We had the very BEST time in Sligo at the Herdsman and the Sea Barn! Our hosts, Des, Mary and Elena were the MOST generous and gracious people imaginable. They anticipated and attended to our every need and facilitated many adventures throughout our stay. Fantastic hiking, biking, yoga and beach walks. Highly recommend!!

We stayed with our two teens for 6 days and I cannot begin to describe how much my family enjoyed our time at this beautiful property. Mary and Des are exceptional hosts and will welcome you warmly, and go above and beyond to meet your needs and ensure that your vacation is exactly what you want it to be. The home is immaculate, the views from nearly every room are lovely and there is just something magical about the area. Whether you want to just rest and read a book, walk the beach or cliffs, venture into the lovely town of Sligo, or drive to Slieve League for the day, The Herder's House is the perfect home base. Sligo is an easy drive and grocery is about 15 min. This is a place to restore, explore, and connect. I have been back for two weeks and still miss it. They also own The Sea Barn across the street which is absolutely gorgeous for a large group stay and is fully accessible. Thank you Mary and Des for giving our family an unforgettable holiday. We will be back!

Perhaps the best place we have stayed in a VRBO rental and we use VRBO a lot! Hosts were over the top helpful, friendly and informative. Wonderful stories and tractor driving too. Next trip to Ireland we will be back here!! Thanks Mary and Desi!!

If you want to travel into the past and see Ireland the way it used to be, then this is the place to stay. The sun slowly rises over the local mountains; the owner will tell you the name of any mountain you point to and the ancient tale that accompanies it. The light is ever-changing: mist and scuttling clouds cast shadows against the mountains, the bay and the fields. There is something magical about this spot. We have stayed in many rentals, but this above the rest. We enjoyed long walks on quiet country roads where lush green fields, misty mountains, and choppy bay waves were always in sight. Des and Mary, the owners, let us explore the fairy fort on the property and showed us the walking trails along ocean cliffs. The meticulous modern house is spacious, well-lit, with spectacular views from most windows. The large kitchen is furnished with quality dishes, glasses and cookware. We were able to prepare wonderful meals. The bathrooms are clean and generous in size. The bedrooms are large and comfortable. The hosts are more than hospitable and knowledgeable. They tell you where to find traditional Irish music at a local pub, the best restaurants, and where to pick up basic items. Situated overlooking Sligo Bay, the house is minutes from Yeats’ tomb, Ben Bulben, close to ancient passage burial tombs older than the pyramids (5-6 thousand years old), and local waterfalls. The town of Sligo is just 30 minutes away. Amazing place!

Des and Mary were amazing hosts we were allowed to look through the the sea barn conversion it is unbelievable if you have special needs family or friends it has everything you could possibly require we will be back we in the herdsmen house perfect for a grope of

We stayed in this house for one week in August 2022 . There were eight of us, so a big group! The house was perfect with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It was spotlessly clean, beds comfy, good working kitchen and laundry facility (washer/dryer, clothes line) The house was very comfortable with absolutely beautiful views, especially from the sunroom. We had wonderful walks each day both on the beach and around Raghly headland on a pedestrian walk encountering magnificent views at every turn. Although a little out of the way we became quickly familiar with the winding roads and were only short drives to the various and wonderful attractions of Sligo. Our hosts Mary and Dessie lived next door, were around to answer all our queries. I would definitely recommend this home and I hope to one day return.

Amazing hosts Beautiful property If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday with unreal scenery this is the spot. Tons of activities to do in the surrounding areas (surfing, hiking, etc.). Would recommend to anyone!

Just home from a fantastic stay at Des & Mary's property, what a place, hosts were very friendly & helpful, property spotless, best property we have stayed in, views from the bedrooms and sunroom are wonderful. It really was a home from home, the walks and surrounding area picturesque, the harbour walk a nice way to finish the day. Truly recommend this property and will definitely be visiting again!! Thank you for a wonderful stay.

Absolutely loved this location. The house is situated on farm lands overlooking the water. Des and Mary are the perfect hosts. This was our first time to Ireland and we chose County Sligo due to family ties there. I don’t know if I could even stay anywhere else when we go back! Perfect mix of location, things to do and good company. Things to due: golf, hike, beach, surfing, horseback riding, drive a tractor and meet great people! Des and Mary, thank you so much, we will be back!

I just cannot overstate how good the hosts are here, or how much we enjoyed our stay with our family of 5. You feel like you're really connected to the community here, and Desi and Mary seem to know literally every person we came across. It was such a convenient location both for local loop hikes and beach visits, as well as treks up North for Slieve League. Fantastic accomodations all around, highly recommend.

Wonderful hosts who responded quickly to every request and did everything to make our stay pleasant and enjoyable. The country setting allowed us a peaceful, restful stay with great views and easy walking to the beach and around the peninsula. We had last minute changes and the host was very helpful. It was only a 20 minute drive to Sligo for restaurants and shopping. Ellen’s Pub was 5 minutes away and provided local color. It was one of the best stays we ever had and highly recommend this place and this host!!

