Entire home

Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way

Photo gallery for Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way

Beach nearby, beach towels
Exterior
Aerial view
Exterior
5 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 13250 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way

To provide a safe stay for you and your family, we make sure our cleaning standards meet the current regulatory guidelines. We offer a contactless check in and check out service.

This thoughtfully designed house is perfectly suited to families and people who appreciate their personal space. We are a family of 5 and we feel very comfortable holidaying at Vaughan Cottage however it also easily accommodates larger groups and multi-generational families. The generously proportioned ground level layout is also popular with our infirm/less mobile guests.

**A YouTube video guide of Vaughan Cottage is available online**

My great grandfather, Padraig Vaughan, built the original Vaughan cottage which remains to this day in our family. The dwelling was newly renovated and extended in 2008. The house enjoys wonderful vistas of The Burren landscape and Newtown Castle.
Travel cots/Pack n Play/ Toys can be provided upon request. There is a wooden cot bed/infant bed positioned in the twin bedroom as we know this room is popular with younger family members.

If you require a housekeeper or cook during your stay, this can be arranged separately

The space
There are 5 spacious and well-appointed bedrooms, 4 large luxurious bathrooms, each with a separate shower and separate bath as well as ample communal spaces.

The large kitchen/diner has a ceiling open up all the way to the rafters and its central feature is a reclaimed Belfast brick chimney stack containing a modern range cooker.

Guest access

The property sits on a walled and gated plot of approx. 1 acre all in full access of the guests. Outside Seating provided.

Interaction with guests

We look forward to welcoming you to this special place and our family holiday home. My husband, children and I currently live overseas, however, we have support locally should you require assistance.

As we don't live at the house, it is generally not possible for me to be there when you arrive to welcome you in person but I shall leave keys and instructions on where everything is. Our housekeeper and maintenance man lives in the village and are happy to call by if you have any problems or need any information on the area or the house.

Getting around

We are situated in the perfect location for touring the Wild Atlantic Way. There is a bus service from the village of Ballyvaughan however to get the full sightseeing experience a car is essential. We have plenty of wonderful walks on our doorstep and bike rental can be arranged through the local bike rental shop. There is also a local taxi service.

Other things to note

Although the original old cottage was a much more modest dwelling, its occupants - the Vaughans, whose name is also synonymous with the village itself - were very friendly and welcoming.

The Vaughans were the first to introduce tourism to Ballyvaughan in the 1940s when Mr Rocks stayed here and built the new church altar. Mr Rocks' marble crafted altar is present in the Ballyvaughan church till this day. Vaughan cottage was just a fraction of its current size when he stayed there and the toilet was outside, but he enjoyed his stay with the Vaughans so much so that he went back to Dublin to tell his family and friends that they should all come to visit. As a result, the Rocks, the Walshes and the McConnells became regular guests at Vaughan cottage and so started the growth of tourism in the village.

My father Padraig, who was born and raised in the cottage, same as his mother before him, has very happy memories of an old gramophone playing on a stone wall outside as people danced Irish sets, sang and played music during his childhood - the original talent showcases before television took over. Passers-by were welcome to call in and nobody left the house hungry. Vaughan Cottage has always welcomed guests.

Property manager

Rachel Luksan

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • In-room accessibility
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains
  • Near the bay
  • Near the sea

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Unit size: 2,691 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

Luxurious Retreat Wild Atlantic Way House Ballyvaughan
Luxurious Retreat Wild Atlantic Way House
Luxurious Retreat Wild Atlantic Way Ballyvaughan
Luxurious Retreat Wild Atlantic Way
Luxurious Retreat Wild Atlant
Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way Ballyvaughan
Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way Private vacation home

About the area

Map
Ballyvaughan, County Clare

What's nearby

  • Newtown Castle - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Aillwee Cave - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Galway Bay - 4 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Poulnabrone Dolmen - 8 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Cliffs of Moher - 24 min drive - 26.5 km

Getting around

  • Ardrahan Station - 27 min drive
  • Shannon (SNN) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Monks Pub & Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪O'Donohue's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Linnane's Lobster Bar - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Soda Parlour - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Larder - ‬2 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way located?

This family-friendly Ballyvaughan holiday home is located by the sea, within 2 mi (3 km) of Newtown Castle and Aillwee Cave. Galway Bay is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) away.

