- Reviews 1997 to 2007 –
These reviews were written by guests of the cottage over the last few years.
For privacy reasons we have omitted guest names and their names are denoted by
*****
19 July to 26
July 1997
– See Original Review
We found the cottage to be clean and comfortable and enjoyed the use of the
beach at low tide. Plenty of bird life to hand, including: swallows
oystercatchers etc. Some rare flora too. St. Dabeoc’s Reath, only found in
15 to 29 May 1998
After 10 days of extensive driving (
At the end of those perfect days – returning to a nice and charming
cottage at an unbeatable location, looking for shells at the beach, finding
sheep skulls, watching the boats passing, wonderful sunsets over the sea,
relaxing evenings at the peat fire after having had a superb dinner (salmon,
monkfish, prawns etc.)
Sorry we have to leave.
Hope to come back.
* * *(5) and * (11 months)
29th May
to 6th June 1998 – See
Original Review
Never stayed anywhere where I’ve had less inclination to go off and look
around. Writing this sat on rocks near cottage – water is totally clear, pity it’s
not a bit warmer. Nearly always two or more oystercatchers on this beach, and
two ringed plouers at the far end of the beautiful sandy Ross beach. Clambering
back over the rocks one evening with the tide out! (Not for the young or less
agile) we realised there were five dolphins swimming along – they went out far
out in the middle of the water. Next morning carrying a chair around to the
front door to have breakfast, heard and saw a flipper out of the corner of my
ear/eye. The dolphins had swam right by the house. Saw 3 briefly then, but not
again. There are also birds diving and squabbling near to house.
Love the view of the mountains over the sea from the front of the house.
House is great – bright warm and comfortable – and we enjoyed the fires some
evening, but felt we had to limit our burning up of such a renewable precious
resource i.e. the peat bog. Had a great walk up and down a mountain in
* * (10 years)
20 of June to 27
June 1998
– See Original Review
Dear Family O’Toole, thank you for staying at the most beautiful cottage
in
* (70), * (40), * (37) * (5), * (2)
4 July to 18
July 1998
Tres agreable sejour dans une maison avec une me magnifique. Belle
promenades dans le Connemara Nous renendions!
* * * * * & * (15 months) from France (
August 6 1998 – See Original Review
Our second visit to
We had a great time and love the “Ross Point Cottage”. The fishing could
have been a bit better but we did catch a few mackerel and Pollock. We found
some cockles on the
*
What a wonderful two weeks! It is great that grandparents get to spend
two weeks with their grandchildren in such a beautiful, restful atmosphere. We
love the water, sightseeing, beach and the solitude and natural beauty of
*
* & * from
22 August to 29
August 1998
– See Original Review
We have been coming to
Trip to Inishbofin is well worthwhile from Cleggan pier if a little
expensive (£12
per adult return) with the best view of the Twelve Bens. Westport House and
Children’s Zoo a good day out but only open in the summer season. Best beaches
at Glasslaun, on the
*, *, * (7). * (4) & * (1) * of Dorking,
19 September 1998 – See Original Review
6 of the * family – we have camped here for the past 31 summers – and
this time had a roof over out heads. The first day saw a severe easterly gale
which defiantly would have blown out tents away
Good fishing – 32 off the shore! One evening the mackerel chased the
sprats in. Lovely sunsets – good walking – if a little foggy
We’ll be back again next year.
Thanks to Patrick & Mary & the boys
* & *,
19 September to 3
October 1998
– See Original Review
What a fantastic 2 weeks we have had- glorious sunny weather - didn’t
get wet once – with the exception of a swim- Wonderful location – we have
walked the coast, the hills lazed and relaxed. We shall be returning
Many thanks to Patrick for his warm welcome
* & *
* & *
*
Easter 1999 – See Original Review
The location is wonderful, the weather could have been better but we
came here to relax and energise. We all three have worked hard on various
projects but have also enjoyed meeting up with old friends. We will all go back
to
P.S. I hope Patrick will be passing by in his tractor to help pull our
car out of the bog.
