Frequently Asked Questions

We hope the following will be helpful in responding to some of your questions. Please feel free to Contact Us if you have any other questions or if you would simply like to make a comment.

Can we check-in early? 

Normal check-in time at the cottage is on Saturday at 1:00pm. The housekeeper will meet you, give you the keys and get you settled. If you would like to arrive on a different day - or you would like early or late check-in - please let us know well in advance and we will facilitate where possible. The housekeeper will not be at the cottage after 1:00pm on Saturday. In the case of arrival outside of our normal check-in time we will (a) arrange keys so you can let yourself into the cottage and (b) phone you at the cottage or drop by during your stay to make sure that you have settled in and have everything you need.

Who will meet us when we arrive ?

Our cottage manager will meet you at the cottage for check-in at 1:00pm on Saturday. If you arrive on a different day - or after 1:00pm on Saturday, the housekeeper will not be at the cottage to meet you but we will (a) arrange keys so you can let yourself into the cottage and (b) phone you at the cottage or drop by during your stay to make sure that you have settled in and have everything you need.

Can we stay more than one week? 

Absolutely, please plan your stay in one-week increments from Saturday to Saturday where possible.

Can we check-out early ? 

Check-out is on or before Saturday at 10:00am unless alternative is agreed via email in advance between the Renter and the property owner. Checking out early is not a problem. We simply request that you inform us in advance that you need to check out early so that we can make the necessary arrangements. We do not offer refunds or prorate the rental fee for early check-outs.

Is there a local contact person available to help us if required ? 

Yes. We will provide you with the name and telephone number of our local manager who will meet you upon arrival.

What do we need to bring? 

The short answer is very little! Obviously, you would want to bring the appropriate clothing for the activities you would like to enjoy together with your personal toiletries. The cottage is fully furnished including bed linens, towels, washer, dryer. It has a fully equipped kitchen including dinnerware cookware etc. You can purchase groceries etc. at the local stores (less than 1 mile away). Bring your CD's, DVD's or iPods which you can use at the Cottage. Perhaps, bring some of those books you've been meaning to read.

Is there a hair dryer available for use at the Cottage?

We provide 2 hairdryers and 1 curling tongs at the Cottage. No need to bring your own.

Can we use use our laptops, phone chargers and other US electrical appliances in Ireland ?

The electricity supply in Ireland (and most european countries) operates at 220 volts. The system in the US operates at 110 volts. As a result, you generally can NOT operate US electrical appliances in Ireland. For avoidance of doubt, US hairdryers, US curling tongs, US hair straighteners etc can NOT be used in Ireland as they operate at 110 volts.

Certain US appliances such as laptop power bricks, phone chargers and camera chargers are designed to work on both US and European electrical systems. Check the notation on the base of your power brick or charger. If it indicates that it operates at voltage ranging from 110v - 240v, then it is safe to plug it in and use it in Ireland. However, plug and socket shapes in Ireland and the UK are not the same as in the US or continental europe. You will need a plug adapter so that you can insert the plug on your laptop or charger to the wall socket in Ireland. You can purchase these plug adapters cheaply at Radio Shack, or on eBay or Amazon or at the Airport.

Where can I purchase groceries nearby? 

There is a SPAR mini market less than one mile from the cottage. They carry all the basic essentials. For a more comprehensive selection we recommend shopping at Tesco or Dunnes in Nenagh (6 miles from Garrykennedy) on your way to the cottage. Please also consider Country Choice Fine Deli on Kenyon Street in Nenagh. There are some great bakeries, butchers and green grocers on Kenyon St in Nenagh.

Can I travel to Garrykennedy by public transport? Do I need to rent a car? 

There is very limited public transport between the village of Garrykennedy and surrounding towns. The nearest public transport hub (train and bus station) is located in the town of Nenagh (6 miles from Garrykennedy). Visit the National Public Transport Website for further information. As a practical matter you really would need a rental car to get around.

How long does it take to drive to Garrykennedy from Shannon Airport? 

It takes approximately 1 hour to drive to Garrykennedy from Shannon Airport. Take the Motorway towards Limerick Tunnel, follow signs for M7 motorway towards Dublin. Take Exit 26 off the M7 motorway. Follow signs for Borrisokane / Garrykennedy.

