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This former school house has been lovingly restored to provide luxury self-catering accommodation for 6 to 8 guests while retaining the historic character of the building. Situated on Kerry Head, along the Wild Atlantic Way, 4km from Ballyheigues Blue Flag beaches, golf courses and traditional pubs there are spectacular views over Tralee Bay and the Dingle Peninsula. Described as one of the top ten Irish holiday hideaways by the Irish Independent newspaper, the Old School is an ideal location from which to visit the many attractions along the Irish West coast.
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We had a lovely time at the school house. It is a historic treasure with unbeatable scenery. Our host was easily reached and pleasant. There is plenty of room and it’s well situated for travelling to Killarney, Tralee,Dingle, Muckross House. We did feel the house could have been cleaner,was very dusty, stairs covered and floors at edges hadn’t been deep cleaned in a while, the sink area in the kitchen was a little smelly during our stay. But by far the most disappointing was the main bedroom. It has spectacular views but it should have a king size bed for a highly rated house and rates. My husband is 6ft 2 and he struggled to fit, the mattress was very uncomfortable so much so we lifted it onto the floor for week, this was disappointing.
Visited July 2021
Written 28 July 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
slowroll1965
Maasmechelen, Belgium2 contributions
Magical retreat
Spent an extremely relaxing week at The Old School in August 2019. Despite the weather, we enjoyed bracing walk on Ballyheigue beach and an afternoon visiting Killarney, the lakes. Muckross House and Ross Castle.
The Old School is a fantastic launch pad to explore north Kerry. Add to that the beach at Ballyheigue and the live music in the local pubs. What more could you want. We will be back.
Visited August 2019
Written 4 September 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Monika C
2 contributions
Homecoming!
If you are in the need of a quiet, clean and spacious location with overwhelming views over Tralee bay, Dingle and Mt. Brandon The Old School is the perfect place to stay. Never had that panorama from a bedroom! Combining the charme of the old school days with modern comfort includung excellent Wifi and open fire place, it is the ideal place to discover beach, mountains, golf course and kerry head nearby.
Thanks to Bredan and Mary for this great hospitality including Irish music!
Visited September 2018
Written 26 September 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
slowroll1965
Maasmechelen, Belgium2 contributions
A little slice of paradise
We stayed for a week at the Old School enjoying the tranquility and never ceasing to marvel at the amazing view across the bay, constantly changing with the weather. Loved the building... the character is wonderfully preserved inside and out while at the same time had all luxuries and conveniences. We ate out on the terrace when it was warm, sat inside by the open fire when it was cold and the kids were endlessly entertained by the wanderings of the cows in the surrounding fields. Ballyheigue beach ( Blue Flag! ) is about a 7 minute drive away and was extremely safe for the kids. We did our basic shopping and eating out in Ballyheigue village itself but we went a little further to the Aqua Dome and cinema in Tralee on the wetter days. Will definitely return!
Visited August 2018
Written 31 August 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anne K
1 contribution
Very nice house with a magnificent view
We (4 adults, 4 kids) spent marvellous two weeks at Brendan's cottage! On our first day we had a warm welcome by the housekeeper, who also gave us some tips what to see and where to go. The region is very nice with e.g. Killarney national park just an hour car ride away... The kids had a lot of fun at Ballyheigue beach (and various other beaches). But the absolute best about the cottage is the stunning view onto the sea that you have from one of the bed rooms as well as from the living room.
Happy to return anytime!
Visited August 2018
Written 13 August 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Happiness726596
Hi Anne,
thank you very much for your kind review. I am delighted you enjoyed your visit to the Old School and hope you will consider a return soon.
Best regards, Bren
Written 15 August 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kevin d
1 contribution
Old School - magical place
Me and my family had a wonderfull stay in this lovely home by the sea.
Fully (family) equiped, top location, a very friendly and kind housekeeper.
We van recommend this place to everyone who is looking for an unforgettable stay (and memories) in this region of Ireland.
