Okay, so it’s not really a “hole” but it does have a thatched roof, plaster walls and beams everywhere and highly resembles, at least in my mind, a place where a hobbit would make his home and be very happy. The massive stone fireplace not only heats up the cottage quickly but one could imagine using it to cook as well. Not me, of course, but the hearty hobbits who favor second and third breakfasts.
Now, instead of “left, left, left” as our mantra, it is “duck, duck, duck” as in if you don’t duck your head under all the wood beams that are jutting low or the loft bedroom with the 5 foot ceilings, etc. then you will knock yourself out. So far, we have no major injuries but we still have two days left in our stay. I am thrilled to finally experience a towel warmer which keeps them toasty warm until needed.
The main level of our hobbit home is quite comfortable with just two leather chairs by the fire and a small table. Less is more. There are candles for the mantle and a CD player with Irish CD’s to play. The kitchen is efficient with a microwave and a portable oven with hot plates. No dishwasher unless you count Thom. Our ARBNB hosts kindly provided the Irish soda bread, butter and milk as well as tea. Yes, the Irish drink A LOT of tea with a hot pot mandatory for all kitchens. Unfortunately, the coffee pot is not required so we will be using the French press instead once we get up the courage to drive down the cow path to the nearest grocery to get some coffee. 
We tried walking in the countryside via this cow path aka country road but kept having to leap into the brambles when a car came so we decided that wasn’t very smart on our part and we would probably die if we kept on walking. Luckily we discovered a lane with just a few houses so no traffic and a beautiful overlook of the water on both sides, a massive lake inland to the left and the ocean near Galway to the right. The stone fences from the past still litter the countryside everywhere you look. There must be a law against tearing them down as they still exist today as they would have back in the 1800’s to divide up the property lines. You sense a respect for the culture and history in Ireland that is sorely lacking in other countries including America. Instead of just tearing down old ruins, in Ireland you will see a piece of a castle or an ancient arch either standing alone or incorporated into more modern buildings.
Having survived our little country jaunt, we curled up in our chairs by the fire and relaxes. No TV, no internet and no coffee. Truly off the grid. At least for a little bit.
Travels with Melinda 