*, * (17) * (16)
29 May to 5 June
1999 – See Original Review
Heaven here on earth! What a wonderful restful place this is. Our
children * (7) and * (5) have played happily for hours finding shells and all
sorts of wildlife. It’s so lovely round the cottage that the temptation is
never to leave to see anything else that may be around. We have visited
Inishbofin, Ocean Life and Kylemore Abbey the first and last defiantly worth a
visit. Our thanks to Patrick and Mary for making us feel welcome and for their
kindness. We hope to meet again sooner rather than later.
*
Till we meet again, may your troubles be few, your life be full and
bountiful, and your health never be a day of gloom.
God bless you both,
*, *, * & *
Crawley, W. Sussex,
05 June to 12
June 1999
– See Original Review
13 June to 25
June 1999
– See Original Review
We came from
We had been touring practically the whole of
We wish the O’Toole’s a great success with this lovely cottage, -anyhow
if we return (I guess soon again) to
* * * *
17 July to 31
July 1999
– See Original Review
Wonderful stay in a wonderful land. May the peace stay with you all.
* * * * & *
31 July to 7
August 1999
– See Original Review
The house is beautifully located, we enjoyed the beach every night,
couldn’t get the children out of the water at all. They spend hours exploring around
finding all sorts of things like sheep skulls, bones, crab claws, little
seashells – empty ones and ones filled with cockles and muscles
We brought my Mom from
We enjoyed Patrick’s fresh caught mackerels one night, they were
absolutely delicious. Thank you Patrick for your warm welcome and your
hospitality! We never met his wife but we would like to thank her too for
having the house so nice and clean, you could cook what you wanted and had all
the utensils. Thank you! We enjoyed our stay very much and enjoyed the open
fire with the turf every night.
The National Park in Letterfrack was beautiful, we nearly done the three
trails, scenery is break taking, especially Diamond hill, went to Cleggan one
day – but did not go over to Inishbofin Island due to bad weather that day.
Ocean’s Alive in Derryinver is a must for kids and we took the boat trip on the
Queen of Connemara last night to end our lovely time in
We went to see Kylemore Abbey on a slightly rainy day – it’s a must! It
is absolutely beautiful there, lovely lake and trees and shrubs and flowers. We
can only recommend the restaurant there, especially Sister Ita’s sultana scones
and homemade jam! I even bought a cookery book with all the lovely recipes
We enjoyed to watch Patrick one day to gather his flock of sheep – he
had prepared the dip for them. Although his sheep dog was ever so busy, he
failed at times to bark where it was needed, so Patrick stepped in!
All in all it was a lovely holiday and we hope to return one day to this
beautiful place of tranquillity and peace.
Thanks again to Patrick and his wife! Continued success with your
holiday home.
From: * * * * & *, Clones, Co.
And: *,
Xxxx xxxx
22 July
to 5 August 2000 – See Original Review
Arrived on Saturday to clear blue skies and the temperature in the
80’s!! After numerous holidays in this beautiful country we can’t believe our
luck in finding Ross Point Cottage. Dad has fishing in the back garden, the children
have their own beach and paddy is free to roam (no lead!!)
Sunday
Everyone out of bed at the crack of dawn to clear blue skies and
the temperature still in the high 70’s!! Explored our surroundings and spent
the afternoon on the other beautiful white beach down the road (turn right out
the end of the track) the views are unbelievable.
