You’ll never find a more welcoming and magical place on the Great Atlantic Way. What an amazing place, so full of heart and genuine people. This review is late, but I have to be honest that Its been hard to write– I’m sentimental about my amazing experience with Gallan Mor and The Bourkes(owners) — and I want to give them all the praise I possibly can. I painstakingly researched where we would like to stay, combing through online reviews and images and taking my time to determine the perfect location. When I came across Gallan Mor it was like love at first sight– A wave on confidence washed over me and I felt really calm about booking. The emails between me and the owners were so pleasant and understanding-even when I ended up having to move dates around. By the time we were headed towards their lovely home, I felt like I already knew them a little. Lorna, the hostess with the mostess, provided coordinates to reach them, a good idea in Ireland and a common practice for B & Bs there. After a few days on different parts of the Island we arrived: It was perfect. See all my pictures for the visuals or their stunning, just-like-home instagram( ). As we parked we were invited to the porch for tea and a snack while we took in the incredible views. We were given the North Room and it was perfect with an en suite bathroom. Roomy enough and decorated in a fresh but cozy fashion. The four poster bed was quite comfortable with plenty of luxe linens with a set up for morning tea already in the room. Lorna mentioned there’s nothing better than lounging in bed with a hot cup first thing in the AM. I couldn’t have agreed more! The dining room is truly a crowning piece in the home, it’s set with just enough tables and adorable wares, behind you is a quaint red fireplace, a few couches and books. We were blessed with abnormally perfect weather(It did not rain once in all our travels on the whole island in our 12 day trip) but if it HAD rained, I would have promptly curled up there and been as content as can be. The Bourkes asked us what our dinner plans were and as we had none, they hooked us up with a reservation down the road. You may feel, out in West Cork, as though there may not be anything for miles– not so! Pubs and excellent small restaurants are just down the road… and further down, the amazing hikes and cliffs full of lavender and views that will make you catch your breath. The small town of Bantry is also nearby, ask me about the Famer’s Market, I almost bought a pony and some live chickens just in case. The next day we had the breakfast they’re famous for served in the sunny dining room and lets just take a moment of silence for Lorna’s home-made preserves… I WANTTOMOVEIN. Her daughters are very lucky to have such a cook for a mother, I’d be 100 more pounds if I lived there spreading butter and jams over fresh baked goods every morning. I was lucky enough to get that experience a few times during our stay and the tastes and smells are still with me– craving from thousands of miles away! Our hosts gave us all the local advise and helped us create some of the best memories of our trip entirely. When I return to Ireland someday I’ll be excited to try new things… but I absolutely MUST stay here again, and you must too.(In progress was a wood-fire fed hot tub in the wild flower filled back yard! Noël: I cannot wait to try this out in the future!) My thanks to Gallan Mor for a fantastic stay– my absolute highest recommendation. Practical notes: Wifi = excellent Food = it doesn’t get any better! Road on the way = Narrow, tis Ireland all around though View = Amazing Vibe = Quiet, Local, remote: Perfect for Hikers! Cost = Very reasonable
