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Reviews of Cosy south facing sunny cottage Ballylickey, Bantry - on the Wild Atlantic Way

Cosy south facing sunny cottage Ballylickey, Bantry - on the Wild Atlantic Way
Ballylickey, Bantry, Co Cork

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 73 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 73 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dave D.

Liked: Cleanliness
A perfect spot for a week or a month
As a VRBO Host and an owner of a guest house I can sometimes have my expectations not met. I had the pleasure of staying for 3 weeks at the cottage. its well equipped with anything you might need for a relaxing holiday. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, fireplace, salon and a real working kitchen with most everything you need. close enough to the pub and food shop but far enough away to feel isolated. It a real Irish home with out the bells and whistles you might get at a more modern/commercial property. Kathleen and Jack are great hosts, they are less than 1 k away… good communication and very friendly.
Stayed 21 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth U.

Liked: Cleanliness
Secluded Hideaway
Secluded and yet within ten minutes of town and Bantry Bay. Well equipped and comfortable property. Great base to travel from. Property owners very helpful if needed.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Value for money
property is well looked after and well equiped. In a very good location not very far to the nearest town.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michele F., SEDONA

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Location, Delightful Hosts
This was my second stay at Ballylickey Cottage and my experience with this property and the delightful owners, Kathleen and Jack, has been wonderful both times. These hosts are friendly and responsive property managers who clearly have a sincere interest in their guests having an enjoyable stay. The cottage is in an idyllic countryside location, yet only a few minutes from conveniences such as a Centra market for food and petrol, and Mannings Emporium for artisan treats and outstanding coffee. The bustling town of Bantry is less than 10 minutes away with loads of great places to eat and shops to explore. Popular Glengarriff is just 10 minutes in the other direction. The cottage is very well equipped, clean, and comfortably furnished. There is a wonderful wood stove that keeps the place toasty warm on chilly evenings and the wood basket is stocked with plenty of wood for 2-3 nights (more can be purchased at the nearby Centra). I stayed at the cottage on my own both times and felt very safe and cozy. There is plenty of room for more people, though, with three large bedrooms, two nice bathrooms, and a sizeable kitchen with a dining table that seats six. I felt very much 'at home' staying at this property and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a comfortable, convenient, and relaxing home-base while visiting this part of Ireland.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 May 2023
Thanks so much for your brilliant review. I would urge any other prospective guests to read this review to get a correct picture of my property.

10/10 Excellent

EDDIE O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Don’t be telling everybody….
Where to start? A blazing fire in the hearth when we arrived on a cold April afternoon, providing plenty of warmth to the large and comfortable living room. A fine modern kitchen plenty big enough for the family breakfast. Three well-appointed bedrooms and two bathrooms. All spotlessly clean and well-kept. A warm and friendly welcome too from Kathleen and Jack. We stayed a week, and I wish we’d booked two. It’s located in a lovely quiet area a few kilometres from Ballylickey, and a short drive from Bantry and Glengarriff. Well situated for days out to the magnificent peninsulas of Sheep’s Head and Beara. And in the event of bad weather, somewhere you’d be happy to spend the day, settled down in front of the fire with a good book. A lovely place. Just don’t be telling everybody.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 May 2023
Hi Eddie, it was my pleasure to have you and Linda stay in my holiday home. I want to thank you sincerely for your truthful and honest review. It's a joy to have guests like you that can appreciate what they experience and finally I look forward to having you back again in the near future. Kathleen.

10/10 Excellent

Tammy O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
This was the perfect place for us to use as a central location to rest after drives all over the lower part of Ireland. Kathleen was charming and lovely and we enjoyed our visit with her. We would rent from her again when we visit Ireland again.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Frank S.

Balleylickey
Great Location
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

2/10 Terrible

Mark S.

