Travel
Do it yourself..
As the country begins to open up Lorna Hogg suggests a number of self-catering options
The charming Blanchville in Co. Kilkenny
As we come out of lockdown, the idea of getting away, to new surroundings and experiences has never been more appealing. It’s what we all dreamed of for the past year. However, many people are now understandably wary of crowded resorts and `close encounter’ holidays. Despite our jabs, many of us now want a holiday or break which involves keeping our distances. So, what better way to get the family together, (within current Covid restrictions) than on a self catering break, ideal if you have vulnerable family members? Self catering breaks are proving a popular holiday choice this year, and if you have not experienced one in recent years – you will be amazed at the range of properties, styles and stays that ae now available. Forget about childish memories of worn sheets, broken kettles and dirty chipped crockery – plus restrictions. From country cottages to cool urban dwellings, seaside retreats or sleeping under the stars – the choice is now extensive. Your idea of getting away might be to retreat - to pure luxury, with no cleaning, shopping or cooking to distract you from the views, local restaurants and multi channel television. Alternately, you might want to try the newly popular Glamping – often summed up as `luxurious camping – for posh people’! You might yearn to get away from it all, to peace and quiet - or let the grandchildren run free 34 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie
and make as much noise as they want in a large house. Whatever your preference, be it chilling in peaceful solitude, gathering together a bubble of (allowed) friends, or all generations of your family - there is a holiday home from home waiting for you. As any experienced traveller knows, the key to a successful trip lies in research, and holiday homes are no exceptions. Some properties have their own websites. Others are linked to Irish self catering or tourist websites. Don’t overlook UK or international websites - some have excellent examples of Irish self catering homes. When researching, it is also worth noting that many of the top rated and most popular sites have owners or staff on hand. With thorough checking, you can then discover the kind of holiday home that will pass the ultimate test - will you be regretful to leave, and book your next stay before you do go? Catering to your demands.. The Oak Barn, Dunany Eco Lodge, Co Louth Dunany Oak Barn in Co. Louth is a traditional build, but with a very modern style. Its 800 square feet are made from green oak and it has full eco-cred. There is geo thermal underfloor heating, eco friendly electricity – 50% from a renewable source and even Irish well water. It also has views to match, with 180 degrees sea views, is near a sandy
beach – and just 50 minutes from Dublin Airport. The building can provide a home for a family to six absolute maximum, or three to four adults. The hosts are on hand to help and advise. The Barn has 2 bedrooms, 1 upstairs, one downstairs, bathroom, kitchen and open style living room, plus outside terrace. There is also a large garden, and easy access to golf, plus easy access to historic Carlingford. and Drogheda. www.travelagenciesfinder.com Croan Cottages, Kilkenny Just 20 minutes from Kilkenny and set betwen Dunnamaggin and Knocktopher, these five award winning self catering modern build cottages are set in the grounds of the historic Croan House, an eighteenth century manor house. The hosts are on hand, to help and advise. The cottages are, however, in traditional design, 3 and 2 bed, with all modern conveniences we love, and set around a court yard. Many of the original aspects of the house and estate remain, however – lime trees give shade, there is a duck pond, and walled gardens still produce fruit and vegetables. This a dog-friendly area, so your pooch is welcome.The two bed cottages (at time of going to press) have a starting price of €315 for two nights off-peak, and €345 for 2 nights for a 3 bed version. The cottages are just 20 minutes from Kilkenny, with an array of
