Our Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0 stars3.0

Traditional and yet modern apartment in a breathtaking, secluded setting. 10 minute walk away from historic Ballynahinch Castle.

The Old Manor is an 18th Century Castle which has been restored and converted into self-catering apartments overlooking Ballynahinch Lake and the Twelve Bens Mountain range, set in the world-renowned estate of historic Ballynahinch Castle amid hundreds of acres of lake, rivers, mountains and wooded walks.

This three-bedroom townhouse benefits from the use of a tennis court, communal courtyard, landscaped gardens, ample free parking and is readily accessible to a wealth of estate activities such as fly fishing, cycling, woodcock & clay shooting, island and lobster excursions.

The Old Manor is only a 10 minute walk from the Connemara Greenway, 6km cycle and hiking path which has been newly developed as part of the Wild Atlantic Way scenic route.  Clifden the capital of Connemara is a 10 minute drive with all necessary amenities ie supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacy, pubs & restaurants.  The picturesque fishing village of Roundstone is nearby with Dogs Bay and Gurteen beach to enjoy white sandy beaches and a pint of Guinness & bowl of seafood chowder in the local pubs!.

The perfect location to relax, unwind and let the rest of the world go by!

This beautifully presented three bedroom townhouse is set amongst landscaped gardens, communal courtyard, and breathtaking scenery. You are only 10 minutes walk from historic Ballynahinch Castle Hotel with access to the woodland walks around the estate.

No 4 is a fully restored chateau with features of the original stonework and is set across three floors. The property comes complete with fully equipped kitchen including electric cooker, combined washer/dryer, dishwasher and microwave. The dining area can seat upto 6 guests with access to a shared communal courtyard. The lounge area offers an open fireplace where you can relax after a day of touring around Connemara or walking through the Ballynahinch estate.

There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms in this property with each located on the upper level. Layout as follows:

Ground Floor:

Open plan reception, kitchen, and dining area.  Door leading to a communal courtyard.

The seating area comprises of an open fire, comfy couch, and 2 armchairs. dining table seating 6. The fully equipped kitchen consists of a dishwasher, combined washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, and microwave. Back door leading to the communal courtyard.

First Floor:

Master bedroom: Double bedroom with carpet flooring, ensuite shower room. Window overlooking the tennis court which residents have free access to

Main bathroom consists of a bath with an overhead shower. Tiled flooring

Separate shower room.

Bedroom Two: Twin room with 2 x single beds, carpet flooring, and built-in wardrobes.

Top Floor:

Bedroom Three: Twin room with 2 x single beds, carpet flooring, and built-in wardrobes. Velux window.

Travel cot provided

HISTORY OF BALLYNAHINCH CASTLE – the setting is superb and its history is colourful

Ballynahinch Castle is a former Irish country house and estate, built on the site of a former castle, which is now a luxury hotel set in a private 700-acre (2.8 km2) estate between Recess and Clifden on the R341 in Connemara, Co Galway. The castle lies on the edge of Ballynahinch Lake and Ballynahinch River and is directly overlooked by Ben Lettery 557 metres (1,827 ft), one of the Twelve Bens mountain range.

Small castle built on Ballynahinch Lake by Donal O’Flaherty, husband of Grace O’Malley (Grainneuaile) in 1546, after Donal’s death Grace took his place as head of the clan. Her life as a pirate is well known and the Pirate Queen is steeped in history and legend. One of the former residents of Ballynahinch Castle was Richard Martin (Humanity Dick 1754-1834), founder of the Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Member of Parliament for County Galway. Another owner was the Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanager (‘Ranji’). Ranji decided to purchase the house, estate and its salmon and sea-trout fisheries from the Berridge Family in 1924. Click on the link to view the Castle history timeline:- https://www.ballynahinch-castle.com/en/about-us/history-timeline

In 2019, the castle was listed among the best castle hotel in Ireland .

One of Seamus Heaneys,finest poems is ‘Ballynahinch Lake’ from which the phrase ‘captivating brightness’ inspired by Ballynahinch and the surrounding landscape and published by the hotel in 2008. Heaney and his wife pause to look at the view of Ben Letterry one of the Twelve Ben mountain range rearing up above the stretch of water beside the hotel ‘And the utter mountain mirrored in the lake, Entered us like a wedge knocked sweetly home. Into core timber’. Click on the youtube link to view Seamus Heaney https://youtu.be/5KTBs8RoeEg

Clifden:
Clifden town is within a 10-minute drive and is known as ‘the Capital of Connemara’ with its oozing history, heritage, culture & traditions of Irish Music and Dance. This vibrant town has an array of shops selling top quality gifts, trinket souvenirs, and handmade knits but to name a few! You will also find boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. There are cosy coffee shops, pubs from the genuine ‘quaint-Irish’ to the more trendy where entertainment is plentiful. Whatever your taste in music you will find a selection of traditional, modern music and dance. Clifden has a reputation for the West’s ‘Gourmet Capital’ – for its fine restaurants. Take the kids to the town playground where they can have fun on the swings or have a kick about in the pitch beside it!

