Holiday in Banagher Co.Offaly in the center of Ireland
Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway. John and Marian invite you to rent this 300 year old farm cottage, located on the McDonald farm in Lusmagh, Banagher, Co. Offaly only 1 km from the Shannon River. It was the original home of the McDonald family for generations. The cottage has been carefully restored, keeping as much of the house's 'Old World' character as possible while adding all modern comforts. It is located near the main farm, in a beautiful farm garden with an orchard.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Birr
Located in Birr, this cottage is in a rural area. Fort Eliza and Birr Castle are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Incherky and Inchanaclea. Power boating and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and mountain climbing nearby.
Is Holiday in Banagher Co.Offaly in the center of Ireland pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Holiday in Banagher Co.Offaly in the center of Ireland?
As of 9 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Holiday in Banagher Co.Offaly in the center of Ireland on 15 April 2026 start from NZ$144, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Holiday in Banagher Co.Offaly in the center of Ireland?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Holiday in Banagher Co.Offaly in the center of Ireland?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Holiday in Banagher Co.Offaly in the center of Ireland?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Holiday in Banagher Co.Offaly in the center of Ireland located?
This family-friendly Birr cottage is located in a rural location, within 2 mi (3 km) of Incherky and Inchanaclea. Banagher Town Centre and River Shannon Brewery are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Grascious, centrally located, & feels just like home
Mrs Marian and Mr. John couldnt be any kinder and hospitable. It is just like going home! Clean, warm and centrally located so you can enjoy ALL of Ireland. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys the comforts of home while on holiday.
Alisha N.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 December 2024
Thank you Alisha and Patricia for your lovely review.
We are very pleased that you enjoyed your stay, and it was a pleasure meeting you.
Hope we can meet again!
Marian and John
We had a lovely stay in this very cosy and convenient cottage. Our host very very friendly and consideratie. The neighbourhood is very quiet, yet Banagher is close and offers enough shops for daily shoppings
loved the location. Got to watch the stears on our back patio!
The house had 4 bedrooms and 2 baths that fit our family well. The one shower was a little week, but the main bathroom, was nice. The stove worked well for our meals.
The hosts were very nice.
We rented for 33 days. It was centrally located in the middle of Ireland so we could do day excursions and some overnights as well. The rate was more than reasonable. It was located in a very remote location, but that aided us in our relaxation. The hosts were very accommodating and helpful since they lived right next door. I highly recommend this rental.
William M.
Stayed 33 nights in Jul 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Shereen M.
18 September 2018
Cute, Cozy, Quirky, Quiet and Comfortable!
We wanted a cute little cottage in the centre of the RI, away from the city, to use as our hub to explore, and that is exactly what we got. The Chestnut Cottage is cute, cozy, quirky, quiet and comfortable and right in heart of the country. Marian and John are wonderful hosts and Buddy will welcome you with his charming "banter" when you pull in the driveway. The cottage has all the basics you need and it is only a few minutes to town to pick up anything else you might require (groceries, etc). There are little shops, pubs, cafe's and restaurants within a short drive and the river Shannon is right at your doorstep too. The wifi was spotty but Marian went out of her way (replaced the repeater/booster) to make sure we could stay connected with those we left at home in Canada. We had a great time staying here. Thank you making our stay a happy memory.
Shereen M.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your nice testimonial. It was truly lovely to meet you at the Chestnut Cottage.
The Wi-Fi is better than ever. Thank you for your patience with getting it right.
Buddy is in great form...beside himself with delight with our latest guests!
All best to you and your families.
Marian and John McDonald
We really enjoyed the peaceful location of Chestnut Cottage, the only alarm calls we had were the birds! My husband and I stayed with our adult daughter and her boyfriend and had all the space we needed with the 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a very large living/kitchen area. Marian had scones and jam waiting for us as well as a fridge stocked with the essentials which was greatly appreciated as we didn't arrive until close to 11pm. Another lovely touch was the cut roses from her beautiful garden waiting on the table to greet us.
While the cottage is a little out of the town of Banagher it is a very short drive and centrally located to so many interesting places to visit. It seemed like most places on our list were a 2 hour drive away!
We would definitely stay with Marian at Chestnut Cottage if we are visiting the midlands again.
Anne-Marie N.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2024
Thank you very much for your lovely review. It was lovely meeting you. Thank you for keeping the cottage so well whilst you were there.
We chose this property primarily because it was centrally located to serve as a "hub" for our stay which involved day trips to different regions of Ireland with our rental vehicle and it worked out perfectly. It is a quaint, typical irish, cottage in a country rural setting.
We were greeted by Marian upon our arrival who the showed my wife around the cottage. Although we hardly saw the hosts we were made to feel extremely welcome and that nothing would of been to much trouble for them. The home made scones were delicious.
Such a wonderful stay, great hosts who were always so helpful but left you be to enjoy your holidays.
Melanie O.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you Melanie Dave and Alexander. It was very nice for us to have you for the month of August....we miss you a bit now!!
Thanks for looking after the Chestnut Cottage so well during your stay.
Sehr uhriges cottage mit viel Platz für fünf Personen. Als Ausgangspunkt für Ausflüge an die westküste zu sehr im landesinneren
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rosaleen B.
25 January 2019
Rural cosy cottage
Warm & cosy wee cottage. Loved our stay. Marian went over & beyond to ensure our comfort. The cottage had everything that we needed. The village close by is lovely. Fully recommend.
