Tack Room Cottage

Description

This self-catering cottage is located within theGothic Castle Estate on the western side of the courtyard. The luxury cottage can sleep as many as eight guests.
Formerly tack rooms and stabling for the estate, it was part of an original conversion of the courtyards that took place in the 1920s. It has many original features, such as oak floorboards from the castle dining room and fireplaces from the bedrooms of the castle. The owners have furnished and decorated with care, allowing guests to experience the history of the estate but still have 21st century conveniences.

#### Features
Features of the cottage include:
- Living Room with original Marrble Fireplace
- Dining room with open fireplace
- Kitchen - New and Fully Equipped
- 4 bedrooms: a Queen, two Doubles and a Twin
- Utility Room
- Two bathrooms
- Downstairs WC
- Electric Storage Heating, Linen and Towels provided

#### Location
The property is located just a short distance from Galway City and conveniently located to Shannon International Airport.
Fishing: The lake is a completely private fishery and has not suffered the fate of many of the country's other lakes that have had invasive species such as the Zebra Mussel and algal bloom. There are many large and small pike, as well as some perch and rumours of one or two large trout. The exclusivity means that only one boat can be on the lake at any one time, and no more than two anglers can be in a boat. The owners provide the boat and engine, lifejackets (if necessary), maps and more. Limited tackle can be rented, well as a fishfinder.
Shooting: Bird hunt, driven pheasant and duck shooting as well as deer stalking are available during the season by arrangement. Many of the woodlands were planted in the late 1700s and 1800s specifically with the sport of shooting in mind and thus offer great shooting in a convenient location. At the end of the nineteenth century, the estate was famous throughout Ireland for the quality and number of woodcock presented. There is a full time game keeper on the estate who ensures that all guests are extremely well catered for.
The pheasant shoot was established in 2001 by Dromoland Game Sports, which runs the famous and very successful shoot at the Dromoland Castle Estate in County Clare. On an average day, the bag includes Pheasant, Woodcock, Duck, Partidge and Snipe.
The fallow deer on the estate are plentiful. They can be stalked on foot or from high seats positioned at vantage points around the estate. There are mature heads for trophy hunters and the meat can be processed by arrangement. Guests coming to the estate for the first time are accompanied by an employee until they get their bearings and learn the boundaries.
Equestrian: Horse riding is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful 650 acre estate which surrounds the Castle. The estate has equestrian facilities which includes stabling for 10 horses, a sand arena/schooling ground and an excellent cross country course as well as plenty of treks. Guests are welcome to bring their own horses by arrangement. Horses are available to hire locally and can be delivered to the Estate for your enjoyment.
Local hunting includes the Galway Blazers, the North Galway Hunt, East Galway Hunt, the North Clare Hunt and the North Clare hunt. There are also local groups that ride out regularly such as the "Turkey Trotters" based near Gort.
The cross country course was designed by the internationally renowned Tommy Brennan. The course is 2.5 miles long and includes up to 34 jumps with 56 options - natural fences designed to challenge all from the inexperienced to professional riders. The course winds its way through woodlands, part of the lake itself, the arboretum and across meadow and pasture, allowing riders and spectators to really appreciate the beauty and diversity of the estate. Tommy Brennan has also designed the cross country element of the Punchestown, a 3 day event course, and is responsible for the cross country course at the 2008 Olympics in China.