Our views consisted of, Ben Bulben, Queen Maeves Grave, Rosses point (and by night it's lighthouses) and miles of ocean. We also were treated to (an afternoon of) the Coastguard helicopter tossing objects into the ocean and dumping the crew out to fetch them back. While training exercises in general may be boring to watch, this isn't something most people ever get to even see. Aside from the amazing views, the house was impeccable and Mary and Dessie were the fun'nest neighbours we've ever had on a holiday. This trip was an absolute delight and goes directly to our 'will do again' list.

Dezzie and Mary could not have been more welcoming and accommodating especially as we arrived later than anticipated. The house is really excellent for large families ( we are six with four almost adult children) as well as socialising with extended family. The view from the house is wonderful over the bay towards Ben Bulbin and there are amazing walks to beaches and headlands within range of the house. Everyone was so welcoming we even enjoyed a community St Stephens day Swim in the sea. We highly recommend this house for a taste of true west of Ireland warmth and spectacular views over the wild Atlantic Coastline.

Dezzie and Mary could not have been more welcoming and accommodating especially as we arrived later than anticipated. The house is really excellent for large families ( we are six with four almost adult children) as well as socialising with extended family. The view from the house is wonderful over the bay towards Ben Bulbin and there are amazing walks to beaches and headlands within range of the house. Everyone was so welcoming we even enjoyed a community St Stephens day Swim in the sea. We highly recommend this house for a taste of true west of Ireland warmth and spectacular views over the wild Atlantic Coastline.

Mary & Desmond are great hosts, helpful & hospitable. Our 3 year old grandson enjoyed the tractors while we enjoyed the coastal walks. The 4 BR home is very spacious and comfortable; and the kitchen had all that we needed for a 5 night stay. The water & mountain views and countryside quiet enhanced the comfort of our stay. David’s Restaurant & Yeats Tavern had 5-star cod fish & chips! Lots of good hikes nearby. Donegal an hour away. Even with lite rainy weather, a most active an enjoyable stay was had by all.

Mary & Desmond are great hosts, helpful & hospitable. Our 3 year old grandson enjoyed the tractors while we enjoyed the coastal walks. The 4 BR home is very spacious and comfortable; and the kitchen had all that we needed for a 5 night stay. The water & mountain views and countryside quiet enhanced the comfort of our stay. David’s Restaurant & Yeats Tavern had 5-star cod fish & chips! Lots of good hikes nearby. Donegal an hour away. Even with lite rainy weather, a most active an enjoyable stay was had by all.

Hosts were family living next door to house and were very approachable about where to visit and places to eat. They made sure we knew about lots of hidden gems on their doorstep and went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable week. The house itself is quite dated but well stocked. Remote location. 10 min drive to supermarket. 20-30 min drive to Rosses point, Mullaghmore, Bundoran, Sligo town. Had access to stony beach across the road for part of the week. Lovely to walk with Benbulbin in the distance.

Hosts were family living next door to house and were very approachable about where to visit and places to eat. They made sure we knew about lots of hidden gems on their doorstep and went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable week. The house itself is quite dated but well stocked. Remote location. 10 min drive to supermarket. 20-30 min drive to Rosses point, Mullaghmore, Bundoran, Sligo town. Had access to stony beach across the road for part of the week. Lovely to walk with Benbulbin in the distance.

Comfortable 4 bed house with 2 bathrooms that suited our family perfectly. Views to die for, walks on the beach or beaches as there were a few within walking distance of the house. Short drive to shops restaurants ,pharmacy and take away. Very scenic area with plenty to do. Mary and Dessie take their jobs seriously and were very covid aware. They were on tap if we needed any help or information about the area. We were really happy with our stay there. A spotless house with all mod cons and plenty of space for 7 people.

We had a very enjoyable stay at this property, it was super clean & had everything we needed & beds were really comfy. The kids loved all the space both inside & outside. The owners are so friendly and accommodating. Beautiful sea views and a lovely walkway down to the beach in front of the house. Would definitely recommend.

We had a very enjoyable stay at this property, it was super clean & had everything we needed & beds were really comfy. The kids loved all the space both inside & outside. The owners are so friendly and accommodating. Beautiful sea views and a lovely walkway down to the beach in front of the house. Would definitely recommend.

Comfortable 4 bed house with 2 bathrooms that suited our family perfectly. Views to die for, walks on the beach or beaches as there were a few within walking distance of the house. Short drive to shops restaurants ,pharmacy and take away. Very scenic area with plenty to do. Mary and Dessie take their jobs seriously and were very covid aware. They were on tap if we needed any help or information about the area. We were really happy with our stay there. A spotless house with all mod cons and plenty of space for 7 people.

