The Space
The house has 4 bedrooms upstairs (one ensuite) and one bedroom downstairs (which can function as an additional living room). In addition, there are two bathrooms, both of which have power showers (one upstairs and one downstairs). There is a modern kitchen with all the appliances you would expect as well as crockery and cutlery. There is conservatory dining room off the kitchen, which opens to a patio. There is a main living room for relaxing with a wood fired stove and TV. Wifi internet is also provided. Outside, there are two substantial gardens and splendid views of the lush West Cork countryside.
The house is just 5 minutes drive from the busy market town on Bantry, which is also a fishing port. Bantry has a major supermarket and other shops and services located in the centre of the town. Fridays see a well established artisan food market with produce from the surrounds on sale (check out the Gubeen cheeses & salamis or the wonderful Baking Emporium breads and cakes). There are five restaurants in the town, ranging from the award winning Fish Kitchen to bistros such as The Brick Oven and Tractors. There are a number of cafes, including the fantastic Organico as well as Floury Hands and de Barras.
Bantry has plentiful night life, especially during the summer and weekends, notably in the Anchor Bar, Ma Murphys and the The Mariner (live music venue). Bantry is home to Bantry House and Gardens, which is an Anglo-Irish mansion and garden of international fame. There is an 18 hole Golf course in Bantry and a 9 hole in the nearby village of Glengarriff. As a port the town provides access to the bay for those interested in sailing, angling or just those interested in touring the bay and islands.
The house is located very conveniently for touring the three peninsulae (the Mizen peninsula, the Sheeps Head peninsula and the Beara peninsula) that are located in this part of south west Ireland. Each of these peninsula has it's own character and are filled with small villages, wonderful walks and cosy bars and restaurants. On the Mizen peninsula is the lovely village of Schull, which has many and varied restaurants as well as daily ferries to the Irish speaking island of Cape Clear. The house is 20 minutes drive from the lively town of Skibberren and 30 minutes from the busy Baltimore (home to lovely pizza and oysters in La Jolie Brise).
Cork City is an hour away by car and is the main air access point for this area through the airport. The nearest ferry terminal with access to the UK is Rosslare in Wexford. There is a summer ferry service to and from France in Cork City.
Guest Access
Guests who would like to walk on the farm should ask Michael (the farmer) beforehand as some farm animals can be dangerous. Ninorc is situated on a dry stock cattle farm and the usual safety precautions apply if walking on the farm.
Interaction with Guests
Michael, Breda and their son Brian (along with his family) live on the farm and if necessary are easily contactable.
The Neighborhood
Bantry is a friendly and tolerant market town situated on Bantry Bay, which is one of Ireland's largest and deepest harbours. Nearby are other harbours such as Kenmare and Baltimore.
Getting around
West Cork is a rural tourist destination and therefore public transport is limited. A car is essential. There are parking spaces for at least three cars at Ninorc.
Other Things to Note
Long stay guests (1 month or more) must take responsibility for the oil heating and electricity bills. The meters for both can be checked on arrival and departure and the bill settled at that point. A deposit of €150 for the utility bills may be required in this instance. Electricity bills are not normally more than €100 per month and the oil bill varies with the time of the year and usage. Ninorc also has a solid fuel stove, which burns coal, peat and timber.