Rosaleen B.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you Rosaleen for your good review. Hope you enjoyed your visit to Banagher.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dick o.
5 September 2018
Echt Ierland.....
Zeer gastvrije ontvangst. Knus, gezellig en verrassend veel ruimte. Naast de centrale verwarming ook de mogelijkheid tot het stoken van turf in de kachel! Voor wie van authentiek houdt een echte aanrader!
Dick o.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you for your very nice testimonial. It was a pleasure to meet you at the Chestnut Cottage and we are pleased that you enjoyed your visit. Best wishes from Marian and John McDonald
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rose B.
6 August 2018
Chestnut cottage lushmagh
Enjoyed the the cottage and gardens very much , hosts Marian and John were available and congenial, willing to help in every way. Our youngest daughter found a true friend in Buddy the dog. We will hopefully return to the larger house only because of the size of our group . Loved Banaher with live traditional music and excellelent pubs. Enjoyed visiting family in Tippearary and sorounding.area very convenient location and perfect landscaping and farms along the way.
Rose and family Newtown Sq Pa.
Rose B.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
Thank you Rose for you nice review. It was nice meeting you all for the wedding in Cloughjordan. Poor Buddy was finding the hot weather very difficult and he did appreciate Siobhan's gentleness during your stay.
Thank you for renting the Chestnut Cottage.
Archival
8/10 Good
Stefan M.
7 March 2017
Ein schöner ruhiger Urlaub in ländlicher Gegend.
Sehr nette und freundliche Vermieter. Hatten immer ein offenes Ohr und standen uns mit Rat und Tat zur Seite. Im Ferienhaus war alles was man für einen Urlaub brauchte.
Stefan M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016
Archival
8/10 Good
denis a.
4 July 2014
tes bien
endroit très reposant.Marian et John très sympa (comme beaucoup les Irlandais).
maison bien chauffée, très appréciable après une journée de pluie en moto.
Je recommande
denis a.
Archival
8/10 Good
BERANGERE J.
30 June 2014
Very nice place
C'est un endroit très sympathique avec tout le confort possible et les propriétaires sont charmants. Nous y avons passé un excellent séjour.
BERANGERE J.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Tero K.
27 November 2012
"Super! We really loved o...
"Super! We really loved our stay. The owner gave us a bigger Ashtree Cottage, which was wondeful, with a lot of privacy. Everything was fine and a week in Banagher was a best part of our 2,5 weeks journey. We really miss that house and our "guard", lovely Buddy (a dog). Thanks for all."
Tero K.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
22 October 2012
"I just wanted to say, we...
"I just wanted to say, we rented this cottage for 2 weeks Oct./12 It was fabulous! Very clean, handy location and the owners were great. We felt like we were home. No one wanted to leave when it was time to go.
Thank you Marian"
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Brenda M.
14 July 2012
"Marian and John are wond...
"Marian and John are wonderful people and we had a wonderful stay in their cottage. The cottage was comfortable, clean and the surroundings were very peaceful. The furnishings were comfortable, the bed was exceptionally comfortable. It is a great location for sightseeing central Ireland as well as the western coast if you have a car. It is near numerous castles and ruins including Leap Castle (the most haunted castle in the world). Marian and John took us to an Irish Music Session that was wonderful to experience. Banagher has several Pubs that provide good food and Irish music. The surrounding area near the cottage is great for walking or bike riding also. We had a wonderful stay."
Brenda M.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
2 January 2012
"Un accueil tout à fait c...
"Un accueil tout à fait chaleureux au coeur de la campagne irlandaise que nous aimons. Marian et John sont des hôtes simples et sympathiques avec qui on a plaisir à communiquer. Excellent séjour à tous les titres, merci à Marian et John."
Archival
10/10 Excellent
30 May 2011
"Estancia muy tranquila. ...
"Estancia muy tranquila. Todo muy accesible y cómodo"
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ghislaine C.
8 June 2010
"Très joli cottage typiqu...
"Très joli cottage typique et bien équipé dans un endroit très calme. Très bonne literie.
Marian & John très accueillants et sympathiques, discrets mais présents en cas de besoin.
Nous avons aimé rentrer le soir au gîte et allumer le feu de tourbe et voir notre "copain" le chien qui nous faisait la fête en nous voyant.
Voiture indispensable.
"
Ghislaine C.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
laurent l.
17 May 2010
"Bon accueil. Gîte très a...
"Bon accueil. Gîte très au calme, propre. Propriétaires discrets mais présents en cas de besoin."
laurent l.
Archival
8/10 Good
Patrick A.
2 May 2010
"Location rustique située...
"Location rustique située dans un environnement très calme. La maison est bien chauffée ; les chambres sont grandes et claires mais le séjour un peu sombre. Lits confortables.
Les propriétaires sont charmants."
Patrick A.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
claudette v.
22 September 2009
"Petite maison Irlandaise...
"Petite maison Irlandaise superbe dans tous les sens, et propriétaires très gentils"
claudette v.
About the host
Hosted by Marian McDonald
John and Marian well known in our small village of Lusmagh. John's family have been farming here for generations. We have mostly cattle on the farm fed on grass in summer and silage in the winter time. Marian loves to keep a nice garden with perennial flowers and roses. We enjoy meeting many nice visitors to our cottages in this way we have made lots of friends from far away places.