Why Harriet's Cottage is Your Irish Home Away from Home
- Anthony O'Shea
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
For American visitors to Ireland, the town of Dingle is often a highlight, known for its vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and welcoming pubs. Finding the right place to stay is key to a truly authentic experience, and Harriet's Cottage stands out as an exceptional choice. It's a modern, cozy, and perfectly-situated home that serves as the ideal base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Combining traditional Irish charm with thoughtful amenities tailored for a comfortable stay, Harriet's Cottage offers a seamless and memorable vacation. This guide will outline the top reasons to book this special accommodation and provide a detailed roadmap for getting there from the United States.
Top Reasons to Stay at Harriet's Cottage
Prime Location for Authentic Dingle Experience: The cottage is located just a short, four-minute walk from the heart of Dingle town. This gives guests the convenience of being close to all the action—pubs with live music, restaurants, and shops—while being just far enough away to enjoy a peaceful, quiet retreat in the evenings.
A "Home Away from Home" with Modern Amenities: Harriet's Cottage has been recently renovated to combine its traditional rowhouse charm with modern comforts. It features updated appliances, cozy bedrooms, and well-equipped bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Thoughtful Touches for a Stress-Free Stay: The hosts, Anthony and Melissa, receive high praise for providing a helpful "welcome packet" with information on the house and local sites. This personalized guidance is invaluable for first-time visitors to the area.
Family and Remote-Work Friendly Features: The cottage includes a hidden loft area with a PlayStation, making it a great space for kids. It also offers a dedicated office space with high-speed fiber broadband, allowing visitors the option to stay connected or work remotely while enjoying the Irish landscape.
Cost-Effective and Convenient: Unlike some other rentals, the cost of electricity is included in the rental charge, which is a nice perk. The availability of a washer and dryer is also a huge benefit for American travelers on a longer trip, as it allows them to pack lighter and refresh their clothes mid-journey.
Ample Space and Parking: The cottage offers three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, comfortably accommodating up to six guests. It also has free private parking right at the doorstep, which is a major advantage in a bustling town like Dingle.
How to Get to Harriet's Cottage from the United States
Getting to Dingle involves a multi-step journey, but the stunning scenery along the way makes it a worthwhile adventure.
Fly to a Major Irish Airport: There are no direct flights to Dingle itself, so your journey will begin by flying from the U.S. to one of Ireland’s international airports.
Shannon Airport (SNN): This is the most convenient option for the shortest drive. It's about a 2.5-hour drive from Dingle and offers daily direct flights from some U.S. cities.
Dublin Airport (DUB): Dublin is Ireland's largest airport with the most flight options from the U.S. The drive from Dublin to Dingle is approximately 4-4.5 hours.
Cork Airport (ORK): This airport is another good option, about a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Dingle.
Ground Transportation to Dingle: Once you land, the easiest and most flexible way to get to Dingle is by renting a car. The drive through County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula is incredibly scenic, and having a car allows you to explore the famous Slea Head Drive and other local attractions at your own pace.
Getting to the Cottage: Harriet's Cottage is located on the edge of Dingle town. Once you arrive in Dingle, you'll be provided with specific directions to the cottage, which also offers a designated parking space for your rental car.