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The Bunker Cottage, traditional spacious riverside retreat.

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Traditional Irish cottage with a large garden
Through sitting/dining room
Large dining table seats 10
Flat screen TV with Netflix
Additional table can be used as a work station, or for indoor play.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Barbecue
  • Fenced yard

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

3 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Bunker Cottage, traditional spacious riverside retreat.

The Bunker's traditional style makes for a homely, cosy atmosphere, while the extensive, open plan living area creates comfortable social spaces for larger groups.
It is ideal for seaside holidays and exploring Ireland’s Ancient East, popular with golfers and nature enthusiasts. Set on the banks of the river Boyne, the cottage is in walking distance of a lovely sandy beach, the renowned County Louth Golf course and the friendly 19th pub in Baltray and is just three miles from the historic town of Drogheda. Children love the large enclosed garden (about 3/4 acre) which is great for dining outdoors. There is a disused farmyard on the other side of the house which is out of bounds for safety reasons.

The Bunker is situated in the picturesque village of Baltray, ideally situated to make the most of Ireland's Ancient East with Beaulieu House just up the road and nearby the ancient burial mound of Newgrange, the high crosses and round tower at Monasterboice, the medieval Melifont Abbey along with Drogheda's many historical sites including Mill Mount museum and its Martello tower, Laurence's gate and Saint Oliver Plunkett's remains in St Peter's church. The seat of the high kings of Ireland at Tara near Navan, the high cross at Kells and Slane castle are also all within reach.

GOLF

Just a short walk down the road in Baltray, the County Louth Golf Club championship 18 hole links golf course has hosted the Irish Open. Another great links course, Seapoint Golf Club, is just two miles up the road outside Termonfeckin.
Just the other side of the river, Bettystown Golf Club completes the trio of excellent links courses making for a great three day golf break.


BEACHES

This part of the coast is renowned for its lovely sandy beaches:

Baltray’s unspoilt shell strewn beach is never crowded, with its iconic ship wreck and views to the Cooley peninsula and Mourne mountains beyond.

Seapoint beach in Termonfeckin is a popular local swimming venue. Just a little further up the coast Clogherhead is a blue flag beach with a cafe on the beach and just beyond Clogherhead is Port, a long stretch of beach with views to the Cooley and Mourne mountains. Continue north for more beautiful beaches all up the coast.

WALKS

Head to the beach at Baltray and you can walk along three miles of uninterrupted strand.

Continue across the headland of Clogherhead and follow the coast as far as you like to Anagassan and beyond.

You can walk along the banks of the Boyne river at many points including some mapped trails.

SHOPPING & EATING OUT

Shopping is available in Termonfeckin where there is a petrol station, post office, supermarket and Forge Field farm shop selling artisanal and local produce with a lovely cafe. Drogheda has a wide range of shops with restaurants, pubs, bars, music sessions and cinemas for nights out. Alternatively guests can eat out at the Golf Club in Baltray, Termonfeckin's World Gate restaurant and Flynn's Inn. Clogherhead hosts a range of eateries including a Pizzeria.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 25 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
The house is beside a farm yard which for safety reasons is out of bounds to guests.
Smoking is not allowed in the house. If smoking in the garden, please use an ashtray and dispose of cigarette butts in the bins provided.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 8851058
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 credit cards
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Baltray

Located in Baltray, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. County Louth Golf Club and Bellewstown Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Funtasia Waterpark and Red Mountain Open Farm. Travelling with kids? Consider The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre and Xtreme.ie. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Map
Baltray, County Louth

What's nearby

  • County Louth Golf Club - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Beaulieu House and Gardens - 2 min drive - 2.7 km
  • Croke Park - 50 min drive - 64.3 km
  • Trinity College - 55 min drive - 66.7 km
  • St. Stephen's Green - 57 min drive - 67.7 km

Getting around

  • Drogheda Station - 13 min drive
  • Dublin Airport (DUB) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Evalynn Coffee - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪BBQ Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Grennans - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Courtyard Coffee - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Punjabi House - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Bunker Cottage, traditional spacious riverside retreat. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 25 kg per pet.