This was our first-time visiting Sligo & it surpassed all our expectations. The location of the house suited our family perfectly. It was breathtakingly beautiful, quite, & gave us access to fishing & beaches at any time of the day. The hosts really made the visit more incredible. They were so kind & generous with their hospitality & knowledge of the area. We will miss the very entertaining stories and look forward to returning again. The house was extremely well equipped & had everything you'd need for a family vacation. Thank you for giving us such memorable holiday in a wonderful part of Ireland.

This was our first-time visiting Sligo & it surpassed all our expectations. The location of the house suited our family perfectly. It was breathtakingly beautiful, quite, & gave us access to fishing & beaches at any time of the day. The hosts really made the visit more incredible. They were so kind & generous with their hospitality & knowledge of the area. We will miss the very entertaining stories and look forward to returning again. The house was extremely well equipped & had everything you'd need for a family vacation. Thank you for giving us such memorable holiday in a wonderful part of Ireland.

This light filled house is set in a stunningly beautiful location with a panoramic view across Drumcliffe Bay; from the Dartry mountains and Benbulben, across the sands of Lissadell to Knocknarea, and further out to Aughris Head. The early morning and late evening views are to be remembered. The house is spacious, extremely comfortable and very well fitted out. It was thoroughly prepared prior to our arrival. Mary and Des were so welcoming and friendly. We could not have asked for nicer hosts. By far, the best holiday home we have ever rented.

This light filled house is set in a stunningly beautiful location with a panoramic view across Drumcliffe Bay; from the Dartry mountains and Benbulben, across the sands of Lissadell to Knocknarea, and further out to Aughris Head. The early morning and late evening views are to be remembered. The house is spacious, extremely comfortable and very well fitted out. It was thoroughly prepared prior to our arrival.Mary and Des were so welcoming and friendly. We could not have asked for nicer hosts. By far, the best holiday home we have ever rented.

Fantastic experience .No hitches all was as advertised .Great facilities to make us feel at home .Des and Mary were very welcoming and helpful in maki ng our stay perfect .They have great local knowledge which they were willing to share when asked .They kept their distance unless asked for advice and yet they are so warm and friendly and grat fun .We hope to make this trip again .Loved it .

We loved everything about this holiday, the house, the location, the views from the property, and the hosts. Mary, Des and family were extremely accommodating and went out of their way to be helpful. Des showed our children (10 and 6) their tractors and their farm which they loved. There was a lovely scenic loop walk up the road. We could walk through their land in front of the house to a private beach. When the tide was out, a walk along the beach was stunning. The house was spotless. The cozy glass room was a perfect place to sit in the evenings and play games with the kids or have a drink. The kids loved the games room also, where they played pool and air hockey. Shops are in driving distance. Streedagh beach among others are stunning. Nearby we visited Atlantic Sheepdogs. The tour was amazing, the adults and kids found it fascinating and learned a lot. We climbed Knocknarea to Queen Maedbh's cairn. Strandhill has one of the best ice-cream shops Mammy Johnston's. Within a short driving distance we did a horse riding lesson along a beach. We got lucky with the weather that day. The weather was not great the week we were there and we still managed to have one of the best holidays.

We loved everything about this holiday, the house, the location, the views from the property, and the hosts. Mary, Des and family were extremely accommodating and went out of their way to be helpful. Des showed our children (10 and 6) their tractors and their farm which they loved. There was a lovely scenic loop walk up the road. We could walk through their land in front of the house to a private beach. When the tide was out, a walk along the beach was stunning. The house was spotless. The cozy glass room was a perfect place to sit in the evenings and play games with the kids or have a drink. The kids loved the games room also, where they played pool and air hockey. Shops are in driving distance. Streedagh beach among others are stunning. Nearby we visited Atlantic Sheepdogs. The tour was amazing, the adults and kids found it fascinating and learned a lot. We climbed Knocknarea to Queen Maedbh's cairn. Strandhill has one of the best ice-cream shops Mammy Johnston's. Within a short driving distance we did a horse riding lesson along a beach. We got lucky with the weather that day. The weather was not great the week we were there and we still managed to have one of the best holidays.

Excellent experience staying in a spacious, immaculately clean and well appointed house. Perfect for a family or group as a base to explore the beautiful North West. Thanks to Dessie and Mary for their warm welcome and local knowledge.

Our stay at Mary and Des place was simply perfect, way above our expectations! The house is really spacious, fully equipped, clean and functional, located in a very quiet and stunning spot, with an amazing view over the bay from the living room and the rooms. Mary and Des have simply been the best hosts possible. They put a lot of efforts to make us feel like at home, the have been extremely friendly, and they helped us giving suggestions of activities, hikes, beaches and restaurants. We highly recommend it to everyone, perfect to enjoy some time in relax, discovering the wonders of Co. Sligo and this part of the West Coast.

Nice stay, we will be back I hope one day.