Ballon (II05339), Ballon, Co. Carlow

Enjoy lovely views across the rolling countryside from a light-filled holiday home in the village of Ballon. Sleeping four guests, this contemporary cottage is ideal for a family or couples sharing. It has a large garden and is set in a peaceful location, within 1 mile of shops and pubs in charming Ballon. Lively Carlow (11.5 miles) has a wider selection of eateries and independent retailers, along with fine museums and galleries. Pack your walking boots for a wealth of scenic walks, from rural footpaths to hiking trails on the nearby Blackstairs Mountains. Inside the semi-detached property, you'll find an inviting interior, with bright touches of colour. Relax on comfortable seating in the cosy lounge, with its charming period ornamental fireplace. The light and spacious kitchen/diner has all you need to get cooking before sharing a meal at the wooden dining table. Upstairs, there is a family bathroom and two cottage-style bedrooms with pretty linens: a twin and a double with a splendid sleigh bed and an en-suite shower room. Outside, the part-enclosed garden has masses of room for children to play, while you enjoy the far-reaching views towards distant mountains. Wander through the beautiful Altamont Gardens (3.5 miles), a 40-acre gem that includes an ornamental lake, arboretum, wildflower meadows and walks with splendid views of the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains. Visit the atmospheric ruins of historic Ballymoon Castle (8 miles) and the magnificent Brownshill Dolmen, a massive megalithic tomb and classified National Monument site just 2.5 miles from Carlow. The River Barrow runs through Carlow, and you can take a guided tour on a boat trip along the waterway to see some of the historic county town's many attractions, including the Town Park and cathedral. Need to know 2 bedrooms - 1 double and 1 twin 2 bathrooms - 1 en-suite shower room, and 1 bathroom with a shower over the bath and WC, plus 1 additional WC Electric oven and hobs, microwave, dishwasher and fridge/freezer Utility room with washer/dryer Welcome pack Travel cot and highchair Pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi TV, DVD, CD player Partially enclosed garden with lawn Private parking Shop and pub 150 metres, restaurant 1.5 miles 1 small dog welcome Rent from '¬472 per week