Visited July 2018
Written 27 July 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Happiness726596
Kevin, many thanks for your kind review. It was a pleasure having you and your family stay at the Old School and I hope you will return soon. Best wishes, Bren
Written 27 July 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nanhughes2017
Uxbridge, United Kingdom7 contributions
Fantastic
Everything
The accommodation
The views
Locality to village
Can't say enough about this wonderful place
Visited September 2017
Written 18 September 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tobias D
1 contribution
Excellent Stay
Great place at a fantastic location! Plenty of space to accomodate six persons comfortably. The house is a charming place, both the owner and the housekeeper were very friendly and helpful. The kids even made friends with a dog that we presume belongs to one of the neighboring farms. All in all, a great vacation! Definite recommendation.
Visited August 2017
Written 6 September 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dominique B
2 contributions
Excellent !
Nous avions déjà séjourné l'an passé à The Old School, et nous avions été séduits par la localisation, proche du village ( le cœur de Ballyheigue se trouve à 4 miles, et la route pour s'y rendre serpente le long de la côte rocheuse offrant une vue superbe), le paysage (la vue sur la baie depuis la pièce principale ou la grande chambre est amazing) et l'histoire même du lieu. La maison est tout à fait conforme aux photos ; elle est chargée de son passé, mais dispose de tous les aménagements modernes, y compris le wifi, et on sent en y entrant que cette vieille dame est traitée avec respect et amour. Nous sommes revenus cette année et rien ne nous a déçus, l'accueil est resté excellent : Mary est chaleureuse et toujours disponible.
The Old School est très bien situéé : on peut faire de très belles balades, sur l'immense plage au pied du bourg, via le golf sur la colline, ou prendre la voiture et sillonner aisément le Kerry.
Un superbe séjour !
Visited August 2017
Written 30 August 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
martina c
Perth, Australia2 contributions
Amazing views
Being a native of Ballyheigue and returning home for a family visit ,I wanted to stay somewhere special where i could entertain extended family and friends .
The old school house was the perfect location - with its breathtaking views of the ocean from the large family room and main bedroom it offered the best location to relax and enjoy Ballyheigue at its best.
My one suggestion would be to increase the storage space ie pantry space in the property and possible a larger kitchen table , otherwise a top class venue for a seaside holiday .
PS as its quite a distance from the village of Ballyheigue a car is essential when escape from splendid isolation is required
Visited April 2016 Travelled with family
Written 19 April 2016. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT 330 km 205 miles 3:45 hours
Take M1 towards Dublin City Centre
Merge onto M50 Southbound
At junction 9 take N7/M7 towards Limerick
At junction 30 take M20 towards Cork
After 9.5km (6miles) take to N21 to Tralee
Follow R551 to Ballyheigue
Continue through village and West along the Coast Road
The Old School is 4.5km (3miles) from Ballyheigue on the seaside of the road
FROM SHANNON AIRPORT 150 km 95 miles 2:10 hours
Take N18 towards Limerick
At junction 1 take M20 towards Cork
After 9.5km (6miles) take to N21 to Tralee
Follow R551 to Ballyheigue
Continue through village and West along the Coast Road
The Old School is 4.5km (3miles) from Ballyheigue on the seaside of the road
FROM CORK AIRPORT 175 km 110 miles 2:15 hours
Take N27 towards Cork
After 3km (2miles) turn left onto the South Ring (West)
Then N22 via Killarney to Tralee
Follow R551 to Ballyheigue
Continue through village and West along the Coast Road
The Old School is 4.5km (3miles) from Ballyheigue on the seaside of the road
FROM ROSSLARE HARBOUR 300 km 185 mile 4:25 hours
Take N25 towards Cork
Then N22 via Killarney to Tralee
Follow R551 to Ballyheigue
Continue through village and West along the Coast Road
The Old School is 4.5km (3miles) from Ballyheigue on the seaside of the road
GPS position : N52o24'01” W009o53'41”
N52o24.0266 W009o53.6875
Google position : 52.40047800497416 Y-9.894046783447265
Loc8 position : PFB-06-PR9
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Horse riding facilitiesWatersports
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 4 pm • Check out by 11 am
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
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