More Information "Tigh Oisre" means "Home of the Oyster" in Gaelic, and both properties are down a very exclusive and quiet cul de sac leading to the beautiful Oysterbed Quay and natural harbour, a walk of approximately 500yds. There are usually a few cars down there, mainly belonging to the local fishermen and the residents living on the private offshore islands.
Oysters - The Connection In the records, the 1891 conditions of sale for the Derryquin Estate, it was noted that the Bland family owned and worked the oyster beds down at the quay. The pretty stone cottage to the right of the quay was once the oyster house, and at low tide you can still see the remains of the oyster holding pens. The Bland oyster beds were described as the best in Ireland and were exclusively supplied to the Houses of Parliament.
Oyster farming was a major
industry: prices for 100 oysters were around 50 pence, and a packet of
oyster samples could be sent by parcel post for 5 pence.
Wildlife at Oysterbed. Try and go down to the quay at high tide - early in
the morning if possible, when no one is around - and just watch, listen, and absorb the
stunning beauty and tranquillity of the bay. The Locality
The local village of Sneem is a thriving community and caters well for the tourist trade. It contains several good restaurants, try the Blue Bull Pub for excellent bar food - I recommend the crab for lunch - and in the evening try dining in their restaurant. Another favourite eatery of ours is the Sacre Coeur Restaurant, open only in the evenings. This family establishment serves truly outstanding food, seafood being their speciality - you must try the Black Sole which is exceptional. The portions are massive, and their wine list contains fine wines at bargain prices. There is also the Stone House, a Dutch restaurant serving fresh Lobster when available, and fine steaks. Sneem also has several all-day eateries, try the Village Kitchen for lunch time snacks and the Riverside Coffee shop. A good family restaurant is the Riverain, and all pubs are lively, many having nightly entertainment, mainly focusing on ballad singing. Why not try the Blue Bull, the Fisherman's Knot, Riney's Bar and Murphy's Bar? The world famous Parknasilla hotel is within walking distance of the house, George Bernard Shaw penned Pygmalion here, and Robert Graves who lived in the Bishops House in the grounds wrote "I Claudius". Here you may have a drink, take lunch or eat in the Pygmalion restaurant in the evening (booking essential) Click Here to view a guide and find out more about the area and the amenities or visit http://sneem.com for a tour of the village and surroundings of Sneem
The charming and picturesque town of Kenmare which is 25 minutes away by car, is a bustling and thriving town all year, and its friendly and hospitable people are waiting to welcome you. It is an example of one of Ireland's few planned towns, built in 1775 by the Lansdownes, and to this day retains its old world charm whilst enjoying all the comforts of the 21st Century. It is a gourmet's delight, with many fine restaurants catering for all tastes. We often drive up in the evening and can highly recommend the following:-
Kenmare
also has its share of atmospheric Pubs. Try them all - you surely won't be
disappointed.
Is one hour away by car, there are two ways of driving there, one is shorter and uses the wonderfully scenic route, crossing over the mountains via Molls Gap, the other takes a little more time and goes via Kenmare.
What can I say about Killarney?
What ever you want to do, you can do it in Killarney! Visit the Killarney Town website at - http://www.killarneytown.com for more information
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