In one of the loveliest valleys in Co. Cork, just three miles from the sea, stands the Old Mill Building on the Argideen River banks. Rediscovered by the Author and Explorer Tim Severin in 1990, the Mill was brought back to life and Lodge 1 now provides comfortable rustic accomodation for families, anglers and pets.
Nearby access to beaches, sailing, deep sea fishing, riding, golf, kite/windsurfing and walking. In the evening local bars produce some of the best food and entertainment in Ireland.
Lodge 1 is a two storey property offering an open plan living / kitchen area and large conservatory. It sleeps up to 6 across 2 bedrooms.
Downstairs:
Good sized kitchen including dishwasher and prep bar opening onto the main living / dining area with newly fitted woodburning stove.
Interconnecting conservatory with further dining and comfortable seating leading to the main shower room with large walk-in shower, basin and toilet.
Upstairs:
Master bedroom sleeps 2 with standard double bed, dressing table and wardrobe.
Bedroom 2 sleeps 4 with two sets of adult sized single bunkbeds with drawers and wardrobe.
Bathroom 1 - Unique deep soak (upright climb in non easy access - see images) bath with overhead shower, basin and toilet.
Guests have full access to Lodge 1, the furthest left quarter of the Old Mill building, and its conservatory.
There is shared access to:
- The front courtyard and Laundry Room, which containing 2 washing machines and dryers. The laundry operates on electricity cards, 1 of which will be provided to you free of charge, with additional cards available on request.
- The Rear patio area with picnic benches and free roaming across the field / meadow down to the river area at rear.
The lodges were originally run by my father, Tim Severin, who lived in Lodge 1 for many years and wrote all of his historical novels from the office across the courtyard.
As an explorer since 1970’s, he enjoyed rustic living and carried this charm to the Old Mill building when he brought it back to life in the 1990’s. Much of lodge 1 has maintained this feel, being kept sympathetically as he had it. On the walls you will see some images from his most notable expedition ‘The Brendan Voyage’ which received international acclaim by demonstrating that an Irish monk, Brendan the navigator, could have been the first to discover the Americas back in the 6th Century, some 900 years before Columbus.
Over the years my family have enjoyed holidaying at the lodges and getting involved in many local activities including fishing (fly and sea), riding, windsurfing and walking.
Since taking over in 2021, we now come to the lodges more frequently but are not there on a permanent basis, allowing you to holiday in relative peace.
As well as offering great local walks and fly fishing on the river (must bring a rod and buy a license) the Argideen River lodges place you right in the middle of Irelands dramatic southern coast. It’s a short drive (5mins) to Timoleague where you then join The Wild Atlantic Way.
Things to do from Timoleague:
- See the Abbey and explore it’s ruins – the friary was originally established in the 14th century by the Fransiscans until it was burnt down in the 17th century.
- Take the coastal walk to Courtmacsherry around the estuary – approx 5km each way.
- Drive to Harbour View beach, Kilbritain (10 min). This is a beautiful beach, it’s great for dog walking, kite flying or for the more adventurous, kite / windsurfing. Wrap up warm in the winter or maybe even get some sunbathing in the summer.
- Drive to Dunworley beach (10 min). A beautiful and secluded beach for swimming in the summer, wetsuits optional.
- Go horse riding at the West Cork Equine Centre, a great place to go if you have ever fancied learning to ride, 10 min drive.
- Go fishing - Fly fishing on the Argideen. Sea fishing is available in Courtmacsherry Sea Angling Centre.
Food scene Timoleague
- Monk’s Lane - Great place to eat and relax in the area, reasonable prices. Booking ahead is advised if not essential in high season. Open Wed - Sun only.
- Padjoes, The Hatch takeaway - If you're looking for some good honest takeout then the hatch at Padjoes is quick and easy. Phone in your order then go and collect. Open Thursday through Monday
- Charlie Maddens - Local bar with traditional music, food and often and sporting events on TV.
Over to Courtmacsherry
- Pier House Bar - A good place for a pint of Murphys or Guinness whilst watching the sun go down over the estuary.
- The Lifeboat Inn - A nice place for a Sunday lunch after doing the estuary road from Timoleague (5km each way).
Others:
- Go to DeBarras Folk Club, Clonakilty.
- Play golf at the Bandon Golf club.
- Kiss the Blarney stone.
- Much more.
Language spoken: English