How much is parking at The Bunker Cottage, traditional spacious riverside retreat.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Bunker Cottage, traditional spacious riverside retreat.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Bunker Cottage, traditional spacious riverside retreat.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Bunker Cottage, traditional spacious riverside retreat. located?

This family-friendly Baltray cottage is located on the waterfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Boyne River Valley and County Louth Golf Club. Beaulieu House and Gardens is 1.5 mi (2.5 km) away.

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 23 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pearse F.

Lovely place to stay, not far from the town centre but far enough to be lovely and quiet.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 September 2025
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and left such helpful advice to future guests - it’s quiet but convenient. Thank you! Do come again any time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gavin

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay.

Great location, quiet with easy access for day trips to Dublin or Belfast and surrounding areas. Warm, comfortable, spacious cottage for our family of 5 (3 teenagers) walking distance to local bar, clogherhead and coastal towns only a short drive away.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 May 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted you found the house comfortable and convenient for your family and enjoyed the local pub and beaches.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

We used The Bunker as a base for part of our golf trip. Location was perfect. Would definitely stay again
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2023
So glad you enjoyed your stay and your golf! We would be delighted to welcome you back again any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kathleen m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family and I loved our stay. The Bunker was more than I had hoped for. It was quite roomy and comfortable. The beautiful back yard was large and private, it was a great area to unwind in the evening.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 August 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review Kathleen. We are so glad you enjoyed the space in the house and garden. Many of our guests are surprised by the space in the cottage which easily accommodates large groups. Thank you for being such lovely guests. We would be delighted to have you back again any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melissa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Easy weekend trip from Dublin

The Bunker was a nice weekend trip from Dublin. We enjoyed the local sights including the 19 th Bar!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 October 2022
So glad you enjoyed your weekend away and the local village pub. We would be delighted to welcome you back again any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Baltray Cottage

What a wonderful relaxing place to stay. Beautiful house in a peaceful setting. Had Everything you needed. Would recommend this property to family and friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 May 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are delighted to hear you had a peaceful and relaxing stay. We want our guests to have the best possible time and it's so good to know you enjoyed your holiday at The Bunker Cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Philip W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Golf Trip

Second time visit. Ideal for a group and well located. Couldn’t fault it.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 September 2024
It was lovely to have you back again. So glad you enjoyed your stay. Come again any time!
Verified

8/10 Good

Paul M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ireland 2024

Excellent area for us , easy access to Dublin and surrounding areas had a great time
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 June 2024
So glad you enjoyed your stay and found the location convenient. We want our guests to have the best possible time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheila M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ireland trip

The cottage was in a wonderful and quiet area, we had no problem finding transportation into more populated areas. It fit our group of 8 with ease. We had a fantastic and relaxing time here.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 June 2024
Thank you for your lovely review Shiela. We are so glad you enjoyed the space and the quiet location of the house on the edge of the village. It’s great to know you found it easy to get around by public transport too. Thank you for being such lovely guests. We would be delighted to welcome you back again any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for 5 adults

It lived up to its promise.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 May 2023
So glad you enjoyed your stay Lawrence. We would be delighted to welcome you back again any time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Penelope S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Bunker - a perfectly lovely Irish cottage

Our stay at the Bunker exceeded our expectations. Well-appointed, comfortable, ideally located with everything we could possibly need close to hand. Our three teenaged grandchildren could not have been happier. We all loved it.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 July 2023
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so glad you and your grandchildren enjoyed your stay in the cottage and made the most of the location. We really want our guests to have the best time possible and it's great to hear that you seem to have had just that. Thank you for being such great guests. We'd be delighted to welcome you back again any time.
Verified

