The whole experience at Williamstead was like an Irish Fairy Tale. The beautiful surroundings, the friendly animals, and most gracious hosts made the experience something we will never forget. Carole and Kevin are very knowledgeable about the area and tell the best stories. One of my favorite things was sitting in the courtyard in the morning, drinking coffee, and talking with them. They have truly found their calling and we will be back!

Our family stayed for eleven days in Craigmyle Cottage which is located in the courtyard of the Willamstadt House. The property is rich with history, surrounded by beautiful farmland and is a short walk to the lake. Our hosts Kevin and Carole welcomed us with open arms. Kevin delighted us with his stories and Carole was an invaluable asset with her vast knowledge of Ireland, things to see, places to visit, and even made us reservations for dinner at local pubs. The donkeys, chickens, ducks, and sweet pups made our stay even more delightful.

Carol and Kevin are such wonderful hosts. They make you feel right at home. The property feels like your own private sanctuary. However, if you want to explore, the best coffee shop is less then 10 minutes away in Mount Shannon and the best food hands down was at the Half Barrel just 5 minutes from the cottage. You will never want to leave.

What a wonderful vacation! I imagine, looking back some time from now, what we will remember most fondly about our trip were our hosts. Kevin and Carole were welcoming, friendly, hospitable and helpful—and what interesting lives they have led. The property, tucked away in Whitegate, is tranquility at its finest. Yet…Lough Derg is within walking distance. We chose to use our cottage as the central hub and to take day trips to Bunratty Castle, Blarney Castle, Kinsale, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, Adare, Doolin, Galway City and more. We flew into Dublin. In hindsight, flying into Shannon would have been better given its proximity to Kevin and Carole’s property. Having a rental car was a necessity and one with full insurance was smart. Driving on the left side of the road wasn’t the tricky part; rather navigating the narrow and windy roads with embankments and stone walls (where US shoulders typically are) proved the most challenging. We managed well but it is far different than driving in the US. My husband and I enjoyed the landscape, history and culture of Ireland. We are so glad we finally visited.

What a wonderful vacation! I imagine, looking back some time from now, what we will remember most fondly about our trip were our hosts. Kevin and Carole were welcoming, friendly, hospitable and helpful—and what interesting lives they have led. The property, tucked away in Whitegate, is tranquility at its finest. Yet…Lough Derg is within walking distance. We chose to use our cottage as the central hub and to take day trips to Bunratty Castle, Blarney Castle, Kinsale, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, Adare, Doolin, Galway City and more. We flew into Dublin. In hindsight, flying into Shannon would have been better given its proximity to Kevin and Carole’s property. Having a rental car was a necessity and one with full insurance was smart. Driving on the left side of the road wasn’t the tricky part; rather navigating the narrow and windy roads with embankments and stone walls (where US shoulders typically are) proved the most challenging. We managed well but it is far different than driving in the US. My husband and I enjoyed the landscape, history and culture of Ireland. We are so glad we finally visited.

My family and I stayed at the cottage 23-28 March 2023. It was absolutely incredible, the cottage and surroundings are something out of a story book. Carole and Kevin are the most gracious hosts I’ve ever encountered. They make you feel like family. Carole is very knowledgeable of Ireland and it’s history , she was very helpful in helping us plan our days and sights to see. This was priceless, I don’t believe we would have had such a great time if not for her advice on sights to see. Kevin is a once in a lifetime person to meet. He is a very worldly lovable man and willing to share his experiences. I could have spent my whole vacation sitting and talking to him. We look forward to visiting again.

We recently stayed in the cottage over New Years during our youngest child’s 7th birthday. This stay was a dream come true for her (and the rest of the family). They were so excited to be greeted in the morning by the donkeys Stella and Toby and to get to help feed the ducks and chickens. Playing with the dogs Sally and Rosie was also a highlight. Carole and Kevin were such wonderful hosts making sure everything was just right for our stay. She went out of her way to find and pickup a cake to celebrate our daughters birthday which was delicious. She also made great suggestions on where to visit while at the house. The location put us about 1.5 from many local attractions. We did the Limerick milk market followed by Bunratty castle on day one. We visited the cliffs of Moher and made a stop in Doolin on day two. Finally, on day three, we made a trip to the city of Galway. Everything was so wonderful and we can’t wait to return one day during the summer. Thanks again for your hospitality and kindness ❤️

We very much enjoyed our stay in Whitegate. A bit out of the way if you want to be close to a large town or village, but the countryside is absolutely where you should be if you want to experience Ireland and it’s local people. Loved Carole and Kevin’s variety of pets from Stella the donkey to Walter, Sally and Rosy the dogs. Hosts were so friendly and gracious, especially interesting talks with Kevin in his “man cave”

I’ve waited for years to finally book this cottage. It is every bit as whimsically beautiful as it looks online, and has even more surprises and history than expected. We all felt warmly welcomed and taken care of. Carole booked us reservations and gave us travel advice, we couldn’t have asked for a better host.