Luxurious Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alexander O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing place for a family reunion
This place was so great for our family. I would stay here again. Our 2 year old loved it! Ballyvaughan is a small little town with a lot to do for kids. It's also centrally located for a lot of activities in the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Colin G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Dream Irish getaway
Vaughn Cottage is a very spacious, exceptionally clean and thoughfully layed-out home that was a teriffic accommodation for our family of 13 people ranging from 10 months to 68 years of age. The views were magnificent and we spent loads of time playing on the large grass in the back. The hosts provided us with everything we needed. e recomme
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Burren Beauty
We spent a wonderful week in Vaughan cottage. We arrived and everything was exactly as described on the VRBO listing, with a handy welcome pack with loads of information on the local attractions. There's a big box full of information and ideas for all tastes. The cottage is gorgeous, well cleaned, with comfortable beds and bedding and spacious enough for an extended family of 10 with room to spare. The kitchen and lounge areas are perfect for dining, chatting and can be divided with a sliding door if the kids want to watch a movie. There's so much to do in the local area from walking and surfing to horse riding and exploring numerous historical interests. I would recommend a car for getting the most out of your stay.. Rachel, our host, was super helpful throughout providing timely information and loads of local tips.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best EVER!
Vaughn Cottage was a magical place for our family of 10 - three generations - to celebrate a 55th wedding anniversary. The cottage is perfectly situated, with a gorgeous view of the Burren; beautifully built, with a kitchen area that took our breaths away (not to mention the 4 amazing bath tubs!!) and the property is meticulously maintained. Hiking, kayaking, great little shops and seafood chowder to die for are just a few of the fun local attractions. Visits to Corcomroe Abby AND the Chocolate Factory were special favorites for everyone. Cannot recommend highly enough!! We even saw a rainbow over the back meadow on our last night. Amazing. . . Rachel and her helper Cora are the best hosts ever!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

mary n.

Liked: Cleanliness
2024 Family Trip to Ireland
I truly cannot thank the host, Rachel, for all her care, time and planning with my family's trip to Ireland for the first time. The house is gorgeous, accommodating and cozy. Every detail that is advertised for this property is exactly correct even above and beyond what you would expect. We had a large group from ages 10-73 and we all loved our stay. I would like to kindly thank Rachel for everything she provided and did for us. I highly recommend this host and property.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jerry M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Location and House
The house was in a perfect location in order to see a large portion of Ireland. The town was just the right size to have restaurants and a grocery store but was small enough to be quiet and peaceful. Would highly recommend this house.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Candace D., VA