A must visit is the ruins of the old D’Arcy mansion, Clifden Castle. Along the Sky Road is a gateway leading to the castle. Once a Gothic Mansion, the D’Arcy’s lived here until 1850 when the estate was sold to the Eyre Family who lived here at intervals until the castle fell into ruin in the early 20th century.

There are many fine festivals to enjoy throughout the year in Connemara. Most full of music, dance, fun, laughter, activities and games for the young and the young-at-heart. The most well known and oldest of all is the Clifden Community Arts Festival which offers a superb range of poetry readings, lectures, recitals, traditional music, concerts and comedy

At the summit of the Sky Road peninsula there is Eyrephort beach at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

Roundstone:

The village of Roundstone lies on the western arm of Bertraghboy bay in Connemara, Co. Galway, 48 miles (77km) north-west of Galway city. This Connemara village is beautifully set on one of the most spectacular coastal drives in Ireland overlooking the Atlantic at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain.

What about afternoon lunch in this pretty fishing village and afterwards let the kids enjoy some time on the Monkey Bars in the Village playground? The village has an ample amount of excellent bars and restaurants. It has a traditional craft centre; selling locally produced handmade pottery, jewellery and instruments! Be sure to check out Yvonne Kings Studio and the Stable Gallery which features contemporary art. Your one stop shop for unique gifts to bring home!

Roundstone is teeming with festivals and events during the summer months, such as the local regatta and the pony show; all of which are great family days out! Looking to experience some traditional Irish music? Irish nights take place in the upper community hall, every Wednesday at 8:30pm, all ages welcome! Starting the beginning of June; there will be a local market in the village with stalls selling fresh local produce and crafts. Well worth a visit.

There are also fishing trips suitable for all the family! Catch and cook your own dinner!! Don’t have great sea legs? Take a trip down to the pier. Local fishermen are well known for selling their fresh catch at the end of the day!

Roundstone Beaches:

Gurteen is the larger of the two and the closer to Roundstone. The water is crystal clear and it is very safe for swimming and other water based activities. It is naturally protected by the headland which it faces to the South and it is a popular destination for holiday makers in the summertime.

Dog’s Bay (or Port na Fadoige in Irish meaning Bay of Plovers) faces due west. It is famous for its mineral sands which are made of millions of microscopic shells. It is a stunning beach with its bright white sands and crystal blue water. Since 1991 the dunes separating Gurteen Beach from Dog’s Bay have been the focus of intensive efforts to plant Mar ram Grass to stem coastal erosion. Visitors are requested to respect the signs restricting access to the dunes. The wild headland which stretches out into the Atlantic between the two beaches is an area of great beauty and is a fantastic walk where you will be surrounded by water on three sides.

Recess:

Recess is a townland comprising of a number of small rural communities. Sheep and Cattle farming is one of the main livelihoods in the area,

Recess is an ideal location as it has easy access to the capital of Connemara, Clifden and Galway City via the N59. Recess Village is 13 miles from Clifden and 37 miles to Galway City. Bus Eireann and City Link Buses leave daily from Recess Village throughout the day

Recess Village is a small charming village containing a craft shop, grocer/petrol station and a pub. Here you will also find the Connemara Marble quarry; items produced here, can be purchased in Joyce’s Craft shop. Across the road you will find the “Connemara Giant” statue in the car park. A favoured photo op for all visitors

Joyce’s Craft Shop and Art Gallery is a must visit if you are passing the village where you will find a wide range of knit wear, rare books, antiques, handmade jewellery and original gifts. Afterwards, why not pop into Paddy Feisti’s and enjoy a hearty hot lunch!

Have a car why not take a trip through the Inagh Valley where you will be captivated by all the beautiful lake and mountain scenery.

“I would definitely recommend this place. We had everything we needed and the location is superb. Situated right next to walking trails that take you around the beautiful Ballynahinch estate and very handy for touring around Connemara. Close proximity to Clifden a big pluss too”-Redmond August 2020

“A wonderful holiday in a great location. The apartment is ideal for 4 to 5 people if the weather is bad. Customer Service and responsiveness of landlord was exemplary.”-Patrick July 2020

NO WIFI

No pets allowed

All inclusive

Check-in time is strictly from 4pm onwards  (If you require a later check-in time please let us know)

Check-out time is strictly at 10am on day of departure.

Please note that a €100 security deposit is pre-authorised by credit card 2 to 3 days prior to your arrival, card details are released 3 days after your departure as long as there are no breakages or damage to the property.  Please note damage deposits may take up to 10 working days to be released back to the guest depending on the guests bank.