For years my family talked about celebrating Thanksgiving in Port Magee, Ireland. Our great grandfather had been born there and distant cousins still farmed that same land. Finally, in 2003, we made it...fifteen family members and a dear friend took up residence for a weeks holiday in four of the six available Port Magee Seaside Cottages.

It was the perfect setup for a family ranging in age from 13 to 82 - one that had never taken a vacation together! Each cottage was immaculate, spacious and comfortable, with kitchens completely outfitted for cooking and dining at home.

Whoever woke first put the kettle on, turned on a "welcoming" light at the back door and had a peat fire burning. When it got too crowded and loud in one cottage at the end of a long day of sightseeing and shopping in Cahersiveen, Sneem or Killarney, we just picked up our drinks and went over to a quiet empty one. Standing outside that first night, looking at the pitch black sky sparkling with stars, smelling the peat in the air was truly magical... until we woke up Sunday morning and watched one rainbow after another appear over the water as a storm quietly passed.

If the scenery was that glorious in November it must be spectacular in the spring and summer. Several nights were spent at The Bridge Pub in Port Magee drinking pints, playing darts and eating delicious pub food. Thanksgiving dinner was a feast prepared by Tom and Catherine at The Fuschia on Valencia Island, an intimate little restaurant next to Boston's, a welcoming pub decorated with tin advertisements; I highly recommend spending time in all three.

Thanks largely to the comfort of the accommodations at Seaside Cottages, our vacation was all we had hoped, and the memories of it will be etched in our hearts forever. Elizabeth Lynch and her family have a little piece of heaven that they are willing to share with the rest of us.

Do yourself a favor and make the effort to get there. We did.

Kathy Rooney
Newport, Rhode Island
USA

We have arrived home safely after our two weeks in your farmhouse. This is just a quick note to tell you how much we enjoyed our stay. It is quite rare to find such a gem of a place as your cottages and farm houses. We had a great time and even though it was in the middle of the Irish Winter, we will recommend everyone we know to make use of your facilities. The houses are beautifully kept, all amenities are available, and more so, we could really find some quiet, isolation and rest in your lovely surroundings. We'll definitely be back!
Pieter Fourie

We did so enjoy our time on your beautiful country and hope to come back again before too long.
Imelda Lacey, Buckinghamshire October 2001

Even back for nearly 3 months our thoughts are still in Ireland where we have spent such a lovely time in your cottage in Portmagee.
Claus and Erika Germany September 2001

Thank you for such a wonderful holiday at Portmagee. We were very fortunate with the weather, but we can honestly say it's the loveliest place we have ever been for a holiday. Hope you continue to have a good summer. With our many thanks again.
The Crick Family 4/9/01

We all had a fantastic holiday in Ireland and hope very much that we can do it again next year. The cottages are so gorgeous we didn't want to come home. All the information was much appreciated and we managed to see many of the grand sights of Kerry. We much appreciated your warm welcome and hope to see you again.
Dinah Hobbs 15-801

Arrived on a wet and windy evening to a warm house with a roaring fire - very welcoming. Enjoyed our stay and will certainly come back. Thank you
Terry and Nuala McShea 6/11/00

We have really enjoyed staying in this very lovely house with its superb view over the sea to Valentia Island. The local people have been very friendly and we enjoyed Sunday evenings music night at the Bridge Bar in Portmagee. You are very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world
Richard and Jane Bury 27/10/00

Enjoyed our stay very much, lovely place for a honeymoon.
Ian and Annis MacIver

Had a lovely stay, the house was very comfortable and very well stocked. Highlight was our day on Skelligs (not for the faint hearted)
Dave Moynihan 30/6/01

We have had a fabulous holiday all thanks to Elizabeth and Mr Lynch. Goodbye to all the lovely birds - herons, skuas etc. Back next year xxx
Gill and Dave Tetlow and Prince Lancashire 13/10/01

Congrats on your wonderful cottages. The comfort, view, fire etc made for a memorable stay. We will be back. With thanks
Joan and Weeshie Fogarty

Thanks a million for making our stay with family and friends a memorable occasion. We will be back
Tommy and Mary Regan 10/3/01

After trying to get out to Skellig Michael during the last 15 years, we found it to be everything we'd ever anticipated and more. What a wonderful cottage. Wonderful views, warm and cosy with a peat fire every night. We will be back. Thanks for arranging such wonderful weather for us!
Bob and Leslie Carroll, Davis California 29/7/00

Nous avons passé une excellent semaine dans le cottage face á la mer. Ce fait trés agreable de trouver á notre arriveé le feu allume. Merci pour tout.
Les Francais 24/7/01

It has been all I dreamed Ireland would be. Memories for a lifetime.
Harriet McCombs Florida 15/10/2001

Fantastic two weeks, accommodation exceeded our expectations. Our first visit to Ireland certainly won't be our last. Weather ok, fishing good, scenery outstanding. Three generations under one roof and all had a lovely holiday. Many thanks.
The Selby Clan 15/10/2001

Lovely cottage; loved the Jacuzzi bath and the turf fire
Best walk: Hogs Head recommended
Best food: Point Bar - Renard Point
Best Tourist Attraction: Muckross House at Killarney. Excellent value for money - don't miss the farms.
Best day out: Skelligs
These cottages are a real gem with owners to match. We hope to return next year.
John and Margo May, Cornwall UK 25/9/2001

Second visit,go h’iontach ar fad.Féile weekend in Portmagee, there is nothing can compare to it.The friendliness of the people is out on it’s own.Beidhmuid ar ais arís, le cúnamh Dé to dance The South Kerry Set again.
Carlow Set Dancers on tour. May 2004

This area has a powerful magic which was a delight to experience and share.The house-warm ,welcoming and comfortable.Memories of our stay here will be a source of sustenance in the rushing world beyond this tranquil retreat.
John Hutchinson and family. June 2004