Entire home·Private host

Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.

Photo gallery for Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.

Exterior
Property grounds
Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Ballyvaughan, Clare (county)
  • Popular LocationNewtown Castle6 min walk
  • Popular LocationGalway Bay6 min drive
  • Popular LocationAillwee Cave8 min drive
  • AirportGalway (GWY)57 min drive

Most relevant reviews

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.

Holly Lodge is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, on the Burren Way / Green Road close to the Burren College of Art originally a 16th century round tower castle (Newtown Castle) and only 10 minutes drive from the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan, an enchanting village on the West Atlantic Coast of Ireland in the heart of the Burren National Park, a karst limestone region, one of the largest in Europe where you will find Arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants side by side. It is an ideal base for any traveller to enjoy one of the most fascinating places in Ireland and Europe.

The Burren is rich with historical and archaeological sites offering wonderful opportunities for exploring, walking, cycling, rock climbing and a host of water sports such as surfing, kayaking and angling are just some of the activities available for your enjoyment.

Ballyvaughan is regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Burren region and has a choice of good restaurants, craft shops and traditional pubs.

It is the ideal base to explore the rich heritage of the Burren and surrounding areas. The famous Burren Way (26 miles of green road) starts Ballyvaughan, goes to Fanore, Doolin and ends in Liscannor taking in the Cliffs of Moher. Ballyvaughan is surrounded by megalithic tombs such as Poulnabrone Dolmen (which is reported to be over 6,000 years old, making it more ancient than the pyramids!), celtic ring forts and medieval churches and castles.

Ballyvaughan, an oasis in the Burren offers a warm welcome to all. Whatever it is your looking for – exhilarating adventure, romantic breaks, relaxing with friends – you will find it all here.

For the golfers, the famous links course at Lahinch is only a thirty minute drive from the house and further down the Clare coast is the Greg Norman designed Doonbeg course.
There is also a choice of courses such as Ennis and Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club.

Close to the house the unspoiled beaches of Bishops Quarter and Fanore invite you to swim, kayak and surf. The sheltered Ballyvaughan Bay is suitable for all kinds of water activities.
Also, located a short drive from the house is the famous Flaggy Shore - ‘Postscript’ the beautiful poem by Seamus Heaney.

Shannon International Airport is just an hour away from Holly Lodge.

When the Burren is in bloom the fields around the house are blooming with unique rare wild flowers such as the ‘blue gentian’ - alpine flower.

Please take a look around our luxury retreat, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Burren. From the front and the rear of the house you can see spectacular views of the mountains of the Burren, its limestone pavements, a view of the Burren College of Art originally the 16th century Newtown Castle, the Aillwee Cave, Burren Birds of Prey Centre and Galway Bay.

The house has been designed to optimize the views. The house is centrally heated throughout. Bedrooms are large with ensuites and walk-in wardrobes. Kitchen and dining area is spacious with all amenities. When it is time to relax the living room which is mostly glazed to take in the views, beckons to put your feet up, with its plush leather sofas and soft furnishings.

There is ample parking spaces with large private lawns front and rear with stone seating and table.

The house itself is a unique design with a great sense of space and comfort, with views of the Burren Mountains and Galway Bay.

Property manager

Mary

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Kitchen island
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • On the waterfront
  • In the mountains
  • In a rural location
  • Near the bay
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ballyvaughan

This holiday home is located in Newtown, a neighbourhood in Ballyvaughan, and is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Doolin Pitch & Putt and Bearna Golf And Country Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Burren National Park and Aillwee Cave. Mountain View Horse Riding Centre and Burren Perfumery are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and scuba diving nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain climbing and ecotours.

What's nearby

  • Newtown Castle - 6 min walk
  • Galway Bay - 6 min drive
  • Burren Birds of Prey Centre - 8 min drive
  • Aillwee Cave - 8 min drive
  • Fanore Beach - 28 min drive

Getting around

  • Ardrahan Station - 42 min drive
  • Shannon (SNN) - 74 min drive

Restaurants

  • Monks Pub & Restaurant - 5 min drive
  • Linnane's Lobster Bar - 15 min drive
  • O'Donohue's - 17 min drive
  • Wild Atlantic Lodge - 4 min drive
  • The Soda Parlour - 4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Luxurious Holiday Home with Wifi in the Heart of the Burren, Ballyvaughan. located?

Located in Newtown, this holiday home is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Newtown Castle and 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from Aillwee Cave. Galway Bay and Poulnabrone Dolmen are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 28 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 28 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay!
Mary's house was perfect for us. The location, privacy, views all wonderful. The house was very well equipped for our 5 night stay, we lacked nothing. Such a peaceful spot within a short drive of Ballyvaughan and several restaurant options. If you are looking for a quiet spot near all the Burren has to offer, this is your place!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

robert e.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic house to base your travels from.
Wonderful very communicative hosts welcomed us with a basket of breads, tea and goodies. The house is large and was very comfortable for our group of 4 adults. Excellent home to base your travels to all the sites around the Burren ring. Absolutely would recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caleb R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stillness of the Burren
There is something special about the stillness of the Burren. The views of the windswept limestone hills were breathtaking. Peace and quiet, with easy access to some of the best sights of County Clare: Cliffs of Moher, Poulnabronne, Galway City. Hoke was perfect. Setting was perfect. Hosts were very thoughtful. Thank you!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark C., Mokena, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location
The location and accommodations were perfect. Easy access to Cliffs of Moher, Burrens, Gallway and many others. Mary was a great host. Thank you for contributing to our wonderful memories of Ireland.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tatyana S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Home in the fairyland for a week
Mary is an amazing host - she escorted us personally to the property, ensured we knew how everything works so we have a comfortable break and even brought some supplies. It is like being at home but in a totally surreal beautiful location - views from all the windows are so stunning that you don't really need to go anywhere if the rain has its way ))) Plenty of information about the attractions, very comfortable and well equipped. We could properly chill out as a family and it was perfectly safe for our child with additional needs. Thank you Mary, I am glad I found your listing.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Maggie H.

