“Absolutely the best experience the kindness and friendship made our stay one of the best experiences of my life. The most interesting conversations, the most things in common, the smallest of worlds is what makes swaps so nice. Plus a beautiful home and setting of course. But really the people. ”
Charming country house in heart of Ireland
Charming country house in heart of Ireland

Geraldine
Joined
May 2015
Last login
This month
Response rate
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- 5 Bedrooms
- Sleeps 10
- 2 Bathrooms
About our home
We live on the edge of a small village which has a school, library, church, a supermarkets, a bar which serves all day food. There is a scenic canal which has barge boats in summer, It is also a very popular fishing area. We are only a few minutes walk from all the shops and amenities. Our nearest large town is Tullamore, which has two four star hotels, smaller hotels and numerous excellent restaurants, shops and department stores. There is a nice public swimming pool a 6-screen cinema, and there are activities such as horse-riding, bowling and various golfing clubs. The Tullamore Dew Heritage visitors' centre can advise on places of historical interest to visit such as castles and stately houses in the area. The direct trainline from Tullamore runs to Galway and Dublin, with links to Cork and Mayo. Our house is set in a secluded area, amongst large trees and several lawns. It is on two-levels, with three double bedrooms and two bathrooms - one with bath + shower, and one with large jacuzzi bath - downstairs, and two large double bedrooms and a small library upstairs. The bedrooms are furnished to the same standard as the rest of the house with antique or 'shabby-chic' style painted furniture and white covered duvets. Four bedrooms have king-sized beds and the fifth a double.
We have a comfortable sitting-room to the front of the house with Multi-channel tv, Netflix, multi-film channels, large selection of DVDs + music, and Wifi connection. The kitchen is large and airy with a dining-area and another sitting area with a large TV. There are French doors at the rear of the kitchen which open on to a patio with table and chairs and plants, and a large enclosed garden.
Features
- Main home
- Garden
- Cleaner
- Wifi
- Cable TV
- Equipped for kids
- Wheelchair friendly
- Car optional
- No smoking
- Central heating
- Dish washer
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Parking
- Pet-friendly
“Our week with Geraldine and Mike and Claire was absolutely the best. We bonded as friends and they treated us as such from the moment we started corresponding to the moment her dear friend drove us to the train station a week later. We so appreciate it their generosity and Support in every detail of our trip. Her attention to detail and care was exemplary. They are in the heart of Ireland in the Midlands and having the car was a fantastic way to see Galway and some of the other local places in the area. The walks and cycles along the Grand Canal and stops at the Ballycommon Bake House we’re almost daily occurrences for us as we were preparing for a big hike around the dingle peninsula. People in the area are so friendly and kind, that we felt instantly at home. I cannot recommend this home swap highly enough. We absolutely loved our time and feel that Geraldine and Mike will be friends for a long time to come. Thank you again so much for your hospitality, Sal and Stu❤️”
“We had an amazing experience at Geraldine and Mikes home the perfect hosts the prefect trip. We were three families with six young children the trip was not to be easy to organise. However with the charm and beauty of their home, the warmth, kindest and generosity of Mike, Geraldine and their family as well as the wonderful traditional Irish beauty of Daingean and the community we had an fantastic time. We are so lucky to have had this experience, Thank you ”
“Geraldine and her husband where so warm and welcoming. They where waiting for me with tea and cookies, so amazing!! And was invited to join them for diner. I was even introduced to their dochter and grandson. So besides the great house, full of stories, it felt like I was visiting family. Highly recommend there home! It will truly give you a full Irish experience you won't easy forget :-). ”
“I already want to go back! I just loved this house. Everywhere I looked....I loved. It is just one beautiful treasure trove and Geraldine is a gorgeous host.”
“Geraldine and Mike were model guests during the week they stayed at our house. They keep in touch when necessary and there was never a complaint even when we had a temporary blip with the Wi-Fi. They respected our property and left it spick and span on their departure and were extremely friendly and courteous at all times. Geraldine is a renowned author, and she gave us some of her books as a gift, which was much appreciated. We highly recommend them as guests for any property owner in the LHS community. Regards, Una and Malachy”
“We had a good experience with Geraldine and her husband. (They had a problem with one of the shower and they solved it)”
“It was an absolute pleasure having Geraldine as a guest in our home from home. I was more than happy to be able to accommodate her needs at short notice. She is a delightful and gracious guest. Wishing her and her family well..”
“Geraldine is a perfect guest, responsible, and very kind !”
“It was great hosting Geraldine - no problems at all. ”
More about us
-
We're a retired couple in our 60's who love to travel. We also love architecture, music, films, art, books etc.
We love cities where we can walk around, we also love places near the sea. -
Geraldine is an author of 16 published books + an early-retired teacher, Mike has just retired as a senior manager working with families in Social Services and in Therapeutic Childcare.
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We are very experienced home swappers, having exchanged with people from Memphis, Nashville, San Diego, Sweden, and various parts of UK and Ireland.
We love exploring cities but are open to any sort of exchange. We travel on our own at times, and at other times enjoy the company of family or friends.
Swap availability
- White
- Open to offers
- Green
- Available
- Red
- Not Available
Where is it?
Neighbourhood
We are on the outskirts of an old village with all basic shops, bars with food and scenic canal for walks or cycling. Golf course within 5 minute walk with restaurant.
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