Disliked: Cleanliness
From WOW to ‘ow!!!
Well, where do we start? On the outside it’s a beautiful cottage in an idyllic setting just outside Bantry. On the inside it’s a 1980’s time warped, dated property that is in need of more than a deep clean. Cold, damp and unclean on arrival, the dishwasher rusty, the washing machine taped up, and rusty, the only way to describe our feelings is to say “DUPED” springs to mind. However, this was nothing compared to the arrival of the owners, “Cathleen & Jack”. Jack’s gift of 6 logs was a big help to keep us warm, lasted all of 75 minutes!! That though was the tip the iceberg. Firstly Cathleen told us it was a good job we’d brought our own Christmas tree, as the one she’d promised us was in her garage and she was unaware of its condition. To top that she then announced that we’d have to pay extra for the electricity we were going to use, and VRBO should of told us this. You can imagine our thoughts at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve. Guess what?? A quick check of the T&C’s told us it was included, and the fantastic staff at VRBO confirmed this 2 days later. VRBO we’re absolutely brilliant with us, pity we can’t say the same about the owners, never came near us after. Complained to VRBO, and got written confirmation that I’m within my rights to put these comments in my review. Totally impossible to recommend this property, or anything about it after the our dreadful experience. Shame on you Cathleen.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jan 2023
Beware of Mark Southworth In reply, after the first sentence, your review is totally exaggerated. The adjectives " cold, damp and unclean " are totally untrue. There was a good fire in a new stove when they arrived and heaters were on in every room. They had sufficient coal and timber for a day. Everything in the kitchen was working perfectly when I checked them. They had my phone number and as I tell all guests to phone me and I will do my best to rectify any problems. The electricity, Every guest pays for the amount used during their stay and regretfully they went off leaving me with a good bill. I admit, there was tape on the washing machine, but this was masking tape left there by a painter who recently painted the house. Shame on you Mark and Heather for posting such an unmerited review about my holiday home. Kathleen Cronin.

8/10 Good

Matt F.

Nice stay.
The house and the location are nice. Cosy cottage. We definitely had a lovely week but the place could do with some deeper cleaning between visitors, and more modern appliances. We tried to vacuum before we left to leave the place clean but the hoover bag was full and there was no replacement.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

6/10 Okay

Roy M.

Bantry holiday.
Not quite as expected!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Helen G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay in Ireland
We stayed for 10 days here and it was lovely. The cottage was very comfortable with plenty of room and great views. The location was very peaceful but just a short drive to Bantry and Glengarriff, we loved Glengarriff. The scenery in the area is just stunning. Loved it.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2022

6/10 Okay

Martin M.

Holiday rental
Was ok a bit dated but otherwise was fine
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah F., Worcester, uk

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing
Lovely cottage in an absolutely beautiful location. Very peaceful. Bantry Town was idyllic with very friendly locals. Lots to do and see in the area. Jack and Kathleen were lovely hosts too. Highly recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Breda M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxed break away
We had one of the most relaxed breaks here. Peace and quiet. Plenty walks and a great base to explore the area. Jack welcomed us and provided local information. Could not have been more helpful. We will return again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful simplicity
Very peaceful setting in rolling countryside. In close proximity to everything, exceptionally clean. Excellent and hospitable communication with hosts who were so welcoming and helpful. Lovely!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

marie c.

Liked: Cleanliness
Really enjoyed our stay
Very happy would rent it again
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cormac F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stay at Ballylickey
We had a great time staying at Suaimhness in Bally lickey. Kathleen and Jack are great hosts. The property is very spacious inside with all kitchen amenities, wifi, log fire and three bathrooms. The location is fantastic overlooking rolling hills but only a one mile walt to the sea where there is a pub, petrol station and shops. I would thoroughly recomend Suaimhness to anyone who wants to visit West Cork and recharge therge their batteries. This place definitely lives up to its name - "Peaceful"
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ciprian Ioan P.

Liked: Cleanliness
We great time!
A very peaceful and beautiful location. We spent good and relaxing time. Our host was kind and friendly. We warmly recommend it, especially if you wish to spend quality time in the countryside.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katarzyna Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magic sunnycottage
My family and I had amazing 3 weeks in Sunnycottage 👌❤️The host- Kathleen is lovely lady with energy of an angel 😇💗 Thank you Kathleen for all 💖
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

EILEEN D., Newport Co Mayo Ireland

Good location
We enjoyed our visit. The property was okay apart from very uncomfortable sofa and chairs in the lounge. The location is excellent ad is the outdoor space.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2022
Thank you foer your review Eileen,I'm happy to tell you that the sofa and chairs in the lounge are now replaced with new ones.