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect vacation in western Ireland
The Vaughan cottage was perfect for my family of 11. The kitchen was roomy and easy to cook it. The sitting room had 3 couches and 2 chairs for playing games and hanging out. There are 3 king bedrooms with bathrooms on the first floor. Upstairs is a family room for 4, a bathroom, and a bedroom with 2 twin beds. The location is great for going into Ballyvaughan to the pub, restaurants, crabbing at the pier, or shopping for groceries. Cliffs of Moher plus lots of villages, beaches, etc. are within a hour of the house. We explored everyday. The housekeeper was very helpful when we called her about the trash. We loved the friendly neighborhood cat and walking to the Newtown Castle in the mornings and evening. The trails around the house were wonderful as was the cave and birds of prey exhibit.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eileen W., Crystal Lake Illinois USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for Families
We had 10 family members of 3 generations and Vaughan Cottage was just perfect for all of us! The location was wonderful…beaches, caves, great restaurants, castles, nightlife and Burren hiking. Something for everyone! The home itself is spotless and very well cared for and well equipped. Great to be able to use the washer and dryer. The home was very cozy to come home to after a long day out, lovely and warm, which was very much appreciated if the day happened to be on the chilly side. Be sure to walk to Newtown Castle just a short distance from the cottage and stop in for some delicious food at the cafe there…the castle is free and our grandaughters loved it! Vaughan’s Cottage is all that is described and more! Rachel kept in touch to see if we had any questions during our stay(3 weeks) and always answered any questions I had beforehand very quickly. Vaughan Cottage will not disappoint! Great memories for all the family!
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular time at Ballyvaughan cottage in June 2023
My husband and I had 3 generations of family together with our 3 adult children, son-in-law and 4 young grandchildren at the lovely Vaughan cottage! It was our first trip to Ireland that we will cherish forever! We had plenty of space for everyone in this well appointed and thoughtfully designed home. Everything was clean and there was plenty of room for our clan to enjoy the home both inside and out! Rachel was most helpful with questions as we were planning our trip and provided many ideas of things to do in the area. She was always quick to respond and and provided a lot of detailed information for us! The home is well situated just outside of the small village of Ballyvaughan and there is much to explore in the surrounding area. We were able to take day trips to Doolin, the Aran Islands, Limerick, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. We also went on many hikes in the Burren area as well as at Fenore beach. There was so much to explore! We had a beautiful time and we hope to be able to go back again!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrick K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Access to Wesren Ireland
Great location near town with easy access to the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Doolin, Galway Bay. All the great sites. The house is laid out beautify and is very comfy. Host is a great communicator and had a ton of good information, from sites to see to restaurant recommendation, to direction. Only an hour from Shannon Airport.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandra G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect property!
My family & I (4 couples with 4 children aged 5 to 18 months) recently stayed at Vaughan Cottage for 10 wonderful days while in Ireland for my son's wedding on the Cliffs of Moher. The property was perfect for us. There was plenty of room in the kitchen and living rooms for us to gather, enjoy our meals and relax after full days of sightseeing. The bedrooms & bathrooms were also plenty big enough. The kids had ample room to play & spread out. Everything was clean and well kept. The yard was great for the kids and we enjoyed the neighbors 3 young sheep who visited in the yard every day! The kids loved watching them. Rachel was very attentive and prompt in replying to my many questions before and even while at the cottage! My family & I made many wonderful memories that we will forever cherish! Ireland is amazingly beautiful beyond words and we are so very lucky that we were all able to visit such a wonderful country and spend 10 glorious days visiting with our son, who we don't get to see very often as he is in the US Army. It truly was the trip of a lifetime!!! Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share your wonderful cottage!
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Admiral Jim K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Vaughan Cottage
Perfect setting;; clean home and surroundings, and response property owner, and manager. Excellent experience.
Stayed 28 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas B., New York NY

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Property in a Perfect Location
We just couldn’t be happier with our stay at Vaughan Cottage. The house is well appointed and really surprisingly large, we were surprised at how much extra space there was even after familiazing ourselves with the listing. The location just couldn’t be better, it’s in a secluded spot in the heart of the Burren but just minutes from basically everything you’ll want to see and not far from Galway either. We couldn’t recommend more highly and hope to get a chance to return.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great family getaway
Had a wonderful trip. Check-in was simple, place was better than pictures! Plenty of room for the whole family and close to a lot of different activities throughout the Burren, Galway and Limerick. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a quiet place for a fun vacation
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Francesca C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful home with an excellent location in the valley of the Burren
Our family spent two wonderful weeks in Vaughan Cottage. The cottage is very well laid with a lot of thought that went into its design. The bedrooms are spacious with comfortable beds; all the bedroom have standing/walk-in showers; the kitchen was very well appointed and can easily accommodate meals in. Additionally, there is great communal space for the family to gather as the kitchen is extremely large as well as the living room which is well appointed. It was a perfect set up to enable people to have their private space yet come together over meals and/or conversations. Vaughan Cottage was a great base to visit County Clare and nearby Galway. My uncle called Vaughan Cottage one of the most peaceful and restful places he has ever been. We highly recommend Vaughan Cottage!!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Louise O.

Liked: Cleanliness
lovely house in the heart of the burren
we had a wonderful stay in Vaughan Cottage. Rachel the owner was great with information and responding to any enquiries we had . The house accomodated 11 adults comfortably and we made the most of the location and all the Burren had to offer. Would recommend to others
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Orla R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very enjoyable stay
We had a great time in Ballyvaughan Cottage. The house was ideal in terms of size and location. The house was clean, very well equipped and very comfortable. There is so much to do around Ballyvaughan and the Burren, we had a great week and would definitely recommend the house to our friends. The only thing we struggled with sometimes was the reception on the tv, the wifi doesn't always connect which was a bit difficult when we had small children.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

