Valley of the Hare - wow! What a place! It was fitting that we even saw a large hare racing through the back garden on our last morning. On the rainy days my whole family, from 74 year old Gran to my youngest 7 year old bouncing bean, all loved just chilling out at the house; videos galore, curling up on comfy sofas, playing card games, baking in the really well equipped kitchen and, above all, watching the changing landscape as the mist rolled in and out of the valley and the mountains crept in and out of view until the sun shone on the peninsula across the sea. Breathtakingly beautiful. I loved walking down the picture perfect valley into Sneem for a late breakfast, my husband and I climbed the big mountain behind the house meeting not a soul for 5 hours and being greeted with a rainbow on the way back down, seeing the working sheepdogs keeping their quarry in order on the hill behind the house was pretty special, picking blackberries in the hedgerows, exploring the Ring of Kerry further afield was one of our aims, (especially Derrynane Beach, the Skelligs and Valentia Island) and many other lovely memories and experiences. We loved the magic hour of soft evening light where my husband took advantage and filmed a video with the kids in the garden, which will no doubt pop up on youtube at some point. The house is immaculate and everything has been thought of from extra cutlery and plates so you don't have to keep washing up, to fluffy dressing gowns and towels, superb toiletry supplies, luxury bedding and a generous food pack when you arrive. Nothing is skimped on and everything thought of. It's definitely the best equipped and most comfortable holiday home we've rented for a long time. My Irish in-laws are used to the beauty of their country but they were impressed by this house and its enviable setting. The flexibility of the beds and rooms and generous bathrooms also meant we could accommodate extended family as they came and went during the week, which was such a bonus. I especially enjoyed the picture windows from every room which encompassed every aspect of the changing weather and light around the house at different times of the day. Sitting on the garden bench with a cup of tea listening to the songbirds and watching the sun rise on the mountains, whilst everyone else was still snoozing, was my golden moment. The house looks like a cottage from the outside as it just sits unobtrusively in the landscape but the exciting architecture is from the inside; in the layout, the exposed walls, the space with windows and light everywhere. It's clearly a much loved family home full of comfort and space and nooks and crannies to curl up in with a good book. My only regret in writing this review is that others will come and rent it and diminish our chances of returning! I wish we had booked two weeks, one just wasn't enough.

Our second visit to Valley of the Hare. This time we brought friends to share the experience. Amazing views, country setting. Clean home, wonderful bathrooms and bed linens. Everything you need to base your day trips or just relax and take long walks into town and the surrounding countryside. Walk with the sheep, if you are lucky, see the babies when it is the season. The place to cleanse your soul and refresh your senses. People in town are amazing and Mary at Dolly O'Shea's is a fantastic cook! Heaven.

The Valley of the Hare really does top the ratings when it comes to holiday cottages. Not only is it fabulously designed ( spacious, wonderful views, great layout, tastefully furnished ) Susan, the owner, has thought of absolutely everything to make her guests feel comfortable and really well looked after ( welcome food pack, well stocked cupboard for basic provisions, lovely toiletries, extensive collection of up to date videos, quality linens, fabulous king sized comfortable beds, BBQ, outdoor chairs and more). We enjoyed a week in this wonderful cottage and would not hesitate to recommend it. Cottages of this quality at this price are rare and the next cottage we rent has a hard act to follow. Thank you Susan.

the house is absolutely top equipped with a great atmosphere. You feel at home as soon as you close the front door behind you and have the beautiful view out of the windows. Small details such as a well stocked fridge for a first full breakfast made our stay an outstanding one. We found a lot of material / information for trips around. Finally Susan and her husband where available when ever needed. Thanks a lot for the time we could spend in Valley of the Hare.