10/10 Excellent

alison f.

Liked: Cleanliness
lovely stay in Ballylickey
The location was perfect for us not too far from Cronins shop or Bantry town. Plenty to do around the locality. If anything was needed in house Kathleen got it sorted . Enjoyed our trip will be back again.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Feb 2022
Thank you for your positive review Alison and am looking forward to having you back again.

8/10 Good

Alexis P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Really good location for sightseeing. Kathleen was always close if needed.
Great accommodation, upstairs family had the 2 rooms with main bathroom. They had their own privacy. Mum & Dad had downstairs bedroom with ensuit, so perfect for us and our family. Lovely hot shows. Perfect location for sightseeing.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Feb 2022
Thank you Alexis for your kind review.

10/10 Excellent

Sinead O.

Lovely property
Very peaceful and great location to explore West Cork
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept 2021
Thank you Sinead for submitting review.

6/10 Okay

Barbara C.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Good value but a few issues
Good location, close to Bantry. We found the house good value, however it is very outdated and the kitchen was not very well equipt, we had to go and buy a number of items that I would expect to be provided for at a holiday home. There were also smells of cigarette smoke from the upstairs bedroom and a bad smell from the downstairs bathroom. Good area outside with a nice table and chairs for outdoors eating.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept 2021
Hi I wish you had contacted me about the issues raised and I would have done my best to right them. K.

10/10 Excellent

Andrea F.

Liked: Cleanliness
A lovely break
This is a wonderful property and Kathleen is a welcoming and helpful host. Thank you so much.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Angela O.

Tranquility in Ballylickey
We had a lovely stay in this property, location was amazing, very picturesque traditional and tranquil. The house offered everything needed for a self catering option during Covid 19. Even though we had good weather we couldn’t resist lighting the stove in it’s beautiful setting. Our one complaint was a smell lingering in the downstairs bathroom possibly a leak
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ilona C.

Liked: Cleanliness
September Week break
very clean, very quiet and great location for touring. Spoke to Kathleen on the phone and she was lovely. House has a the bits and pieces you need.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Drew O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super visit in West Cork
The house was really nice and was in an excellent location for exploring West Cork, Southern Kerry. We had a great holiday break. The hosts were fantastic and very helpful.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Valerie O., Cork

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous week away
We had a fantastic weeks holiday at this property, we would highly recommend it. Right in the middle between Bantry and Glengarriff and very easy to travel around West Cork and Kerry.

10/10 Excellent

Helen R.

Liked: Cleanliness
A week in West Cork July 2020
Property was lovely, very quiet and peaceful but internet access was very hit and miss...this didn't bother us but we were a party of adults with no children. Kathleen and Jack very helpful and the property was in good location for travelling around West Cork.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

Ruth M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Countryside
This is a nice cottage though it can be a bit cold. You can light a fire and there are plenty electric heaters there. You would need a car as it is outside of the town of Ballylickey. General area very good with opportunity for walks in Glengariff, around Bantry House, and outdoor markets in various towns like Schull, Bantry and Skibereen.

10/10 Excellent

Christopher M., Holden Maine, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Exceptional Country Cottage
Great location for visiting County Cork and County Kerry! Kathleen and Jack are excellent hosts, and the peaceful setting of the cottage creates an exceptional Ireland experience! We will be staying here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ann G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage, very quiet environment
We enjoyed our staying in this lovely cottage. Much place for 4 persons. Very quiet environment, beautiful place!
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Thanks for taking the trouble to write your review. I really appreciate your positive feedback and I look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Kathleen.

8/10 Good

David W.

Home away from home.
A cosy comfortable cottage with everything on hand for a great stay. Kathleen and Jack made us so welcome we would have loved to stay longer.

10/10 Excellent

Dawn H.

