While Tigh Mhic retains its original proportions, the addition of new sash windows, underfloor heating, light, bright décor, high quality fixtures and fittings and comfortable furniture have made the cottage a real gem tucked away in this quiet corner of east County Mayo. Set in just over an acre, the property includes three restored barns and two rescued miniature Shetland ponies – Timmy and Pancóg – who claim to do some of the gardening.

Bracklagh itself is a very quiet village, making Tigh Mhic an ideal location to enjoy the relaxed pace of life and stunning views that bless this part of Mayo. WiFi and an in-cottage catering service are available to add to the relaxation, while bikes can be hired to explore the countryside around.

The lounge has a peat/wood burning stove, Sky+ HD box and flat screen TV, DVD player, Roberts digital/analogue radio, Ipod/mp3 docking station, a small library of books and DVDs, plus all of the large-scale maps for County Mayo. In addition, there are board games including Scrabble and Irish Monopoly and a selection of children’s toys including Lego and a lovely wooden garage. Free WiFi is provided.

A well planned kitchen includes crockery, cutlery and glassware for up to six visitors, an extensive range of home cooking and baking equipment, a nine place dishwasher, microwave, electric hob and fan oven. The small utility area houses a 1400rpm spin washing machine, iron and ironing board. A washing line in the hay barn gets everything dry in any weather.

The bedrooms are very much designed for comfort with White Company bed linen, quilts and pillows, together with throws from Foxford Woollen Mill. The master bedroom has an ensuite wet room, with the other two double bedrooms being small but perfectly formed. There is great space in the family bathroom, which has a constant supply of hot water for those luxurious strain-relieving soaks in the bath. Superb towels and bathrobes, also from the White Company, are provided.

Tigh Mhic is within easy reach of Ballyhaunis (5 minutes), Claremorris (7 minutes), Knock shrine (10 minutes), Foxford (30 minutes) Castlebar (30 minutes), Galway (45 minutes), Westport (45 minutes) and Sligo (60 minutes) – and all of the amenities they offer. Particularly recommended by our visitors are the greyhound racing and shopping in Galway, Strokestown House and famine museum, the National Museum of Country Life at Turlough, horse racing at Ballinrobe, Croagh Patrick in Murrisk near Westport, Achill Island and the new Greenway cycling/walking/jogging track which runs from Newport to Achill.