JAmes W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Property
Myself and my family had an amazing time staying at Vaughan Cottage. It really is the perfect holiday base to explore the West Coast from. The house is incredibly spacious and well appointed. The bedrooms all huge and each with access to their own large well-appointed bathroom. We never worked out which was the "Master" bedroom. The kitchen had everything we needed and the kids really appreciated the collection of DVD’s to choose from. The garden is fabulous (when the weather allows) The views as others have mentioned were amazing and just a short drive/walk to the village of Ballyvaughan and the coast. We highly recommend the Tea and Garden Rooms in Ballyvaughan. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions the little pub was closed as were some of the other restaurants. Vaughan Cottage is ideally located for places such as Doolin, Cliff of Moher, Fanore, Black Head, Aran islands, Galway and many other attractions. Rachel was the perfect host and really did go above and beyond, her communications were excellent. We were not sure whether we would be able to travel or not due to the restrictions and Rachel was accommodating and understanding throughout. Nothing was too much trouble, and she understood all our concerns if we were not able to travel and offered solutions throughout. We really can’t thank her enough. We had a wonderful stay at Rachels house. Our only regret was that we did not stay longer. We would certainly recommend Vaughan Cottage and are looking forward to hopefully returning again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Helen D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed in Vaughan Lodge Aug 2021
Just back from lovely week at Vaughan Lodge. Fabulous house, well equipped and extremely comfortable for all. Easy communication with Rachel , Cora and Martin who were v helpful. Hopefully will make a return trip before too long. Helen D
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tessa N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect house and location
We had a wonderful week in Vaughan Cottage. The house is beautiful, spacious and perfect for a family or other group. We love to cook and share meals so a well stocked kitchen is important. We had everything we needed. The local area , which I already know quite well never diassapoints. You will not regret renting this wonderful property. Communicating with Rachel was really straightforward. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house in a superb location
We stayed in Vaughan Cottage in July 2021 and had a really enjoyable stay. The house is very well appointed and the views from every angle are a delight. There was loads of room for everyone and Rachel has thought of every amenity and gadget that could be required. We loved exploring Ballyvaughan and the surrounding areas. The town is only a couple of kilometres away and there are fantastic drives along the coast to Fanore and beyond. We would recommend Clare as a holiday destination for any family and especially for if you stay in the wonderful Vaughan Cottage. A home from home and a great holiday base.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Yaneer B., Newton, MA, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Great, Thanks!
This is a beautiful property in a outstanding location with pastoral fields of variegated green. Owners are very accommodating and responsive. I would come again.
Stayed 29 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

John P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay over Christmas!
We had a fantastic time at the property over Christmas 2019. We had a full house, with 9 people in the house and all were very comfortable. The layout is great for multiple families, with three master bedrooms with bathrooms and two additional upstairs bedrooms upstairs. The kitchen is large and well stocked, making it easy for us to cook Christmas dinner. The owner is fantastic! She checked in with us prior to arriving and asked if we celebrated Christmas (which we do) and she offered to decorate the house for us to enjoy, which she did very tastefully, making our Christmas even ore fun. She also was very considerate, leaving us a welcome basket on arrival, checking in with us during our stay, and sending a very nice thank you note at the end. I would encourage anyone thinking about visiting this area of Ireland to stay in this house.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness
A lovely home for a family get together in a beautiful location
Vaughan cottage is a welcoming home in a beautiful location with easy access to the burren and the west coast. The house is very well equipped and all items were in good condition (e.g. knives were sharp). There are 3 large communal spaces (kitchen, living room upstairs and downstairs) so it was easy to entertain everyone. The bedrooms are also very generous and there are plenty of bathrooms. Parking is generous and the gate can be closed to keep children away from the main road. The washer and drier is great especially for the mixed weather in Co. Clare and with young children. Communication with Rebecca was friendly, helpful and speedy and the information pack she provided was very useful. Would happily stay there again if returning to the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Vaughn Cottage
We just returned home from a month long stay at Vaughn Cottage. The house was perfect! The amenities and location went beyond our expectations. The house is set in an incredibly beautiful spot where great pubs, restaurants and stores are less than a five minute drive down the road. Getting to and from local attractions and beyond was easy and direct. Rachel, the owner, provided a most helpful summary of things to do in the area. The huge outside area was a perfect place for our five young grandchildren to play, especially when they could watch the cows and bulls next door. The well designed interior allowed our guests to have private space in the five lovely bedrooms as well as a comfortable place to gather in the large living room and spacious kitchen. Two of the bedrooms were upstairs and were connected by an additional spot to relax. Any questions we had were answered quickly by the lovely housekeeper who lives close by in the village. And Rachel assured us that she would be available if needed. Vaughn Cottage is a wonderful place to stay!