Tranquil
Lovely homely rental. Kathleen was so lovely and inviting. We didn’t arrive until 11pm and the lights were left on for us with a roaring log fire and all beds had electric blankets switched on ready for us to put two very tired children straight into warm beds. Couldn’t have chosen a better home or location. Just what the doctor ordered and definitely worth another visit. Thanks Kathleen
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Dawn and family were brilliant guests. They vacated the cottage in pristine condition. I sure am looking forward to having them back again on another trip. Thank you very much.

10/10 Excellent

Bruce S.

Thanks
Great cottage with wonderful views. Good location to coastal towns. Enjoyed local finds we discovered on our walks and traveling around the area. Thanks again. Bruce and Susan
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jan M.

Comfortable well equipped cottage close to many attractions. Friendly and helpful hosts
We stayed here for the month of September and loved every minute of our stay. The cottage is very comfortable and we felt at home from the time we opened the door. The owners live close by and were very helpful answering our questions. The cottage was well equipped and certainly large enough for our party of six adults. We enjoyed evenings by the fire and sunny days sitting outside listening to the birds sing. The beds were comfortable and were all equipped with electric bed warmers which were truly delightful. There are lots of things to see and do in the immediate area - a pub and spa are within walking distance and an exceptional and challenging golf course a 10 minute drive away. Other destinations are an easy day trip away. We will certainly recommend this cottage to our friends and hope to return!
Stayed 28 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rob K., South Maclean QLD

Lovely spacious cottage
Cosy and clean cottage with plenty of space for everybody situated in a beautiful rural setting yet close to everything - shops, attractions, scenic drives. Kathleen and Jack were lovely and helpful - grateful for late night advice when arriving late at night in an unfamiliar area. It was a real pleasure to meet young Jack also and chat about the differences in farming between Ireland and Australia - absolutely charming. Wonderful place to base yourself to visit the south west corner of Ireland if you want a quiet, peaceful place to relax away from the bustle of a main town yet still within driving distance of major points of interest. Thanks Kathleen and Jack for a wonderful stay and we hope you (Kathleen) recover quickly.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Charlotte H.

Great place to relax
Lovely large cottage, with good sized garden. An easy drive to get to get to all that there was to see in the area. Owners were available to answer questions and were helpful.

10/10 Excellent

marsha b.

The farmhouse was beautiful!
We went to Ireland for my Daughter's wedding. The farmhouse was warm and inviting! The place was absolutely beautiful. Kathleen went out of her way make sure we had everything we needed for our stay! I would absolutely stay there again! Marsha
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

MOIRA F.

Delightful, cosy cottage
'Suaimhneas' cottage gave us its promised 'peacefulness' with a cosy log fire to cheer the evenings each time we returned from exploring beautiful West Cork and the Ring of Kerry. We had the full range of weather during our week (apart from snow and frost!) so we didn't see the country at its best all the time, but there is nevertheless something to be said for the special atmosphere created by drifting fog, glowering clouds and rain (light or heavy!), especially when they disperse to give occasional glimpses of rocky coastlines, mountains or lakes. (Living in northwest England ourselves, we're no strangers to this kind of weather!) We particularly enjoyed visiting Bantry House and gardens on our first day, followed by a tour of the Sheep's Head Peninsula, and 2 days later a tour of the Beara Peninsula including going over the winding Healy Pass. The Ring of Kerry made a long day out but it was worth the trip, reminding us of our first visit there 22 years ago, and we were delighted to see the Dingle Peninsula gradually emerging from cloud cover to be in full sun as we ate our picnic lunch near King's Head, reminding us of yet another happy holiday 18 years ago. Our best trip of this holiday, however, was on our last day, when the weather was perfect for the short boat trip from Glengarriff to Garinish Island and its beautiful gardens, especially the Italian Garden with views to the mainland mountains behind it. A bonus was being able to visit Bryce House, former home of the family who transformed the island, which only opened for visitors after refurbishment in its original style in 2015. So we now have more happy holiday memories to store up for the years ahead, especially of this lovely cottage which must rank as the best we've ever stayed in in the British Isles, and certainly the most comfortable and best equipped! Many thanks to Kathleen and Jack for their help and warm welcome.