Monday
Spent all day in the water at the beach below the cottage, snorkelling
paddling the rubber dinghy, even Paddy has taken to swimming. Evening spent
fishing of the rocks, magnificent sunset with the Twelve Bens capped with
clouds coloured all shades of violet through to pink
Tuesday
Well the blue sky has deserted us for the moment but it is still warm
and dry, the sea was absolutely flat calm this morning, explored around the
coast road to Cleggan and Claddaghduff to stock up on supplies, stopped at a
shop specialising in Irish Woollen on the N59 on the way home. Tuesday evening
the sea is again flat calm, Patrick knocks on the door @8.00pm to go fishing in
the currach. Karin, Sarah and Dad set off down the bay with two sets of oars
(different to oars I’ve seen before!!) Dad is put into number 2 position to
provide propulsion. Much mirth from the children, Patrick makes it look
effortless, by the time we are opposite the house Dad is rather red in the face
and not sure he is assisting the passage!! Two hastily assembled rods are
trawled over the back with no luck for the first hour. Patrick heads for a
known spot and bingo Sarah hooks a sizeable Pollock. It was alright catching it
but dispatching it in the boat was not entirely to her liking!! We row on down
to Freaghillaun South Island without anymore fish Patrick explaining Salmon
Farming and how the sheep get onto the island. We did wonder how the bottom of the
boat had the odd sheep dropping. Apparently they are transported to and from
the island in the “currach” 12 or 15 at a time!! I had this magnificent vision
of 12 or 15 sheep all sat in the back of the boat with Patrick at the oars. He
did explain you have to tie their legs together first!! We turn around and head
up
Wednesday
The flat calm has gone, with occasional light rain. Dad eventually gets
down to the boat to sort the tackle but Patrick obviously gets up early and all
is sorted. Karin & Sarah just make it out of bed to go horse riding in
Cleggan. Dad needs the day to recover from his rowing. It reminds him of what
it was probably like on a Roman Galley.
Thursday
Weather improved spent the day around the cottage and the beach. Still
no success fishing from the rocks other than a “tiddler”.
Friday
Irish weather, a beautiful cloudless sky @ 8.00 am which had disappeared
by 9.30. Went to Clifden to restock have a muse, had a nice lunch in a small restaurant.
Spent the evening on the beach @ low tide chasing worms and razor fish!!
Saturday
How the week has flown. Weather is bright and sunny spent all morning in
the sea and on the beach playing cricket. Decided to explore some more Friday
afternoon. Went to Ocean’s Alive which was closed, so carried along the road at
the foot of
Sunday
Weather forecast not good but bright all morning. Still foraging the
beach at low tide, have managed to ? a few razor fish, an ? and plenty of worms
for fishing. There are a few cockles but too small to take. The razor fish are
amazing, if you go and stand at low tide (better in the evening) keeping quite
still the spectacle of little water pistals all around is quite amazing.
Monday
Our first full “Irish mist”. Decided to explore south of Clifden, as far
as Ballyconneely. Stop at either of the two parking spots along
Tuesday
Dull overcast promise of heavy rain. Packed the car and headed for
Wednesday
The sun is back, we spent all morning on the beachcombing the low water
mark and playing with the Pat & bak. The clouds return so we took off to
Clifden to do some shopping and replenish the fishing tackle. The mackerel
returned at high tide this evening on the beach. Managed to have 4 out but one
had to be returned after pleading from Eileen! Back in to the turf fire and the
obligatory card game.
Thursday
A bit misty but the promise of better things to come. Visited Ocean’s
Alive for an hour interesting but a bit sparse of marine life!! Called in the
craft shop on the way home, the best we’ve seen. Had a tennis tournament on the
beach and scoured the low water mark. The seal has been a regular visitor and
tonight seems to have removed all the fish stocks!
Friday
Dry but overcast. Went back to McWilliams coffee shop in Ballyconneely,
well worth the visit. Come back towards Clifden stop at the first parking place
to resume our shell and coral collection. Last minute shopping in Clifden and
back home to the beach. Everyone is a bit subdued as it is our last evening one
final fish, no luck, sat around the fire playing cards till late.
Saturday
Well the Irish mist is truly down. Makes the thought of leaving a little
easier!
We have all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and have totally relaxed. We will
defiantly be back next year as we haven’t begun to explore the surroundings.
Many thanks to Patrick & his wife, Mary. Patrick the night time
mackerel fishing in the currach will be a “never to be forgotten experience
Till we meet again
* (Dad), * (Mum), * (14), * (12), * (2) and Paddy “the
I really enjoyed this holiday it has been the best we’ve had in
* (14) 2000
I also really enjoyed this holiday I also think it’s the best holiday we’ve
ever had in Ireland last year we had ‘Irish mist’ for 2 weeks! But the fishing
trip was the best.
