Coumoleague Cottage in The Dingle Pennesula

Finally our cottage in Dingle

The drive eventually brought us into the crowded streets of Dingle, a busy tourist town.

Outside Dingle, the roads narrowed even further. We took a wrong turn adding about 30 minutes to our route. We did not expect for most roads to be single lane, with bushes directly adjacent to the road with no shoulder. There are occasional drives or pull-offs for passing. Fortunately there is very little traffic.

We eventually found our cottage, Coumoleague.

Far out in the countryside, it was the perfect spot for photography, relaxation, and simply getting away from it all.

Upon checking in, we explored the cottage which is meticulously designed, maintained and stocked. Petra is a master hostess.

Every window appeared as a renaissance painting.

Next we explored the grounds, savoring the solitude. The only noise that we could detect…

was us.

It was quiet as we had never known it.

Our only neighbors soon came to visit once we were settled in. They would amble up and down the hill behind us looking for sweeter grass. It became a ritual to watch.

Awakening early we watch the morning mist as it rolls across the valley in front of us. The sun stretching across the sky, waiting to wash the valley floor. The layers of mountains and lakes stretching before us.

Even the view from the bathroom window reflected Petra’s sense of design and attention to detail.

Everything in the landscape had an artistic sense of rhythm and balance.

Every vignette was beautifully designed and perfectly suited to enhance the landscape.

Across the valley in the distance before us, there are smatterings of a few homes doting the landscape. Farms with sheep grazing anywhere and everywhere. Few trees, with ancient stone walls covered with splashes of lichen and green hedgerows, defining pastures & property lines.

There is even an old beehive hut next to the cabin.

“If walls could talk”

Every morning and evening was breathtaking, with the ebb & flow of mist, clouds and sun, each different and each equally impressive. Low contrast, cloudy days have a completely different feel than the brighter and sunny days. As if the clouds and mist dampen even your own sounds and views.

We could have not found a more relaxing, yet photographically inspiring place like Coumoleague.

After five nights, we did not want to leave.

More than we hoped for.

More than we expected.

Coumoleague is one very special place, indeed.