Hard to match thatch, especially in Burren and Ballyvaughan beauty spot

Setting near Black Head and Ballyvaughan makes this Wild Atlantic Way thatch special, says Tommy Barker.

Well, it’s certainly got the cute factor, plus a great Co Clare location near Ballyvaughan and Burren and the beach at Fanore - but, the price guide on this diminutive thatch is a hefty enough, 21st century sum of €198,000.

Listed with Sherry FitzGerald McMahon is this picture-postcard photo opportunity for any passing motorists along this tourist-favoured route a few miles west of Ballyvaughan on the coastal road towards Doolin and the Black Head. This is Wild Atlantic Way territory, facing across Galway Bay toward Furbo, Barna and Spiddal, along the scenic R477, with the karst limestone Gleninagh Mountain rising up behind it.

The cottage, on a quarter acre, has been upgraded down the years but not overly done or overly twee, done most likely for practical holiday use (attractions nearby include the Aran Islands, Ailwee Caves, Burren and music galore) is cheerfully painted up, with a large cast iron stove in its high-ceilinged main living/dining room.

It has two bedrooms, bathroom with shower and simple galley kitchen. Auctioneer Diarmuid McMahon says there’s a mix of old world charm and more modern comforts, billing it as an oasis of tranquillity and peace, in a rural setting.

Attached are two tiny sheds, and there’s gardens and car parking, while seasonally-lively Ballyvaughan is two or three miles away with its many bars and restaurants.

The area, Mr McMahon notes, is rich in archaeology, with megalithic tombs such as Poulnabrone Dolmen, old churches, castles and caves, and the vicinity is also popular for a range of water sports, fishing and rambling.

VERDICT: Modern pricing on old thatch.

Ballyvaughan, Co Clare €198,000

Sq m 62 (650 sq ft)

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

BER Rating: G