With a view of Knocknarea behind you and Culleenamore Strand in front of you, this is pretty much a slice of heaven. For several months we passed a gate along the road taking Gabriel to rugby training and I always wondered what was down by the water. Occasionally you have those moments when you just know that someday you are going to find out. When a friend of ours was hosting Gabriel and they went to the beach to collect cockles and mussels she rang to say they were “painting the cottage” in Strandhill. Wouldn’t you know when she began to give directions it was the very same gate we passed all those times …

It is an idylic spot, and currently one of two favourites; the second being out at Aughris Head. Stunning.