Mrs Delaney's Loft Ardfinnan, Tipperary

What a really lovely place this was for a quiet and peaceful week away from the madness of the world.. Molly and Bessie, the dear dogs, were sweet companions on walks or sitting outside or even Molly's visits up to the loft, and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging with the Connemara herd in the field (consolation for being away from my own horse for a week). An extra added bonus was watching from the corner kitchen window the many bunnies eating and playing in the cob's paddock every morning and indeed throughout the day. Owners Breda and Finton were in residence and so fun to talk to, and caretaker Mattie was extremely helpful in making sure everything was good and even texted me with a recommendation to hike at Bay Lough near the Vee (which I did and highly recommend). Enjoyed chatting with Sean as well, the fellow who is working on converting part of the old dairy into another apartment, which I hope to see next time. The loft was very homey, and exactly as shown in the photos. There's a comfortable bed and nice bathroom; the blow dryer was much appreciated and there are shampoos and soaps available if you've forgotten yours. I had the windows open nearly 24/7 (lots of fresh air, and leaves, circulating!). The sofa and easy chairs were a little too cushy for this back of mine but I was quite content to sit at the kitchen table to read. Basic kitchenware is available (utensils, pots and pans, dinner and tableware), as well as a small fridge with a bit of freezer space, nice microwave, stove, toaster, and electric tea kettle. Now, as Mattie warned me, the hot water in the kitchen sink and the shower is super hot, so be a little careful when you're washing up. There are two nice space heaters if you want to take the chill off, but hardly a need for it with the down comforter and electric blanket on the bed. The steps (5, then a landing, then another 5) up to the loft are, as with the other features, as shown in the photos. It's a nice walk down to the village if you need bread, etc. from the small store and the butcher shop looks amazing and I'll remember it for next time. All in all, I loved staying here, and will do so again!

The holiday didn't happen, due to the owners refusing to let me bring my dog with me, despite advertising as accepting pets.. They knew I was bringing a dog but I was informed by thsir staff that I couldn't bring my dog as there was already 4 dogs onsite, this happened the day before the holiday when I rang about the key collection. Not happy, still awaiting a call back from Skye Cottages to let me know what's happening about getting a refund.

The loft is very spacious and comfortable.. There is a new pumped shower which is great. Lots of birds and wildlife around the farm. There is excellent trout fishing in the river Suir, which is just 10 minutes walk away.

The loft I stayed in was every bit a home-away-from-home which helped make my first trip to Ireland very comfortable as well as memorable.. It really could not have been more perfect! I hope to return with my daughter next year. I can't wait!

The property was exactly as described.. It was immaculately clean, very comfortable .. cosy. The bed was fabulously comfortable and roomy .. we took some groceries with us and cooked dinner on the cooker provided. The two owners dogs around the yard we very friendly and always a wagging pair of tails when we came back from trips was like a welcome mat :) We took our wee dog who settled very quickly and got on with the two yard dogs . All in all a ver central location for day trips !

I stayed for a week and had a nice comfortable stay.. Mattie was very helpful.

This was a really lovely place to stay.. The caretaker Matty was very helpful and met us quite late on the first Sarurday evening and brought bread, butter and milk so we would not be hungry. He had switched on the heaters and the electric blanket in the bed so we felt warm and cosy as soon as we arrived.The owner's animals, 2 dogs and a cat were amongst the most friendly we have ever met and greeted us every morning and evening, we would have loved to bring them all home. On our departure day as no one else was booked in Matty said we could stay as long as we liked, we left at 12 noon but the extra 2 hours he gave us meant we did not have to get up early or rush around. A small gesture but it made a big difference to our holiday.

Location was wonderful .... Location was wonderful the owners were very helpful and friendly the locals were friendly and helpful as well really enjoyed our 2 weeks there we will be going back

The cottage was as pictured and we had a lively welcome from Mattie.. His texts on places to visit were vey welcome. Over and above what we expected. The dogs gave us a warm welcome everyday we came back. Quite central if wanting to see southern Ireland, yet only 2.5 hours from Dublin. Would go back

This was my 2nd visit to Ardfinnan, Co.. Tipperary. I stayed 2 weeks. The pictures on the website don't lie. Two years ago during the famous Xmas storms of 2015, (From A as in Storm Abigail to F as in Frank), I was in the smaller Ryan's Loft. I felt then as now in Mrs. Delaney's Loft. If a port in a storm was needed, both lofts offer safe harbours. Plus there are 3 secret weapons that guarantee repeat business. Their names are mother/daughter doggies Molly & Bess. Plus Ruby the cat. These purveyors of unconditional love were always at the gate waiting to greet me after a long day of exploring. (Weather permitting, of course) The caretaker, (who is the proud owner of 40 peacocks!), couldn't do enough to make my stay comfortable, from picking me up at the bus stop to bringing me into Clonmel for groceries. If you don't have a car, there's a bus that runs 4 times a day between Clonmel & Cork. There's plenty of stops of interest including the Mitchelstown's caves. Just a quick word about Ardfinnan itself. Ardfinnan is a village that unfortunately is indicative of what's happening in rural Ireland. In the 2 years since I was there last, 2 of the 3 grocery shops have closed, along with their chemist & award-winning restaurant. There's even just 1 Mass a week on a Saturday evening @ 6 in the village church. If only the privately owned Ardfinnan Castle, (which is the twin sister of Lismore Castle), would open its doors, even for the just the summer, the resulting influx of tourism would help the local economy & businesses. There use to be woolen mills, where whole families worked. The young people would follow their parents' example & marry other factory workers. Now the village is almost devoid of its young people as they must search for work in the larger cities like Clonmel. Ardfinnan is not unique in its plight. Many small villages in rural Ireland face the same crisis. I would hate to see such a beautiful village full of potential become a ghost town.

I can honestly can not find the words to describe this cottage. It was more than we expected, clean, host was amazing, location was perfect within in reach of other attractions.(car essential) very clean, it had everything for one's self catering needs. we will go back fro sure!!!!!!!

Hosts very friendly and helful,bed very comfortable,good location for visting Waterford ,Kilkenny,Cork and Dungarvan..

We had a great time and will definitely return.

Location was the key with a lovely rural setting just outside the village. It was a really lovely and quiet setting with farm dogs and other animals. Both the owner and the man responsible for supervising the property were extremely friendly and welcoming, we became friends quickly and their local knowledge and detail added to our stay. The provision of a welcome pack in the fridge on arrival was a very much appreciated touch. A really beautiful part of the country added to by the fact that we were blessed with a week of really good weather to enjoy the spectacular late autumn scenery in all it's glory. All round a really relaxing post-retirement break for my wife, myself and our Scottie dog Rosie......THANK YOU !!