8/10 Good

Vicki H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Bunker

Our party of six, enjoyed the large Living & Dining area. Bedrooms were well appointed. Location worked out great, with the majority being 1st time Ireland visitors. Baltray was a nice little village with the 19th Hole Pub and walkable sights. Only suggestions would be: 2nd shower needed and black flys seemed to appear each morning, that we needed to let out windows.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 May 2024
Thank you for the review Vicki. We are glad your large group enjoyed the spacious living area and the location. There are two bathrooms providing a choice of bath and shower as some guests prefer a bath while others prefer a shower. I am sorry about the appearance of flies. The cleaners have had a thorough inspection but couldn’t identify any obvious source so it may be that the flies came in unnoticed during the day. We appreciate your feedback which is very important so that we can continuously improve the service we provide our clients.
Verified

8/10 Good

Lynda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A trip down memory lane

We booked the cottage for a family reunion for a small group.Our aim was to spend the day in Clougherhead & the location of the cottage just on the outskirts of Baltray was surberb. The cottage has plenty of space both indoors & out for a small group.For a cottage the space was great.There was bedding, towels all provided. Also plenty of utensils & dinner wear in the kitchen.There was no BBQ ( which was advertised) & the outdoor area could do with dome upgrading on the crazy paving plus the shower room. Great stay & we had a relaxing time at the cottage. Baltray was
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 2025
Thank you for your lovely review Lynda. I’m afraid we don’t have a BBQ as it is just too much work for our cleaners. However as we informed you, guests are welcome to bring their own if they like. We don’t advertise a BBQ and I’ve just re-checked our listing for an error and can confirm that it’s not among the list of amenities. We are disappointed that you were not totally happy with the outside space and shower room. We want our guests to have the best possible stay. We have just installed a totally new shower room so everything should be perfect for you when you next come to stay.
Verified

8/10 Good

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Nice country location

Overall the property had a lovely older country cottage feel. Some attention needs to be given to the furniture as one couch had broken legs and the futon bed was unusable as a bed because several slates in the back were all broken. Also there are places where plaster/paint was falling off the walls. There just needs to be some freshening up of the walls and furniture. Beyond that it was a great layout for a group of 8 with doors to close off the common areas so rooms stayed quiet. The location was perfect and we took the train to Dublin for the day so we didn’t have to worry about parking. The train station wasn’t far. For our 3 night stay it worked out for as we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May 2023
Thank you for your review Jennifer. Thank you also for bringing the items needing repair to our attention. We were not aware of the breakages. We had a large group just before you and were not aware that damage had been done. I am sorry that you didn’t let us know as we would have repaired them immediately during your stay so as to minimise any inconvenience. We will of course effect the repairs immediately. The house has been painted at the beginning of May just after your stay. It was scheduled for painting in February but due to cancellation by the decorator it was delayed to May. I apologise that the decor was not fresh for your stay but assure you that it now is. We are very sorry that your experience was marred by these issues. We want our guests to have the best time possible. We suggest guests raise any issues with us during their stay so that we can resolve them as soon as possible to make your stay the best we can.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcel R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Schönes gräumiges Haus, mit guter Lage

Das Haus, hat alles was man braucht. Die Lage ist abgelegen und ruhig. Man Läuft ca 15 min, bis zum Strand. Man ist direkt an einem großen Fluss, wo man sehr schön Ebbe und Flut bewundern kann. Man sollte sich ein Fahrzeug mieten, da es in der Nähe kaum Einkaufsmöglichkeiten gibt (mind 3km entfernt). Das Ein- und Auschecken, lief flüssig ohne Probleme. Die Einrichtung ist schon ein bisschen älter, aber voll in Ordnung. Der Garten und groß und kann man gut nutzen.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jenna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Best!