Lovely, gracious home
My family of four (two adults and two kids age 12 and 9) had a wonderful stay in Holly Lodge, Ballyvaughn in July 2018. The house is large and comfortable with everything we needed to relax and spread out. We loved the sun room with its amazing views from multiple large windows; sunsets were beautiful. We loved the fact that we could see a castle (Newtown Castle/Burren College of Art) from inside the house. Mary was such a kind host - meeting us at the church parking lot to escort us to the house, which she had prepped with home-made soda bread, delicious Irish butter, an apple pie, a carton of milk, and plenty of coffee and tea. Next door and/or across the lane neighbors are sheep, cows, horses, and donkeys. The road is quiet, with little traffic. The location is great for exploring the Burren. The kitchen is a bit under-supplied for cooking, but we were able to creatively make do. We ate and drank at many local places, and had good food and friendly service everywhere. Favorites are Linnane's in New Quay, Monk's in Ballyvaughan, etc. It was unusually hot when we visited so we spent lots of time at beaches like Flaggy Shore and Bishop's Quarter in Newquay, Lahinch, Fanore, and had a great time tidepooling and swimming. The house is a very short drive from Ailwee caves and the Poulnabrone Dolmen, along with other fun cultural sites like Corcomroe Abbey, Cliffs of Moher and St. Brigid's well among others. Very highly recommended!
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sharon H., Laurel Springs

Peace and quiet in a picturesque setting.
We enjoyed our stay at Holly Lodge. The house was cozy, well kept, and had all the comforts of home. Mary was a helpful , informative, and caring host. We arrived to fresh soda bread, apple pie, eggs, milk, coffee and tea. She checked in with us during our stay to make sure that we had everything we needed. The area is very quiet and the sounds of cows and sheep on the hills can be heard. We found the Burren , an untouched limestone landscape to be quite fascinating. The town of Ballyvaughan is lovely and the area allows for day trips to Connemara, Galway, the Cliffs, a drive down the beautiful atlantic coast, and much more. Thank-you Mary for sharing Holly Lodge with us!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

sandra c.

Home and property is exactly as described
Mary was a great hostess, very attentive - helped us get our bearings on the first day and made sure the essentials (coffee!!) were already in the home. Holly lodge was very clean and comfy. The kitchen was very well appointed for those days when we planned to cook in; the location was great for seeing the west coast, including the Aran Islands. You will need to be patient to drive places to get groceries etc., as distances in the Burren are deceiving :-). A lovely spot to explore the West and a not too bad 2.5-3 hour trip to Dublin! Thanks a million Mary
Stayed 13 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Andrea M.

My Irish Eyes are still smiling!
We just returned from a beautiful week's stay at Holly Lodge. We have visited Ireland twice before, but the first time visiting County Clare and the spectacular Burren. Mary was so wonderful to correspond with from the very beginning. She was very prompt in answering any questions via email regarding the house and or suggestions for visiting this part of Ireland. She also sent some very helpful information about the area which added to our excitement counting down to our trip. My husband and I traveled with my son and daughter in law. We all loved the house. Mary made us feel so welcome. She did a marvelous job telling us about her home and also surprised us with some fantastic brown bread, apple pie, milk, butter and a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream!!! She had the teapot hot for us when we arrived, and supplied tea and coffee. Her home is beautiful. The kitchen was huge and was well equipped. The living room was so comfortable with gorgeous views from every window. Actually, the views from every window made it hard to leave each day. There are three big bedrooms, closets and 3 bathrooms. The house is immaculate. Every night we would have a fire in the living room and relax. Mary supplies logs! This was a favorite time of day. We visited so many places. The house is just ideal for visiting western Ireland. We visited Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Ailwee Caves, and travelled all over the beautiful Burren. The village of Ballyvaughan is just lovely. There is a wonderful store to pick up any groceries if needed. We ate at several of the local restaurants and they were wonderful. We ate twice at Monks. So pretty by the water and the fresh Seafood platter to die for. Another favorite was Burren Fine Wine and Food. This place was adorable and the food and service was exceptional. Mary's house is someplace you can only dream of staying. We loved the sheep and cows in the nearby fields, some of the best neighbors ever. We ate fresh local ice cream, star gazed at night and marveled at the rainbows. Holly Lodge and the Burren truly are magical and we would most definitely stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn G.

Beautiful light spacious home with wonderful views
Beautifully situated in The Burren with lovely views over the valley. Our home for the week was spacious and well appointed and situated very close to Ballyvaughan which has some lovely restaurants. Mary Nix our host was helpful and approachable giving us many tips before we arrived and a comprehensive visitors folder. The kitchen is well equipped and we were provided with a lovely welcome basket of a few essentials and a locally baked pie. There is an open fire in the stunning sitting room and the logs, starter and matches were provided. As a family of 5 adults we had more than enough space here. The bedrooms and bathrooms were spacious and comfortable. This is a beautiful home from home and cannot recommend it enough as it is perfectly located to explore The Burren either by car or on foot. We will certainly be returning to this gem.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017