Padraig and Breda Breen's farmhouse is a rambling old building on Caragh River in Lickeen Wood, where a gentle stretch of rapids leads to a salmon pool. With four golf courses within 20 minutes' drive, and fishing and hiking on the doorstep, the conversion to guesthouse was a good move. If you can happily listen for ages to birdsong and flowing water, this is for you. All rooms have river views and are fresh and clean, simply furnished with country-pine bedsteads and pink, blue, and yellow floral drapes with plain white spreads against plain walls and carpets. Breda provides a simple evening meal on request. Pros: real farmhouse hospitality; peaceful, wonderfully romantic location. Cons: very simple, not a frill in sight; not easy to find; 15 minutes from nearest town, Killorglin.
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