We are a family of four with two children of the age of 10 and 12. The property of Williamstadt House is a true hidden gem in the countryside of Ireland. This place is amazing!! You feel immediately at home in the lovely courtyard and you can't believe how beautiful the groundings are behind the courtyard. Kevin and Carole welcomed us as 'old friends'; that is how they treat all of their guests. Their hospitality is so genuine! And the Craigmyle cottage had a stunning home decor - it shows that Carole has been working in the film industry in the past. So stylish, cosy and it suited this property exactly. What added to the charm is that the donkey put his lovely head in the low window every day, when we opened it. We couldn't get enough of that. Our children were so happy about everything; they could play with no restrictions at all - it felt like it was their property. They fell in love with the 3 dogs and every morning one of the dogs was waiting for them in front of the door (very quiet, very well mannered). With a Hurley stick and a tennis ball they had lots of fun in the extensive 'garden'. Kevin made a fire for them in the communal room every night, because he knew how they enjoyed that! My husband and daughter chopped wood a couple of times and we could use it for the fire in our cottage. Carole took us one night to the Pepper's Pub in Feakle - with her nice friends from Wales who visited her - and we had a fantastic experience with dinner and traditional Irish music. We stayed at Williamstadt House for one week and the whole week we didn't have to drive far for sightseeing, as there are so many nice things to explore in the surroundings. One of the things we did was a beautiful 2 hour-hike from Kilaloe, through the countryside mountains with view of the lake Lough Derg. The harbour in Mount Shannon was also really nice and a little boat took us to Holy Island (the remains of an old monastery). This whole week was magical for us and we loved every minute of it. Thank you so much, dear Carole and Kevin!

We loved this place! It is probably my favorite VRBO find ever! I brought three of my kids and my 80-year-old father for a week, from the US. My kids loved playing ball with the dogs and feeding the donkeys. My father loved just relaxing and spending time around the property (& with Kevin: he was a great friend to my dad). My heart was happy. The location was ideal. We were able to do day trips to Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Blarney Castle. My boys fished for an afternoon on Lough Derg. Carole took me and my daughter to horseback riding and hiking nearby, and Kevin took my older son to golf in Portumna. We also spent time just wandering through the countryside. Kevin and Carole were extremely welcoming, and offered excellent suggestions for things to do and places to eat. It was like having our own guides with us! We would all come back in a heartbeat! Truly, this was an amazing place to stay!

Loved this little cottage and the surrounding area. The cottage was very comfortable and we enjoyed cooking in the compact kitchen. The chickens and the ducks were great fun to watch, and enjoyed them coming to the door when they thought we had some treats for them. Walter (the dog) stole my heart. Thank you Carole for the fresh eggs, the flowers and the sweet treats on our arrival. Was a joy visiting with the owners.

Loved this little cottage and the surrounding area. The cottage was very comfortable and we enjoyed cooking in the compact kitchen. The chickens and the ducks were great fun to watch, and enjoyed them coming to the door when they thought we had some treats for them. Walter (the dog) stole my heart. Thank you Carole for the fresh eggs, the flowers and the sweet treats on our arrival. Was a joy visiting with the owners.

Carole and Kevin were great. They made our stay in Ireland very comfortable. They were very accommodating

Carole and Kevin were great. They made our stay in Ireland very comfortable. They were very accommodating

Carole was very helpful and accommodating. The cabin was perfect for our stay and we loved the area.

Carole was very helpful and accommodating. The cabin was perfect for our stay and we loved the area.

My husband and I stayed at the Williamstadt House at the end of September. I think we would both agree that staying at Carol and Kevin's property was a highlight of our trip. Our cottage was absolutely wonderful. The property is beautiful, so full of old world charm, antiques and colorful flowers. The menagerie of animals were a fun delight. The dogs would greet us every morning wanting a game of fetch. Kevin is great fun and full of stories. Carol was very helpful in suggestions for the days activities. Overall we loved staying here. It was really hard to get in the car and leave when our trip was over. Like really hard. I think we walked around the property for a good hour before we finally had to admit to ourselves that it was in fact time to leave. We would love to come back one day.

