Holiday in History at Hanna's Close, Kilkeel
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We've certainly stayed in some unique places this summer during our accommodation reviewing season, and our latest location, Hanna's Close Cottages in Kilkeel didn't disappoint either. The exclusive close has ten original buildings, which date back to the 1600s, when the Scottish Hannas settled & farmed right here at the foot of the Morune Mountains. In fact right until today the Hanna Family live along the road from the resort.
Hanna's Close is like a mini version of the Irish Folk & Transport Museum. The ten cottages, which can be viewed and booked online have between one & three bedrooms. We stayed in the Carthouse, a petite, compact cottage with original stone floors & huge open fireplace.
You have all the mod cons you'll need, a full kitchen, bathroom with shower, central heating, tv & wifi, but the interiors still retain their rural charm. The decor, doors, floors and rooms are traditional, which makes you feel like you're comfotably at home staying in one of the folk museum cottages.
As you know I suffer from M.E. so on all our trips this summer, we've turned in quite early, ending up just hanging out and relaxing at where ever we were staying from about 7pm in the evening, and Hanna's Close was a joy for this. We lit a huge roaring fire with the coal, peat, newspaper & matches provided and sat together reading while munching on the wheaten bread they'd kindly left for us to try.
Should you have any problems, the caretakers are simply at the end of the phone. We had a question about the heating and they were able to talk us through it and sorted it out with very little fuss. The weather was atrocious that night, but we slept like babies, and for the other cottages being stayed in also, there was no noise from anyone else. You'll be well rested should you stay at Hanna's!
In the morning it was a little drier, so Michael and I went to investigate the wider area. You can head down to the river, and fish if you are so inclined, or simply walk through the grounds that belong to the Hanna's. Should you be brave enough there are two sets of stepping stones crossing the river, however we chickened out and took the bridges!
We really felt at home during our stay at Hanna's Close, and would recommend staying there especially to those from outside Ireland, for a real old fashioned feel of our country. If you've any questions you can connect with Hanna's on their Facebook page.
(Stay was complimentary for blog review purposes)