We loved everything about the location, property, community, and especially the beaches! My daughter and I walked over 8 miles on the beaches. We walked the golf course and hung out at the pub. Shopped in Drogheda and took trips to all the Ancient East sites! We wish We could have stayed forever!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2022
We are so glad you had such a lovely time and made the most of the unspoilt miles of sandy beaches and the wealth of historic sites. Thank you for the lovely review and for being such brilliant guests. We would be delighted to have you back again any time.
Verified

8/10 Good

Tina M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Bunker

A good spacious property . 10 minute journey to nearby Drogheda. Local restaurants are good. Great spacious garden for bbq or football . Little to no warm water for showers and washing dishes.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 August 2021
I’m so sorry you experienced problems with hot water. We would have sorted it out immediately if we had known. If you had called or messaged us we would have dropped in to sort it out or helped you adjust controls which must have been adjusted by the previous occupants. We are so sorry that you were inconvenienced. We want our guests to have the best time possible and are so sorry that we didn’t know so couldn’t help.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Spread on The Bunker

Lovely little place with lots of rooms and plenty of space and amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
So glad you liked the house and enjoyed the space. We’d love to have you back again any time.
Verified

8/10 Good

Deirdre B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Convenient location for exploring the Boyne Valley

The house was clean and the beds were comfortable. We were travelling as a family of 5 with 3 teenage children, so we appreciated the space to spread out, the washing machine and dryer, as well as the plentiful supply of towels. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best at the beginning of October for using the nice garden area south of the house. The location is very convenient for exploring the Boyne Valley. Drogheda is a short drive away along the south bank of the Boyne river - good for grocery stores and visit to St. Peter's. Other must see places include Newgrange and Knowth, the ruins of Melifont and Monstraboyce, and Trim castle. We didn't have time to visit the battle of the Boyne visitor centre - another time. The beach at Baltray is well worth a visit, even though it is a bit of a walk from the house. We enjoyed hunting for shells along the beautiful quiet sandy beach, and the boat wreck was interesting. It would be lovely in the summer. Overall, we had a lovely stay. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Julie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice farm house near historic sites and not too far from Dublin and Tullamore

Thoroughly enjoyed staying here! The property manager is very attentive, pleasant and helpful. The house is a nicely sized 3 bedroom with room for teenagers to spread out and a nice kitchen if you feel like staying in. I typically visit the northern end of Ireland but if we ever are back in this area, we’ll definitely look at staying here. The nearby sites at Newgrange and the Boyne river valley are worthwhile. If you’re not a city person (I’m not) but want to be reasonably close to Dublin for day visits, it fits the bill :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
So glad you felt well looked after and enjoyed the spaciousness of the house. We would be delighted to have you back again anytime.
Verified

8/10 Good

Sonja B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bunker

Sehr freundliche Ansprache. Es wurde sich um alles zeitnah gekümmert. Ausstattung war gut.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thank you for your kind appreciation. We love looking after our guests and making sure they are happy and comfortable in the house. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gavin

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2025
So glad you enjoyed your stay Gavin! Thank you so much for the top class review.
Verified

4/10 Poor

Tyanne H.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Location, listing accuracy
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Chris B.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

About the host

Hosted by Elizabeth

Host profile image
It's a pleasure to host people from all over the world and help them to enjoy my favourite bit of Ireland. I was brought up living in the house but am currently living in London and regularly go back to stay in the cottage.

Why they chose this property

The village of Baltray is very pretty with a friendly pub and a top notch links golf course all within walking distance of the house. Steeped in history with the most iconic ancient Irish sites, County Louth has the most beautiful sandy beaches and coves and villages with friendly pubs. Drogheda is great for nights out, renowned for its music its fantastic pubs have great music sessions.

This is the house I grew up in, situated in our favourite part of Ireland. We hope our guests love it as much as we do.

What makes this property unique

This beautiful traditional Irish cottage manages to be cosy and really spacious at the same time. It easily fits large groups but maintains cosy comfort. The large garden is great for games and generally larking about.

Set on the banks of the Boyne, the garden is filled with birdsong from the wildlife sanctuary just over the road. Take a stroll in the evening to watch the sunset over the river estuary.

Accommodation is of a high standard with great care taken for the comfort of our guests. Guests often remark on the comfortable beds with crisp cotton bed linen, fluffy towels and natural toiletries.

Languages:

English, French

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