My husband and I stayed at the Williamstadt House at the end of September. I think we would both agree that staying at Carol and Kevin's property was a highlight of our trip. Our cottage was absolutely wonderful. The property is beautiful, so full of old world charm, antiques and colorful flowers. The menagerie of animals were a fun delight. The dogs would greet us every morning wanting a game of fetch. Kevin is great fun and full of stories. Carol was very helpful in suggestions for the days activities. Overall we loved staying here. It was really hard to get in the car and leave when our trip was over. Like really hard. I think we walked around the property for a good hour before we finally had to admit to ourselves that it was in fact time to leave. We would love to come back one day.

We enjoyed our stay here so much. Carole and Kevin are wonderful hosts and they go above and beyond to make their guests feel comfortable and welcome. The property and surroundings are beautiful. The kids loved the animals and helping Kevin build a fire. We can’t wait to visit again!

We enjoyed our stay here so much. Carole and Kevin are wonderful hosts and they go above and beyond to make their guests feel comfortable and welcome. The property and surroundings are beautiful. The kids loved the animals and helping Kevin build a fire. We can’t wait to visit again!

Our families spent an idyllic holiday renting the two cottages at Williamstadt. We took home amazing memories of our time there, Carol & Kevin are incredible hosts, they gave us great info on where to visit and everything they suggested we enjoyed enormously. It’s a great base for exploring East Clare. My children will forever remember looking after the hens, ducks, chicks, donkeys and dogs. Kevin took my 11 yr old son fishing and taught him lots about caring for the animals & rural living. For the adults, there are lovely outbuildings where you can relax looking out onto the beautiful courtyard, it’s even magical in the rain! We got to bbq & light outdoor fires where the children toasted marshmallows and with no light pollution the star gazing was incredible on a clear night. I don’t think our children would ever forgive us if we didn’t return, many thanks Carol & Kevin, we will be back, either as guests or your new neighbours!!!

Our families spent an idyllic holiday renting the two cottages at Williamstadt. We took home amazing memories of our time there, Carol & Kevin are incredible hosts, they gave us great info on where to visit and everything they suggested we enjoyed enormously. It’s a great base for exploring East Clare. My children will forever remember looking after the hens, ducks, chicks, donkeys and dogs. Kevin took my 11 yr old son fishing and taught him lots about caring for the animals & rural living. For the adults, there are lovely outbuildings where you can relax looking out onto the beautiful courtyard, it’s even magical in the rain! We got to bbq & light outdoor fires where the children toasted marshmallows and with no light pollution the star gazing was incredible on a clear night. I don’t think our children would ever forgive us if we didn’t return, many thanks Carol & Kevin, we will be back, either as guests or your new neighbours!!!

We had a fantastic week at Craigmyle cottage. Carole and Kevin are great hosts who made us feel very welcome. The setting is idyllic, with lovely grounds and private woods leading down to Lough Derg. Our children fell in love with the animals and didn't want to leave! It is a great base for exploring. Some of the highlights were Inis Cealltra / Holy Island, Portumna house/gardens/forest, Birr Castle, the Burren, Ailwee cave + birds of prey. Nearby, Mountshannon is a very nice town with playground, maze, harbour, restaurants, and there is a little beach at Meelick that is great for young kids. Overall, highly recommended! :)

Words cannot describe the time we had when we stayed at Craigmyle cottage. The location is beautiful. Set in the courtyard of a stunning manor house. The donkeys , Stella and Toby, are a wonderful attraction for kids of all ages. As are the chickens which roam freely. The cottage is cozy with an old world feel. Beautiful decor.The three double bedrooms are spacious with incredibly comfortable beds. The house is very well equipped. It is a perfect location to visit Galway city, Terryglass, Killaloe, Portumna and many other beautiful places around lough Derg. The hosts, Kevin and Carole,are the warmest and kindest people you could meet. They are generous with their time and are a joy to talk to. Thanks to them we had an amazing holiday. My 16 year old daughter loved it too. Their dogs, Sally, Rosie and Walter were an added bonus. We all fell in love with them. We can't wait to return to Craigmyle. I can't recommend this property highly enough. Debbie Kelly,Bray. My sister joined us for a few nights . She had this to say about her time there.... We had the most wonderful stay in Craigmyle cottage in the last week. It was a perfect place for our ten year old daughter with the donkeys, ducks, hens, dogs, and baby chicks - a dream come true for her. The house was very comfortable and well equipped. We were lucky with the beautiful courtyard where we could enjoy the sun and had log fires in the evening when it was cold. The owners were the most hospitable people - and great company at a spontaneous session where they welcomed guests in the courtyard. We will definitely go back in the near future. Tara Kelly, Bray

