Charming Self-Catering Cottages in the Heart of the Irish Countryside
“Wake to birdsong and hares playing on the lawn. Then throw open your window and you might just hear the faint bleating of sheep.” – Richard O’Conor Nash
Tucked behind old stone walls of the Clonalis Estate is an invitation to escape into the gentle rhythm of rural life. What was once the estate’s coach houses and granary has been transformed into four welcoming self-catering cottages, rich in character yet designed for modern ease.
A stay here offers something quietly nourishing – a return to what matters most. A chance to step away from the hustle of modern life and rediscover the simple joys of life – slow mornings, unhurried afternoons, and cosy evenings filled with warmth and easy conversation.
This is not a place for rushing. It’s a place to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
SELF-CATERING COTTAGES
A Place to Pause
Each of our four cottages has been designed to offer something restful and quietly comforting, a warm, welcoming space where families come together, friends reunite, and memories are made. Step inside to discover farmhouse-inspired décor – exposed wood beams, crackling open fires and deep-cushioned sofas exude warmth, cosiness, and an open invitation to just relax. At the heart of each cottage, the shaker-style kitchen is fully equipped with contemporary amenities to make every aspect of your stay as comfortable and effortless as possible.
More than just a place to stay, each cottage is a haven of comfort and ease, perfect for fireside chats, shared meals, and the simple joy of being together.
The addition of the Old Forge which can be rented during the summer, offers a dining room to group accommodation bookings when all 4 cottages are booked.
Wander, Explore, Discover
At Clonalis, nature surrounds you, in the whispering trees, the wildflower meadows, and the leafy trails waiting to be explored. A gentle 20-minute stroll through the Clonalis meadowlands and woodland paths leads you to the historic market town of Castlerea. Standing on the banks of the River Suck, the town offers a charming glimpse into Irish life with its welcoming cafes and restaurants, traditional pubs, and local shops ensuring everything you need is close at hand.
If you’re in the mood for a little more activity, the surrounding area has plenty to offer from scenic rounds at the local golf course to adventure-filled afternoons at some of area’s attractions.
COTTAGES
STEWARDS HOUSE
Sleeps (8)
GARDEN COTTAGE
Sleeps (6)
ORCHARD COTTAGE
Sleeps (6)
MEWS COTTAGE
Sleeps (5)
THE FORGE
Sits (25)
What Our Visitors Say
We had a fantastic stay in the cottage, it’s very cozy and comfortable with many thoughtful touches. Beautiful and woodland areas for scenic strolls that we all enjoyed. Carol-Anne is a great host, very helpful and accommodating! Highly recommend for a relaxing but fun filled few days!
A beautiful estate! We were warmly welcomed yesterday and having visited many historical houses I must say, this one was unique – our tour guide was excellently informed about the history. Truly not to be missed!
We just wrapped up our week long stay at the adorable Mews Cottage and have to say it was a wonderful experience! The cottage is super cozy and comfortable with all the essentials, it’s in a beautiful location, and there are plenty of things to do nearby. Carol-Anne and her husband are top notch hosts: responsive, attentive, and friendly. They both went out of their way to ensure we had a great experience while staying on their estate! If your trip takes you to this area of Ireland, I highly recommend this cottage and host!
Amazing tour, a treat to see the little boy pop in.
A lovely cottage set in beautiful surroundings of the Clonalis estate. The location is on the doorstep of Castlerea town centre, with the benefit of supermarkets and cafes within minutes of your front door. The location though feels a world away from the town, as there are huge grounds to explore with river and woodland walks all part of this historic home. The rooms are spacious and traditionally decorated, and we made use of the wood burning fire. Carol-Anne kept in touch throughout our stay and ensured we were well looked after. It’s a unique place to stay, with the feel of being rural but also so close to the town and has all that you need from a holiday home.
Thank you for bringing history so alive.
An absolutely stunning location. As you enter through the gates and head up the sweeping drive, you immediately feel you are heading somewhere exceptional. Carol-Anne greeted us, showed us around the accommodation and then recommended local things to do, places to eat. She delivered fresh farm eggs one day and another homemade cookies and shortbread. This was a lovely surprise and incredibly tasty. The accommodation and grounds are stunning and we can highly recommend.
