We have holidayed at Fuchsia Cottage many, many times over the past 21 years. That alone should tell you how much we think of the cottage, its location, the beautiful surroundings - and the owners who live next door, Joop and Maria Duyn, who are good friends of ours. We have kept in touch regularly over the years. The cottage was built by Joop, who is of Dutch origin, in 1996. It has a large kitchen, three bedrooms, and a medium sized living room, downstairs toilet (handy for older folks like us), and an upstairs toilet and shower. The cottage is on a rise overlooking the Kenmare river and the mountains beyond. It is a superb outlook, one that in our opinion cannot be beaten anywhere in Ireland and the British Isles. You look out on the Macgillycuddy Reeks - that's the name of the mountain range - and Ireland's highest mountain, Carrauntoohill, at 1038 metres. The cottage is just a few minutes away by car from the bustling town of Kenmare, with its great eating places, bars and shops. There is a supermarket complex on the edge of town which you can reach without needing to drive through the town centre. You can shape the holiday to whatever you want - just relaxing around the cottage, to trips out to many beautiful places, hiking, horse riding, cold water swimming in the river, fishing, boat trips, and golf. Take your choice of three eye-popping peninsulas to visit and drive around - the Iveragh (Ring of Kerry); the Beara (the cottage is at the start of this peninsula); and the Dingle, going via Tralee. Personal touchpoints for us are Muckross House and gardens near Killarney, which is also worth a visit afterwards. The Muckross estate is free to visit, no parking fees (you pay to tour the house, though.) It was gifted to the state by the original owners. The view across the lake is wonderful, there is a very good gift shop and restaurant, plus carriage rides and bike hire available. On the way there from Kenmare, eat out at the Avoca restaurant and gift shop at Moll's Gap while looking up at Ireland's highest peak or down into the Black Valley below it. The food is absolutely delicious. From Moll's Gap you can head off towards Killarney, stopping at the Lady’s View restaurant and gift shop, or instead head towards the charming little village of Sneem. It's all part of the Ring of Kerry. Or drive over the mountains on the Beara peninsula to the equally delightful village of Glengarriff in Co Cork, and around Bantry Bay. Do try to keep your eyes on the road if you're driving! The views are exceptional. Oh yes - before you reach the road tunnels on the way over, stop at Molly Gallivan's visiitor centre with its little cafe, gift shop and traditional farm. You will spot other visitor attractions along the way. The valley you drive through before reaching Molly Gallivan's has, it is said, the greatest number of ancient remains in western Europe. Another personal touchpoint of ours is the nature reserve at Glengarriff. You pass it on the way in to the village. There are several river walks on offer. It is a very special place for us. All told, you will come away with very special memories.
All bookings are direct with the owner 