Dowlings Cottage ((II10387), Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Bursting with charm, this thatched cottage in County Laois is an idyllic place to stay on a break, be it a romantic retreat or a family adventure. Each and every room has been thoughtfully considered to ensure you feel at home from the moment you step inside, from the coal-effect fire in the living room to the calming neutral decor. For a leisurely afternoon head to Emo Court (1 mile) for a wander through nature and treat in the tearoom. Offering a warm welcome as you step inside is the open-plan living room/diner, with wooden floors, a coal-effect fire and comfortable sofas where you can put your feet up after your travels. In addition, the second lounge has a window seat to allow you to soak in the views and take a moment of peace. The kitchen area is beautifully finished with wooden doors and cabinets ensuring you have all the space you need to prepare meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Further down the hall are the two bedrooms, both simply furnished with double beds and sharing a stylish bathroom. Outside, there is a courtyard area surrounded by beautiful mature plants with a table and chairs for al fresco dining to be enjoyed. Kildare (14 miles) is the place to be for a local shopping and dining experience with plenty to appeal to, not to mention the blissful gardens and stately homes. Set near one of the oldest mountain ranges in Europe, the Slieve Mountains (25 miles), you can rest assured that there will be plenty of walking and hiking trails within easy reach. Need to know 2 double bedrooms 1 bathroom with a shower over the bath Oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer Welcome pack TV, satellite TV, DVD player Oil and electricity by meter read No Wi-Fi Enclosed courtyard garden with furniture Private parking Pub and shop 1 mile, restaurant 2 miles Rent from '¬352 per week