Thank goodness we weren’t in this beautiful corner of Kerry a week later than we were, as it stands right in the path of Ophelia. Apparently the damage wasn’t as extensive as they feared, but power was lost for some time. We last visited ten years ago, and reassuringly nothing has really changed. The cove, which is on the Ring of Kerry between Sneem and Caherdaniel, is a miniature harbour belonging to Westcove House, a white Georgian building which overlooks the water. Along with Stables Cottage, Pier Cottages (east and west), and Garden Cottage, it can be rented for holidays. We were there combining holiday with updating the photography for the owners’ website.
The main house, with its wonderfully eccentric interiors designed in the 60s by an Austrian Count, its then owner, is the perfect location for a family get-together. Sleeping ten people, the house has the services of a housekeeper if required. She’s also a marvellous cook! There’s even a bar in the living room, so it feels properly like a holiday destination.
We were stationed in the Garden Cottage, a simple old converted out-building with a double height living room with views down to the cove.
Down at the Pier Cottages, your nearest neighbours are the seals, often to be seen stretching languorously on the surrounding rocks.
The location and light, even on a grey day, is magical. We were blessed with some amazing autumn sunshine.
Fuchsias grow abundantly in the hedgerows.
For more information, visit Westcove