10/10 Excellent

Victor McKee

Peaceful location in West Cork
As regular visitors to West Cork we always look for a property that can accommodate both us and our Golden Retriever Oscar. Suaimhneas fitted the bill perfectly this year. A modernised yet still traditional looking Irish Farmhouse set in its own grounds just outside Ballylickey, it provided perfect accommodation for us and a secure area for the dog being gated from the public road and fenced all round. The house is well equipped internally and with a ground floor bedroom with ensuite was ideal for two and we did not need to venture upstairs at all during our stay. The house stands in its own grounds in the countryside consequently the only sound is the occasional traffic on the country road passing the gate – which for our stay included the sight of two horses galloping unaccompanied down the road! There is plenty of wildlife to see, the field in front of the house is full of rabbits (a challenge for our retriever), Swallows were roosting in the little shed and at dusk the little bats fly overhead. Externally the house has a pleasant grassed area adjacent to the main house and a large gravelled area at the front which included an outdoor table and chairs with parasol for outdoor dining. The barbecue facility was a brand new gas unit delivered still partially wrapped just after we arrived. Although in a rural location the house is only a couple of minutes drive from Ballylickey which has a number of dining options as well as a supermarket and filling station on the Glengarrif Road. Bantry is just a few minutes further. As keen walkers we are always careful to select a property where we can walk to bars and restaurants and the Ouvane Falls Inn, Mannings Emporium (we can recommend the Tapas and the Brunch options at the weekend) and the Bridge House Inn at Pearsons Bridge are all a comfortable walk – no more than 25 minutes for the furthest - bring a torch though for evening returns. In terms of location the Beara and Sheeps Head Peninsulas are easily accessible and Glengarrif and Gougane Barra are particularly close. Schull is a pleasant excursion with good lunchtime options. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can genuinely recommend Suaimhneas for a relaxing break in West Cork
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Gillian J.

A very relaxing holiday
Comfortable and quiet cottage yet handy for all the best bits of South West Ireland Everything we needed for a relaxing week - greatly enjoyed
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
I'm really happy you enjoyed your holiday at my cottage and thank you for posting a review.

8/10 Good

Manuela M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage in fantastischer Umgebung
Das Cottage ist ein wunderbarer Ausgangspunkt, um die Umgebung erkunden zu können. Bei unserer Ankunft an einem verregneten Tag war ein Feuer im Kamin angezündet, sodass wir uns sehr willkommen fühlten! Es hat uns an nichts gefehlt. Zu beachten ist, dass der Strom extra gezahlt werden muss.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jens D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice Stay
😀😀😀
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

jean pierre s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tres bonne prestation
Tres belles
Stayed 14 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Magnus W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely house
It's a lovely holiday home, we had a good time there! Kathleen and her husband are super nice & friendly
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Irmgard R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Die Utraumhaft schöne Lage, völlig ruhig mitten in den grünen irischen Hügeln.
Wir haben uns rundum wohl gefühlt. Das Haus ist komfortabel und ruhig gelegen. Gewundert haben wir uns beim Auschecken darüber, dass wir den verbrauchten Strom zusätzlich bezahlen mussten.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Klaus K.

Haus auf dem Land
Das Haus liegt sehr ruhig im Grünen. Die Schlüssel stecken als wir ankamen und der Kaminofen bollerte. Die Einrichtung bot alles was wir benötigt haben. Das eine oder andere ist etwas in die Jahre gekommen und musste erstmal gereinigt werden, aber es hat alles funktioniert. Die Vermieter sind sehr nett und haben uns bei allen Anfragen tatkräftig unterstützt. Das Haus ist durch die Nachtspeicheröfen und sonstigen Heizungen gut warm zu kriegen. Der Kaminofen leistete abends auch seinen Beitrag. Die Schlafzimmer waren komfortabel und die Betten bequem. Als Ausgangspunkt für unsere winterliche Erkundung von Westcork war das Haus gut geeignet.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Holger S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice house in a beautiful landscape
We arrived late on a Sunday evening in October and Kathleen and her husband were there and had already made a fire in the stove. The house was big enough for us 4. They showed us everything we need to know. We can highly recommend a stay here. It's quiet and beautiful! Thank you Kathleen.
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2019