Durrus - Bantry - Co. Cork - Ireland 

We are about one-and-a-half hours due west of Cork city in South West Ireland.  Our home is at the top of the Mizen peninsula, Mizen Head being the most south-westerly tip of Ireland, jutting out into the Atlantic.

The heart of the house is the main room which looks out over the water, with Sheep's Head and Beara peninsula beyond.  One side of the room is the living area with a wood/turf burning stove.  This is divided from the kitchen/dining end by a counter (and the stairs).  The kitchen is equipped with all the necessities and a large dining table.  This room opens into the sunroom which has french doors leading to the back garden.  This also has the second TV, computer, dart board and games for little and older people.  We've a small utility room with clothes washer and  dryer and WC.  Three bedrooms are on ground floor level, with the main bedroom having a double bed and en-suite with shower.  The 2 other bedrooms are small, one has a twin bed and the other is a small twin that pulls out to a double.  The main bathroom with large bath is beside these beds. We have an upstairs to the main living room which could be used as another sleeping area (has a double futon sofa/bed) or as an additional living space.  The down side of this room is that there is no sound proofing from the main room (that will be our next project in the house!).

The garden is two-leveled but we basically use the top level at the back and front of the house.  It is a really nice place to hang out in on a summer's day.   We also have a fire pit and children's swings.  We have great neighbour's just a field away (an Irish field, about 250 metres away). 

We are 3 miles from the nearest village, which has small grocery shops, a couple of pubs.   It's another 15 minutes to Bantry town which is a large old market town with spectacular views over Bantry Bay and a stately House and gardens which are open to visitors.  Bantry has a small supermarket, health food store, plenty of places to eat (there are a multitude of good places to eat in West Cork.  From Bantry one can drive to Glengarriff and on to Kenmare and Killarney Lakes and National Park or to Gougane Barra or to the Beara peninsula.  We are within 1-and-a-half to 2-and-a-bit hours drive to Kinsale, Cork City, Killarney, Fota Wildlife Park, Cobh.  Half an hour to Skibbereen and an hour to Clonakilty.

15 minutes in the opposite direction to Bantry is Schull which is a charming and lively small town which is very popular with a great atmosphere in the summer time.  The nearest beach is also 15 minutes away, you can walk to the sea from the house but it's rocky and can be rather wet. 

Many of the larger towns have weekly Farmer's Markets.  There are a couple of sailing and kayaking places nearby.  There are whale spotting and fishing trips available.  Golf course in Bantry.  The Sheep's Head Way walking trail has a number of short walks and gorgeous views.  A number of the beaches are good for surfing. 

If you are interested in ancient history this part of the world is abundant with archaeological sites including a stone circle just up the hill from us.  Stone Circles are said to have been places of sacred significance.  We can provide you with lots of information on these if you wish.

I haven't mentioned yet that we have a small pottery beside the house. Helen makes the pottery by hand and we are both involved in the decorating.   In addition to the pottery Helen has recently begun a small handy woman business, and at the moment I work part-time doing admin.

We’ve a 12 yr old boy and are very interested in connecting with other gay /lesbian parents.

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Sligo - Ireland 

100 year old restored farmhouse set on over an acre of mature gardens with panoramic views in very peaceful location 5 minutes from quiet unspoiled beaches suitable for surfing as well as swimming.

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