We LOVE this upcycled hidden gem!

October usually marks a visit to the homeland, the West coast of #Ireland, Galway to be precise, to coincide with Nan's birthday. August's first trip overseas, at three months, was over to see the (extremely large and wonderful) #family over there and we try to get across reasonably regularly. It's really important to me that August understands his #heritage and is brought up knowing our Irish family, appreciative of the #rugged and #natural #beauty the Emerald Isle has to offer. Aside from the family connection, Ireland has such a lot to offer as a travel destination, for #families or any type of traveller.

With strong #values aligned to #culture, #heritage and the #environment, it's a wonderful place to experience #qualitytourism, immerse, develop a sense of freedom and #wellness, learn and feel at home through the natural #warmth of the Irish people. The make up of the tourism industry is such that it promotes #conscious and #responsible travel choices. Hosts' #environmental values, #creativity and natural hospitality create unique and responsible tourism experiences. One such example is a place that has become our 'go-to' when visiting. James Prendergast lives in #Ballindereen, County #Galway. As well as an accredited tour guide and member of the the local heritage society, he has a keen interest in #upcycling. Collectively, this makes him an exceptional host, ready and willing to enhance your #knowledge of the local area, and a creator of fantastically #quirky accommodation. Of course, he knows my Nan, but who doesn't (it's a small community!) so that also helps! James has a strong #eco consciousness and this influences everything he does.

Carriage No.223 was 'rescued' from a neighbour's garden a few years ago. It is a traditional Irish Railways carriage that was in operation from 1930-1970. Given plenty of TLC and lots of hard work on James's part, the carriage is now available as guest accommodation. A conscious stay knowing that it was created using 90% #recycled materials and is run on #renewable energy. August delights in being allowed to collect fresh eggs for our breakfast in the morning! If you love quirky accommodation you will not be disappointed in what Ireland has to offer! We are just praying that our visit this October will still be possible given the current rapidly changing situation!