* (12) Aug 5th 2000 11:20
August 19, 2000 – See Original Review
5 of the * family. * * * * and *. Our 22nd summer here at Ross! Another wonderful
peaceful holiday. Again thanks to Patrick, Mary & the boys.
Take care and best wishes
Till we meet again
* & *
20 August to 26
August 2000
– See Original Review
After 4 hours flight from
All in all we had a great time and fun and we thank God for this
unforgettable experience.
* & *, * (5 years)
* & *, * (4 years) & * (3 years)
* & *, * (8 yrs) * (6 yrs) * (3 yrs)
26 August to 1
September 2000 – See Original Review
Well what can I say? Our first thoughts were: we’re in the middle of no
where but we soon learnt that Cleggan & Clifden were close by and they are
both lovely towns. The horse riding in Cleggan was good and so was the boat
trip we took on the sea in front of the cottage, although my face was a bit
green afterwards!
* & * & * (14), & * (13)
In the end I think we can all say that we had an enjoyable time here and
thank God for all the good weather we’ve had!
* and *
Superb location, very peaceful/restful
Recommend: fishing from the rocks - mackerel, trip to Inishbofin, Oliver’s
in Cleggan for a meal, also good fish and chip shop. Ocean’s Alive interesting
but doesn’t take long to see, live exhibits few and far between, take the boat
trip as well
Initialled
27 September 2000 – See Original Review
Off to Knock now – Tssk Tssk.
2 weeks of laziness & being hypnotised by the ever-changing
A few brown trout and no salmon – but who cares, only an Englishman
would nurse notions of September salmon here! The mackerel and the Pollock
compensated and John M. as norm as ever and entertaining.
Final week regularly punctuated by dolphins, sometimes close to the
point here; high tide, low tide, unpredictable and frequently close to the
miner salmon cages.
See you all again soon
Initialled
June 30, 2001 – See Original Review
Some people have to travel their whole lives to find a place like Ross
Point Cottage… a bit of heaven isn’t it? And a surprise too (after approaching
along the two side roads) a wonderful week here, struggling to leave and
explore the area each day and really just wanting to stay… and of course never
leave.
Some highlights for later visitors:
- The
walk to Omey Island at low tide…follow to the right to Clifden but don’t
miss the little marsh that is at the end of the grassy road on your left –
flowers, birds and lily pads in abundance. A Guinness at the
Claddaghduff pub (of course) then a drive to the point beyond Claddaghduff
(Barr an Roisin?). Interesting pools! “near Aughrus beg” (lake)
- Golf at
Connemara Golf Club – Well, it’s an interesting time when you have to find
the course amidst the rough. True adventure (in the pouring rain of
course) – you can’t see most of the flags from the tee spots?! (Chicken
and Chips for 3.50 at the clubhouse was plain but lovely)
- Oliver’s
Restaurant at Cleggan is a delight. Cosy, familiar and more
neighbourly than busier Clifden. The shop is well stocked and priced
too.
Many thanks to the O’Toole Family for a great, world-class day in
their
* and *
p.s Patrick remember my tip about a down vest in jacket for the
21 July to 4
August 2001 –
See Original Review
We returned as promised after spending the previous week on
Till next year
* * * * * *
Well we came back again! This holiday has been great. The weather wasn’t
that good this time but it didn’t stop us, to be fair it was never cold, it was
incredibly mild even on the wettest day!! We went snorkelling around the point
today and saw a variety of sea life. We went to Clifden and up to Ballyconneely
on the wet days. Clifden has changed since last year, its much more ‘touristy’
now!! We had some lovely sunny days and spent them all on the beach in front.
Dad brought his boat this year so we explored a bit more. We had few attempts
at fishing from the boat and came away with one mackerel and a small sand eel.
Dad needs more practice!! We hope to be back next year; I also had a great time
drinkin ice cold lemonade
Thanks,
* (15)
It was to return 4 another year, the weather wasn’t great but that
hasn’t really spoilt it. We have been for a few trips on dad’s boat and got a
bit wet!!