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De Barra Lodge

Heading west into Rosscarbery, you’ll see a cluster of signs to the right off the N71 just before the bridge – turn right here even if you haven’t time to read them, as one of them is for Sinead and Dan Barry’s purpose built B&B, De Barra Lodge.

It’s a bit of a hike up the road to find it, but well worthwhile as Sinead has a background in hotels and has planned the accommodation offered here with the greatest of care.

It’s quite a large property as you approach, but broken up attractively into two sections, one stone and the other rendered; the two are joined by a glazed entry section, which gives the whole heart of the house a bright and spacious atmosphere.

In contrast to other places in the area, the style is subtle and low-key contemporary decor, with pleasing pale colours and clean-lined modern furnishings.

Bedrooms and their en-suite bathrooms or shower rooms have every comfort, with all the little details that make a room easy to settle into when away from home – what you are effectively getting here is hotel standard accommodation at B&B prices.

Breakfast is served in a very pleasing room, with an attractive rural outlook – and the Barrys are hospitable people who really want their guests to get the most from their stay.

It would make a good base for touring west Cork and the only downside could be that it’s too far to walk to the coast or Rosscarbery village – but it’s only a short run by car, and Dan is happy to assist with lifts to and from restaurants in the village if necessary.

Rooms 5 (all en-suite, 3 shower only, all no smoking); children welcome (under 3s free in parents room, cot available free of charge, baby sitting arranged); no wheelchair access; free broadband wi/fi. No pets. B&B €35-45 pps, single €60. Closed Christmas (and call in advance off season). No credit cards.

Directions:

From Clonakilty (N71) entering Rosscarbery turn right before bridge, travel to T junction and turn right, further 8km on right