Gallán Mór – ‘Big Stone’ – named after a huge piece of rock inexplicably lodged in the back garden, bestows a sense of history on this otherwise beautifully contemporary place to stay. Overlooking the glistening blue of Dunmanus Bay are two immaculate white cottages: the house where Lorna and Noel do B&B, and a self-catering pad for six next door. Both are topped with slate roofs and dormer windows, and surrounded by landscaped lawns laced with meandering paths and hidden corners. The four beautifully furnished B&B rooms would look at home splashed across the pages of a glossy designer mag: stunning four-posters, chandeliers that twinkle between the eaves, the occasional olive-green wall. The spotless cottage is just as delightful, with restored antique radiators, comfy leather sofas and a cosy wood-burner in its open-plan living room. Caribbean Lorna and Irish Noel are a beaming, sunny, ex-London pair. The area is full of quirky villages to explore and stunning walks; and there’s a hot tub for the idle.
We stayed in the self catering cottage, An Gallan Beag, two adults and two teenage kids (18 and 16) The cottage is lovely, comfortable, really well thought out, beds are excellent. Lorna and Noel are just brilliant, fabulous people, couldn’t be more helpful, a joy to meet. They are superb hosts with great local knowledge and all the best places to eat (Arundel’s), walk and swim. On arrival they had left a jar of their own honey, a demi baguette and some Durrus cheese. A really nice touch!