SUNNYBANK HOUSE:

Accommodates 20 people in 11 Rooms:

Main Floor
Master Bedroom: 1 Kingsize bed, can be split into 2 singles (Irish Super-Kingsize)
Next to Master Bedroom: 1 double, 1 single bed
Bedroom 1: 1 Queensize bed (Irish Kingsize)

First Floor
Bedroom 2: 1 Queensize bed
Bedroom 3: 1 Queensize bed
Bedroom 4: 1 Queensize bed
Bedroom 7: 1 Double bed
Bedroom 8: 1 Double bed
Bedroom 9: 1 Double bed
Bedroom 10: 1 Double, 1 Single bed
Bedroom 11: 1 Kingsize bed (can be split into 2 Singles)

WiFi Facilities:

Free WiFi Broadband now available at Sunnybank House.

Property History:

Sunnybank House is a nineteenth century Period House of immense character whose history is part of the history of Clifden Town itself. It is uniquely situated in its own mature gardens yet only 100 meters from Clifden town centre.

Sunnybank House, one of the oldest buildings in the locality, was built by John D'arcy, who founded Clifden town in 1823. It is unclear who its first occupant was, but it is clear that the building was originally a residence. In the mid-1800s it became the property of the Church of Ireland, and later served as an RIC Army Officers Retreat. During the Irish Civil War it was occupied by the Free State Forces and at one stage was actually under siege. The southwestern gable of the building was landmined and breached - during restoration by the present owner empty shells were found embedded in gable plaster. In 1940, it once again became privately owned and subsequently sold to the Sisters of Mercy, who opened a girl's finishing school on the premises. It was finally purchased by the present owner, who fully restored the building to its original state and opened it as a registered guesthouse in 1977.

The early 17th century anchor which is on display on the front lawn was recovered from the sea in the Slyne Head area of the West coast of Ireland. It is believed to have come from a sailing ship weighing more than four hundred tons and measuring over a hundred feet long. The shank of the anchor had rusted to its original thickness when found. The wooden stock had disintegrated and was replaced by a new oak stock which was built to scale and fitted prior to the erecting of the anchor on the site. The anchor, which has been dated and recorded by the Irish National Museum, is believed to date from the era of the Spanish Armada

Things to Do and See in Clifden and Connemara and within Short Distance from Sunnybank

Connemara has long been regarded as the real emerald of Ireland. This natural terrain and unspoilt environment offer the visitor a wonderland of sights, experiences adventures and activities. The people are warm, friendly and extend a hospitality which is the essence of Ireland.

The beautiful spring flowers, buds on the trees, new-born lambs dancing on the hills and the call of the cuckoo make Springtime a very special an magical time in Connemara. This is an ideal time to take a break as the countryside is totally renewed.

On mellow Autumn days one can enjoy the Connemara countryside, now clothed in different colours with each passing day.

In the evening enjoy lovely warm turf fires after a day spent walking, cycling, painting, shooting, fishing, golfing or just sightseeing.

Outdoor Heated Pool:

To make your stay more enjoyable we suggest that you avail of the facilities provided in the grounds. Our outdoor heated swimming pool is open from June 1st to September 20th.

A sauna is available to you during your stay at Sunnybank House.

Please note that the outdoor swimming pool is only available to guests staying at Sunnybank House.  Our

Tennis court is also yours to enjoy!

The most beautiful native animal of our region is the Connemara Pony, which stands areound 14 hands high. An animal of great courage, endurance, stamina and a placid nature. Particularly suited as a children's pny, there is a great demand for the breed abroad, but it is the local farmers who take the most pride in them. The Connemara Pony Show takes place in Clifden on the 3rd Thursday in August and is the most important festival in town. One of the nicest ways to see the countryside is on the back of one of these famous ponies.

Day Trips

• Errislannan
• Cleggan
• Aillebrack
• Cashel
• Day Trips to the Islands
• Inishbofin
• Clareisland
• Inishturk

Sea Sports

Sheltered harbours offer safe anchorage for yachts and the fresh Atlantic breezes offer a good challenge for windsurfers and for dingy sailing. Divers can enjoy crystal clear waters with wonderful underwater scenery, often accompanied by seals. A series of regattas are held throughout the summer in the different fishing villages. These colourful events when local as well as visitors test their maritime skills against each other make for a very enjoyable day out.

• Clifden Sea Sports Centre
• Scubadive West
• Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
• Oceans Alive

Beaches
 

Explore some of Connemara's unspoilt beaches. Clear unpolluted waters of the Atlantic wash the beautiful, clean, sheltered sandy beaches of Connemara. Enjoy walking, swimming or lazing about the beach. There are lots of good rock pools where one can discover a wealth of marine life or pick some beautiful shells. Walking on a beach in Connemara as the sun dips into the Western sea is the most magical experience in the world.

Clifden
Mannin
Coral Strand
Omey
Errismore
Gurteen
Dogs Bay
Bunowenn
Boglands

Connemara contains some of the last surviving bogs in Europe. Tracts of blanket bog are found throughout the region. The acid nature of the bog means that only a few special plants can live there. It is because of this that we see nodding heads of bog cotton in the late spring, and the mountains covered in purple heather at harvest time. The bogs also supply the people with fuel. The harvesting of the turf takes place in the late spring, and continues through the summer when it is brought home to create cosy fires in the wintertime.

Painting and Photography
The ever changing light and landscape of Connemara offers a challenge to both the painter and the photographer. The variety of colours and shades change not only with the seasons but also as the clouds and sun play games across the mountains and lakes. The farmer and fisherman work long and carefully to reap a reward from this land and sea and the artist must feel the need to do the same with his brush and easel when he arrives.

Heritage
 From 5000BC man has inhabited the Connemara coastline. Standing Stones and megalithic tombs dot the Connemara landscape. Stone alignments which were used as calendars date to the Bronze Age.

After the Bronze Age defensive dwellings like Crannogs were built and many of these were situated inland. Later, ringforts were built and those built of stone were called Cashels. Later the Celts arrived and many saints set up their monasteries along the Connemara shore or on lonely islands off the coast.

Walking
 
For those who enjoy a gentle pace or a spirited hike across rugged mountain trails, Connemara offers all. There are hidden byways, shore lines and beaches, forest walks and open bogland, all offer solitude, beauty and nature.

Cycling
One of the best way's to take advantage of this untamed landscape is by bicycle. You can enjoy the fresh Atlantic air amid the small stone walled fields, towering mountains and tranquil lakes, rest on a sandy beach or visit a country Pub.

THE FOLLOWING DATES ARE FULLY BOOKED:

11 October - 01 November 2008

21 - 28 December 228

21 - 28 March 2009

11 - 18 April 2009

13 - 20 June 2009

27 June - 04 July 2009

01 - 29 August 2009

PLEASE NOTE THE BOOKING DEPOSIT FOR THIS HOUSE IS 500.00E