A Weekend in Terryglass – Staying at Old Court Holiday Cottages by Lough Derg
A Weekend in Terryglass:
Staying at Old Court Holiday Cottages by Lough Derg
TL;DR
A short family stay in Terryglass, based at Old Court Holiday Cottages, with most of the time spent between the village and a few easy day trips nearby.
- Evenings walking into the village for dinner at Paddy’s Bar and The Derg Inn
- A trip to Portumna Castle and Gardens, mainly for the gardens and maze
- Time around Terryglass harbour, including a small fairy trail
- A day out to Tearaways Pet Farm and a few hours in Birr
A Weekend in Terryglass - Staying at Old Court Holiday Cottages by Lough Derg
One of our team recently stayed at Old Court Holiday Homes in Terryglass to experience it first-hand and get a feel for what a few days here really look like, especially when it comes to self-catering family friendly holidays and figuring out what to do in Terryglass.
Here’s how the stay went.
First impressions
“We arrived on a Monday evening and were greeted by the property manager, who gave us a quick run-through before leaving us to settle in.
The house itself sleeps six and, while it looks fairly modest from the outside, opens up into a generous living space once you step inside. The open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting area worked well for our group, which ranged from young to not-so-young, with enough space for everyone to relax without getting in each other’s way.”
Evenings in Terryglass
“A big part of what makes this location work so well is Terryglass itself. It’s a small village, but one with a strong reputation for food and atmosphere. Just a short walk from the cottages, both Paddy’s Bar and The Derg Inn quickly became part of our routine.
On the first evening, we headed to The Derg Inn on foot, which set the tone for the rest of the stay. No driving, no rush, just an easy walk through a quiet village. Our granddaughter happily scooted along the road, with the only interruption being a fox crossing her path – a moment that stuck with her more than anything else that evening.
Over the course of the stay, we ate in both restaurants and found ourselves returning more than once. The menus are varied, the service is relaxed but attentive, and both places are genuinely welcoming, especially for families. By the final evening, we had planned to try somewhere further afield, but went back to Paddy’s Bar instead. It had already done enough to convince us – open fires, good food, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve been coming there for years.
Attached to The Derg Inn is a well-stocked village shop, which turned out to be very handy. Fresh baked goods, breakfast essentials, and anything you might need for a short stay are all there. If cooking isn’t on the agenda, takeaway from Paddy’s Bar is also an option, making it easy to stay local without missing out.”
A short drive to Portumna
“The following morning, we set off to Portumna Castle and Gardens, about a 15-minute drive from the holiday homes. On the way, you pass Emerald Star / Le Boat Portumna, where you can hire a boat and explore Lough Derg from the water.
While the castle itself is worth a look, it was the restored walled gardens that stood out most. There’s a calm, unhurried feel to the place, with plenty of seating areas where you can simply sit and take it in. For younger visitors, the willow maze adds a bit of fun without taking away from the overall atmosphere.
Afterwards, we spent some time in Portumna town, wandering through a few shops and stopping for lunch before heading back to Terryglass.”
Harbour walks and small surprises
“Later that day, we made our way down to the harbour. It’s a simple spot, but well laid out, with a small pier, fishing areas, a playground, and seating with built-in BBQs that would be ideal on a warm evening.
One unexpected highlight was the fairy trail, where small doors and miniature houses are tucked into the trees. What started as a quick look turned into a longer wander, with plenty to spot along the way.”
A day out near Birr
“Day two took us in a different direction, this time to Tearaways Pet Farm, also about 15 minutes away. It’s a solid option regardless of the weather, with a large indoor play area alongside outdoor spaces, go-karts, and a range of animals including alpacas, goats, and rabbits.
From there, we continued on to Birr, a slightly larger town with a good mix of shops, cafés, and things to see. It has a relaxed feel, making it easy to spend a few hours without any real plan, which suited the pace of the trip.”
Final thoughts
“By the final evening, we found ourselves back in Paddy’s Bar once again, this time feeling less like visitors and more like regulars. The staff were particularly accommodating, especially with young children, which made a noticeable difference throughout the stay.
We packed up the following morning with the sense that we had only really scratched the surface of the area. There’s more to see around Lough Derg, and it’s the kind of place that rewards a slower return visit rather than trying to fit everything into one trip.
Old Court Holiday Homes suits anyone looking for a slower pace, with everything close at hand – good food, easy walks, and plenty to explore within a short drive. It works particularly well for families or mixed groups who want space without being too far from amenities.
If you’re planning a stay around Lough Derg, Terryglass is a solid base that’s easy to settle into and hard to leave.”
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