How anyone could not find John and Patricia gracious hosts is beyond me. I have had the great fortune of staying at Farran House on four occasions now--once in 2003, when our party of 13 booked the entire house, once in 2004, when my daughter and I visited; and twice last summer (2006), when my son and I were exploring Counties Cork and Kerry. My experience has been one of being welcomed, with tea and biscuits upon arrival and a chat with either John or Patricia; fabulous rooms; the run of the house and grounds; lovely breakfasts and splendid dinners. After my son and I made our first stop of several days last summer and were going to travel elsewhere for a few days, Patricia offered to let us keep our extra gear in the bedroom so we could move about more freely during our travels down to Bantry and out to the Dingle Peninsula. I hope to visit many more times in the future--and encourage others to do the same.

I agree with the other reviewers about the beauty of Farran House and surrounds however the experience of staying there was far from pleasant. The main problem was that it felt like staying in someones home as unwanted guests, we felt like we were imposing. Our inclination was to tip toe about the place and whisper, our impression that these people are doing this out of necessity and really don't like having guests and who could blame them! If it was mine i wouldn't want to share it with anyone either! We can't imagine how anyone could have a nice time staying here, it was quite an unnerving experience. We would never stay here again. If you don't mind the idea of picking a house at random and deciding to stay there whether the owners want you there or not then go for it otherwise steer well clear!

We staid just for one night, and we were sad that we could not stay for longer. The house is lovely, what you see in the photos on the website is really true. The room was great, big, comfortable, with a huge bed, a fire place and a great view to Ireland country site. The bathroom was from a movie, almost the size of the room, with bath and shower, a fire place ... very very romantic. The owners were very nice people. The breakfast was very good with several options for all tastes. Very well located for traveling around on the Kerry and Cork Counties.

This is my favouite place to stay anywhere in the world and I have travelled alot. The house is beautifully designed, I have seldom seen a heritage house that feels so bright and fresh. The owners, Patricia and John, look much too young to have such a majestic house, they spent 7 years restoring the building from an unwanted shell. They are energetic, enthusiastic and always on hand with help and advice. John is a landscape photographer and can tell you all the best places to visit. You will also meet, Sebastian and Yvonne, a charming polish couple, who have been working in there ever since I have been coming and they can give you a facinating perspective on modern Ireland

I try to have dinner everytime I stay, it is a big event, all the guests sit around a big mahogany table, lit by silver candelabra. Nearly all the food comes from gardens and Patricia is an excellant cook. The breakfast is equally impressive, you will not get a choice between sugar puffs, cocoa pops and frosties, but you do get muesli, fresh fruit, yoghurt, smoked meats, smoked fish, cheese, freshly baked bread, home made jams and of course 'the full Irish'.
I have stayed here 3 times and I will be back.