How long does it take to drive to Garrykennedy from Dublin Airport? 

It takes approximately 2 hour to drive to Garrykennedy from Dublin Airport. Take the M50 Motorway south, then the M7 towards Limerick. Drive approx 100 miles. Take Exit 26 off the M7 motorway. Follow signs for Borrisokane / Garrykennedy.

How many people can sleep at Garrykennedy cottage? 

The cottage has four (4) bedrooms:

How many bathrooms are there at Garrykennedy cottage? 

The cottage has three (3) bathrooms (all upstairs)

What activities are within walking distance of the cottage? 

There’s plenty to do in the village of Garrykennedy without straying far from the cottage. Walking trails start around the corner. The harbour and pier are steps away from the cottage. There are boat launching facilities and plenty of moorings. The lake at Garrykennedy is ideal for sailing, fishing, and swimming. Take a day cruise on the lake to neighbouring villages. Enjoy music and merriment at the local Pubs and Restaurants in the village. All only a few moments stroll from the cottage.

What are the major Attractions in the area? 

There is so much to do in and around Garrykennedy.  Just click on Activities and Day Trips for information on the many activities and amenities in and around Garrykennedy.

What information is there available at the cottage in terms of things to do? 

You will find a hard copy of our web site information on hand at the cottage for your reference. In addition we provide other useful brochures and reference material on things to do, places to visit, shopping and local services.

Is there telephone service at the Cottage?

The cottage has landline telephone service for incoming calls and limited outgoing calls (local numbers only). We also provide 2 local Irish Cell Phones (prepay phones) for your use during your stay. Calls between these 2 cell phones are free. The phones are a great way to stay in touch when your out and about touring. Its also free to receive calls on these phones from anywhere in the world. Your own home country cell phone, Blackberry, iPhone etc., will also work perfectly in Ireland.

How do I make a Reservation Inquiry?

Select the dates you require and then complete our online Reservation Inquiry Form. We will respond within 24 hours. We will respond with a provisional booking email if the dates you require are available. The provisional booking email will set out a full price quote, deposit and payment procedures. Provisional Reservation will be held for 10 days pending receipt of a non-refundable booking deposit. The balance on the rental is payable 3 months before commencement of the rental (your arrival date at the cottage). Reservations will be confirmed via email upon receipt of the deposit.

How much does it cost to stay at Garrykennedy Cottage?

The Rental Prices for a one-week stay at Garrykennedy Cottage varies depending on the season. Utilities are charged as extra as detailed in the provisional booking email we will send you.

Rental prices are quoted in Euros. Can I pay in US dollars? 

Yes. The provisional booking email will quote prices in euros and dollars. We can accept payment in euros or dollars.

How do I pay?

We accept payment by bank check, bank transfer, Visa and Mastercard credit cards. The provisional booking email will include info on all payment options.

What is the best time of year to visit Tipperary? 

It really depends what you are looking for in a vacation. If you would like sun and the warmest weather, then June through September are the best months. However, the weather throughout the year is mild. This means activities like golf, fishing, walking and hiking etc. can be enjoyed year round.

Can I bring my own boat, bicycles, etc.? 

Absolutely, in fact there is a harbour and pier right in front of the cottage where boats can be launched and docked during your stay. A local Company can rent you a boat, outboard motor and life jackets for your stay. Ask us for details.

Can I bring my pet? 

For reasons of hygiene, pets are not allowed.

In the event of medical emergency, what care facilities are available, and how far away are they? 

Nenagh General Hospital is a 15 minute drive (6 miles) from Garrykennedy Cottage. This is a modern and well respected hospital. All emergencies will be treated quickly with qualified medical personnel. Reference materials at the cottage include contact information for local doctors and emergency services.

What’s the complaints procedure? 

If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your cottage accommodations or any other matter related to your stay at the cottage, please contact our manager immediately. We will make every attempt to resolve your concerns in the shortest time possible.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions about any aspect of your vacation.

We look forward to welcoming you to Garrykennedy Cottage on Lough Derg.