely week in this magical place in west cork!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Don F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great base for exploring the Sheepshead

The cottage is very spacious, and comfortable, located close to wonderful walks and drives. Perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Klaudia K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tolle Unterkunft

Wer Nostalgie mag, ist bei dieser Unterkunft genau richtig. Tolles Haus in super Lage. Wir haben unseren Aufenthalt sehr genossen. Gerne wieder
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Daragh R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter weekend break

Lovely property full of character.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Elisabeth F.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by Charlie Cotton

Host profile image
Cotton's Cottage, an old farmhouse, was acquired in the 1960's by my parents and now 4 generations of the Cotton family have enjoyed holidays there, particularly appreciating the peaceful and tranquil setting.
It holds a special place for our family today as it was where I proposed to my wife and where, by coincidence, we twice discovered we were expecting a child. It has been lovely to see the children grow up, visit on their own as young adults and then return with future generations.

Why they chose this property

The south west of Ireland is special for the fingers of land pushing out towards the Atlantic and the sheltered bays they create. We are at the centre of the Sheep's Head peninsular which overlooks Dunmanus Bay and on the other side of the hill, Bantry Bay. The Cottage is an old farmhouse which has been restored as a holiday home, nestling into the rocky hillside.
The Sheep's Head Way, a 200km walking route, passes the end of the lane.

What makes this property unique

The peace and tranquility at this cosy Cottage never fails to soothe. You can just sit and look at the water in Dunmanus Bay, every time the view looks different and special or walk a little bit of the Sheep's Head Way, the 200km walking route which passes your door.
As Seamus Heaney wrote of this area 'water and ground in their extremity' or as we say in the family 'next stop america....

Languages:

English, French

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