Sycamore House in Ballyvaughan, Clare

Sycamore House Self-Catering

Sycamore House is situated in the picturesque village of Ballyvaughan in the heart of the Burren National Park, a karst limestone region, one of the largest in Europe where you will find arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants side by side.

From the front of the house you can see the rolling hills of the Burren, its limestone pavements with crisscrossing cracks known as 'grikes' leaving isolated rocks called 'glints'. The rear of the house is mostly glazed to take in the views of Ballyvaughan harbour and across Galway Bay and the mountains of Connemara.

With its large gently sloping lawn fronting onto the shoreline, a pathway from the house along by an old stone wall leads to flag stone steps onto the sea shore. There is also a secluded seating area with polished limestone table at the end of this pathway where one can relax and watch the ever changing seascape as the tides go in and out.

The house has been designed to optimize the views. From the moment you enter the house you have views of Galway Bay. The sunken open plan kitchen-dining area is the heart of the house and boasts a glass wall 24'long by 12' high.

The house is centrally heated throughout and for added comfort there is a solid fuel stove in this area which gives a warm cozy feeling when temperatures outside start to drop. Total floor space in the house is 3200 sq ft so space is generous in every room. All five bedrooms are ensuite and we pride ourselves on the quality of our beds and linen.

Between them there are four queen sized beds and three single beds and the master bedroom which stands alone on the upper level has an extra sofa bed which is mostly used for relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book while also gazing out to sea.

Ballyvaughan village regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Burren region has a choice of good restaurants, craft shops and local shops. It is the ideal base to explore the rich heritage of the Burren and surrounding areas. The famous Burren Way (26 miles of green road) starts in Ballyvaughan, goes to Fanore, Doolin and ends in Liscannor taking in the Cliffs of Moher.

For the golfers, the famous links course at Lahinch is only a thirty minute drive from the house and further down the Clare coast is the Greg Norman designed Doonbeg course. There is also a choice of less well known courses such as Gort and Ennis.

Close to the house the unspoiled beaches of Bishops Quarter and Fanore invite you to swim ,kayak and surf. The sheltered Ballyvaughan Bay is suitable for all kinds of water activities. Try a swim in the sea or learn to dive with the Burren Adventure Dive Centre.

Finally when it is time to relax the living room beckons to put your feet up, with its plush leather sofas and soft furnishings and to add to the atmosphere on those cooler nights why not start a fire in the large open fireplace made from polished Burren stone. As an added treat firewood is provided free of charge.