The douglas fir, sourced through our local sawmills in Banagher was rough sawn, kiln dried and then planed and machined for the various parts of the construction process. The same timber was used for roofing, external and internal walls and also the floors - but in this instance it was planed, tongued and grooved in advance in a local workshop in nearby ballymahon. The raw material cost for the first house built in 1990 was five thousand pounds and the last house built in 2003; the timber cost was ten thousand euro.

In the last couple of years an original thatch structure that was built in the late 1980's from reed and forest poles has been converted to a lovely communal space that can be booked for special get togethers and events. Jack Higgins a master craftsman from nearby Doonis, thatched the original structure. Brian Rogers from Sligo another master craftsman and good friend
took over from Jack in 2006 to create the reed walls on the building and detail it with hazel weaving in a very original way.

Brian also thatched the new crannog structure that adjoins the thatch on the lakeshore. Entry to the crannog is by a short bridge connecting the
crannog with the shore.The crannog was built on site from forest poles and reeds sourced on Lough Ree. The reeds were harveseted on the lake between September and March and tough work!! The inside of the crannog is finished with lime render and lime washed in white to highlight the exterior views
on the lake. Even the tiny windows were made from left-over douglas fir onsite.

Lough Ree is a vast lake shrouded in myth,mist and mystery; you can explore the many islands with the mark of ancient history very evident in the ruins and raths.

Fishing for a while was not as good as it was in the 80's but has now bounced back, and on the right day you can still pit your skills with the finest of pike,trout, tench, bream, roach, or if the the lure of sleeps evades you can night fish for eels - we even have the facility for smoking your catch. Have you ever tried guinness with smoked eels ??

Athlone, on the banks of the Shannon is just seven miles away. It has become well known for the new shopping centres and leisure facilities, also several really good restaurants and hotels.

Accommodation is available all year round of Carnakilla. The proprietor, Owen, is himself an experienced fisherman, knows Lough Ree well and is a keen conservationist.

We are situated in an area known as Goldsmith Country, the home of Oliver Goldsmith, renowned poet and writer. There are many references from his writings still in evidence locally. In June of each year there is a writers workshop dedicated to his work.

We are less than 5 km from the lovely village of Glasson , traditionally known as the "Village of the Roses".In Glasson there is a large supermarket,two pubs, and three restaurants, well known nationally and acclaimed for their pleasant atmosphere and fine cuisine.

Between here and village you have Glasson Golf and Country Club highly rated in the golfing world so if golf is your hobby ........

So for woodland walks, fishing, boating , golfing, bird watching or as a central base to tour other parts of Ireland, we are offering the ideal location for your dream holiday.

The cottages are available all year round.