The tour of the house and its enduring history was fascinating
We’ve just returned from a spectacular stay at our cottage – wonderful hosts, idyllic surroundings, homely and beautifully presented cottage, with thought gone into every detail – in summary – a haven of peace and tranquillity to enable you to unwind and relax but only a stone’s throw from the shops and restaurants of Castlerea and Ballyhaunis! An A star experience and we will certainly be back. Thanks to Carol-Anne
Fascinating tour taking in the distinguished line of O’Conor Dons as well as historical documents and manuscripts on display
FAQs
When is Clonalis House Open?
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The main house is open for pre-booked guided tours from 21st June -31st August. These tours can be booked on our booking system once opened.
The main house is also open for pre-booked large group tours from April 1st to Sept 30th. Large group tours can be booked by email.
Bookings can be taken here or by all means contact us by using our contact page or telephone number.
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The Clonalis House Self -Catering Cottages are open all year round and enquiries for availability can be made here.
Bookings and Arrivals
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Cottage Check-in: between 4pm & 8pm.
Early check-in is not available due to Clonalis House ensuring it has sufficient time to ensure accommodation is ready for your arrival. If you expect to arrive considerably late in the evening please let us know in advance so Clonalis House knows when to expect you.
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Cottage: 10.00am. Late check out is not possible due to Clonalis House ensuring it has sufficient time to ensure accommodation is ready for guests.
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Cottages: A 50% deposit is required upon booking which is payable by credit card and the balance is paid 8 weeks before arrival.
The reservation is only confirmed when you have paid a deposit of 50% of the total cost.
For booking made less than 8 weeks in advance, the total amount is payable on booking.
An advance payment in full may be taken for large groups or long term stays.
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Payments may be made by any of the following card payments: Visa, Mastercard or Laser.
We do not accept American Express.
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We have a 3 night minimum stay all year round that increases to 5 night minimum during the holidays. So regardless if you stay less nights it is the same price.
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In the event that you cancel a booking, a cancellation charge may be payable. Full details are set out in our Conditions of Booking.
Cottages:
We hope you won’t have to but in the event that the booking is cancelled we ask for written notice of cancellation. If a deposit only has been paid, this is non-refundable unless we are able to re-let the property. All rents are to be paid 8 weeks in advance of arrival. If cancellation occurs after this date monies will only be returned if the property is re-let.
An advance payment in full may be taken for large groups or long term stays and longer cancellation terms apply.
Cancellations or alterations should be communicated to the Clonalis House team directly on
+353 (0)94 9620014 or [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements subject to cancellation charges mentioned.Please check your travel insurance provides adequate cover.
Parking and Travel
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House: On site car parking is available at Clonalis House for tour guests.
Cottages: On site car parking is also available at the cottages.
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Castlerea town has a regular train service from Dublin. You can get the Westport line from Dublin Heuston Station which is direct to Castlerea (2hrs 10mins) and prebook a taxi to collect you and drop you to your cottage (8 mins by car).
A taxi service to and from the station can be easily arranged, please call Keenan’s Cabs 00353 86 8415523 to arrange this.
Catering
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Self- Catering Cottages: All cottages are self-catered.
For large group bookings in the cottages where all 4 cottages are taken the Forge can be booked during the summer months and catering can be provided in the Forge by local caterers.
Families & Children
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We can provide cots & highchairs are provided with our compliments. Please ensure to notify us upon booking.
Linen and bedding for travel cots are not provided.Please bring your own cot bedding.
Wifi, Electrical Adapters, Smoking Policy & Dogs
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Wireless Internet is available free of charge in the cottages.
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All of Europe operates on the same 2 round pronged outlets except for the UK and Ireland which operate on their own unique 3 flat rectangle pronged outlets. If you are using electrical items from Europe or the US you will need a UK and Ireland power point adapter.
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We have a strict no smoking policy in the cottages. Please read the terms and conditions of booking page.
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House: Dogs are not allowed in the main house.
Cottages: Well behaved dogs are allowed in our cottages and grounds for residents only.
Please read full dog policy on website.
Dogs have to be kept on a lead at all times when outside.
As there is a working farm on the estate owners are responsible for their dog at all times.
Dogs are not allowed on the furniture.
We ask all owners to behave responsibly and clean up after their dog.
A small cleaning charge of €35 per dog which is payable upon booking.
Tours
Accessibility
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The Garden and Orchard cottage both have a twin bedroom with ensuite bathroom on the ground floor, the Mews Cottage and Stewards House bedrooms are upstairs.
Yes the Orchard cottage is wheelchair friendly and has a downstairs bedroom & bathroom.
