When we planned our journey, we were looking for some nice, quiet place somewhere in Cork; somewhere romantic as befits a honeymoon hotel. Online, I came across the Driftwood Country Hostel near Skibbereen, and we decided to book a room there for ten days. And when we finally got there – it was all EVEN better than their many 5-star reviews! A lovely place literally in the middle of nowhere, with lovely owners who welcomed us and made us feel at home immediately!
Our room was cosy and spacious, decorated with much love and care, and thanks to the big radiators it was always warm. And the bed was big and soft – exactly what you need on your honeymoon!
The living room had a comfy couch, a woodburner and a big TV set, and the kitchen was equipped with everything including free tea, coffee, rice and spices! During our stay, other guests would come and go, and we’d all share the living room and kitchen and have lovely chats with them. And there was a nice choice of board games, too, so my darling fiancé could teach me how to play Scrabble! Play more games, friends; board games, card games, whatever – it’s just so much more sociable than gazing into your smartphone all day…
We even had pets at the Driftwood: Blackie and Rosie, two beautiful, very well-behaved dogs, and two cute little cats called Speckles and Biscuit. And there were chickens, too, who would stroll past our window in the mornings! What an idyllic place – after a few days we felt so much at home we didn’t want to ever go back to the city again…
The Driftwood really turned out the PERFECT place for our honeymoon! When we weren’t driving around West Cork, sightseeing and/or eating and drinking out, we simply relaxed in the living room, made our own fire, cooked our meals – it was just SO cosy, perfect harmony for the start into a perfect marriage…
The garden was absolutely beautiful, too, romantic little paths that led to a BBQ area, a trampoline, a sauna – and the highlight, a big hot tub in a little hut! That was the epitome of luxury during our stay – relaxing in the warm water, with the jet streams on, looking out into the autumnal surroundings, listening to the music of the wind chimes… Oh what bliss!!
So, if any of you are planning on a trip to Southern Ireland, make sure you’ll stay at the Driftwood House… Thank you so much, Heidi and Des, for your hospitality – you made our honeymoon Heaven on Earth!!
Next: Trips around West Cork
Roberta Franklin 