We had a fantastic week at Craigmyle cottage. Carole and Kevin are great hosts who made us feel very welcome. The setting is idyllic, with lovely grounds and private woods leading down to Lough Derg. Our children fell in love with the animals and didn't want to leave! It is a great base for exploring. Some of the highlights were Inis Cealltra / Holy Island, Portumna house/gardens/forest, Birr Castle, the Burren, Ailwee cave + birds of prey. Nearby, Mountshannon is a very nice town with playground, maze, harbour, restaurants, and there is a little beach at Meelick that is great for young kids. Overall, highly recommended! :)

Words cannot describe the time we had when we stayed at Craigmyle cottage. The location is beautiful. Set in the courtyard of a stunning manor house. The donkeys , Stella and Toby, are a wonderful attraction for kids of all ages. As are the chickens which roam freely. The cottage is cozy with an old world feel. Beautiful decor.The three double bedrooms are spacious with incredibly comfortable beds. The house is very well equipped. It is a perfect location to visit Galway city, Terryglass, Killaloe, Portumna and many other beautiful places around lough Derg. The hosts, Kevin and Carole,are the warmest and kindest people you could meet. They are generous with their time and are a joy to talk to. Thanks to them we had an amazing holiday. My 16 year old daughter loved it too. Their dogs, Sally, Rosie and Walter were an added bonus. We all fell in love with them. We can't wait to return to Craigmyle. I can't recommend this property highly enough. Debbie Kelly,Bray. My sister joined us for a few nights . She had this to say about her time there.... We had the most wonderful stay in Craigmyle cottage in the last week. It was a perfect place for our ten year old daughter with the donkeys, ducks, hens, dogs, and baby chicks - a dream come true for her. The house was very comfortable and well equipped. We were lucky with the beautiful courtyard where we could enjoy the sun and had log fires in the evening when it was cold. The owners were the most hospitable people - and great company at a spontaneous session where they welcomed guests in the courtyard. We will definitely go back in the near future. Tara Kelly, Bray

If you are looking for an authentic experience in Ireland away from the hustle and bustle of large cities, Williamstadt House is for you! The property is stunning and the cottage we stayed in was charming. We loved all the animals on property and the town of White Gate and nearby Mountshannon were lovely and the people so hospitable and welcoming. But our favorite part were our hosts Kevin and Carole. There local knowledge and recommendations of places to go, see, and eat are better than any travel guide that you can buy. We were also treated to rich history lessons, hilarious stories, whiskey tastings, local musicians, and Irish dancers all without having to leave the property. We fell in love with Ireland, the Williamstadt House and we are already planning our return. Don’t miss this place!!!

If you are looking for an authentic experience in Ireland away from the hustle and bustle of large cities, Williamstadt House is for you! The property is stunning and the cottage we stayed in was charming. We loved all the animals on property and the town of White Gate and nearby Mountshannon were lovely and the people so hospitable and welcoming. But our favorite part were our hosts Kevin and Carole. There local knowledge and recommendations of places to go, see, and eat are better than any travel guide that you can buy. We were also treated to rich history lessons, hilarious stories, whiskey tastings, local musicians, and Irish dancers all without having to leave the property. We fell in love with Ireland, the Williamstadt House and we are already planning our return. Don’t miss this place!!!

Staying here at this property was one of our best experiences in Ireland. The entire place was fantastic but our last three nights here was probably the best and it was all because of the people here. Will definitely be back

this is our second stay at Craigmyle cottage and it just keeps getting better. Carol and Kevin are amazing hosts and you just never know what is going to happen here. Impromptu barbeques, local musicians stopping overnight for a performance, whiskey tastings, and getting to know the neighbors. The animals, the lake, the vibe all just right. All we can say is if you come here , you will come back. thank you Carol and Kevin for another memorable experience, we shall see you next year Peter, Diane, Myra, Jim, Stacy, and Mark

If you are looking for character , peace and quiet and hospitable owners and a real taste of Ireland this is most certainly the place for you. Kevin and Carole were fab hosts..nothing was to much trouble..the cottage is cosy , animals in the courtyard were a joy to wake up to each day...really felt like the stress of our hectic life melted away... we were sad to leave...I would 100% recommend this place....