I dream of Ireland 🇮🇪 Renovating a Traditional Irish Stone Cottage in County Mayo.

Take a look at the beginning stage of renovating our Irish cottage. We are amateurs, finding our way and researching as we go along. If you are an old hand at this, feel free to comment with tips and suggestions.
The Irish man you hear talking on his phone is actually the previous owner. A lovely, lovely man with a heart of gold. His family has been in the cottage since it was built in the 1800s. He grew up in it and tells us tales of sleeping in the hag (also known as the outshot or Calleach) as a boy with his father and brother. Whilst walking the land I found old cartwheels that he tells me where from his father’s donkey cart. I also found the old crane that used to sit in the fireplace to suspend the big cooking pot. We will certainly clean that up and reinstate it. I’ve promised him we’ll take good care of the place. We have six children, so here’s hoping it stays in our family for as many years!

[@D7nielle]

Hi everyone. Progress is very slow because we were there with small children in a caravan this summer. We went on trips out but did do a little bit of work inside. I’ll put something together and upload. Not a huge amount of change though. Slowly slowly...

[@greenknitter]

Just to say-maybe get the roof checked out for asbestos if you haven't already. Some of those old cottages have it. And I'm guessing you will use lime plaster to repoint the stone work. I have a tiny 1870s stone cottage myself that needs some work. My dream though is to buy a little bigger one with a few acres up the country (I'm in the South East right now) and have a permaculture holding. Do you have land with your property? Anyway welcome to Ireland and I hope you and your family will be very happy in the West. :)

[@SuperTROOPER469]

I can't wait to see more. It's charming!

[@suzannederringer1607]

This is my situation exactly. Bought an old Rowhouse in a workingclass neighborhood of Pittsburgh...for the big (for city) open sunny Garden...My Garden is growing beautifully but the House needs a Gut Renovation. I'm retired and live alone (with Cats). I can't do the Deconstruction work or Wiring, Plumbing etc. I can paint... But Cosmetics is the least of this House' problems. I may have to abandon the Project. But you're younger...take your time and follow your Dream!

[@j.e.7028]

I'm thinking of doing the same,going back to my roots...can't wait to see how your getting on

[@D7nielle]

Apologies to anyone who is here looking for an update. As you know, the pandemic has affected a lot of things. Work on the cottage has ceased for the time being. As soon as we are able to get back to it I will post another video. Thank you so much to all the people who have watched so far. 30K views! I'm amazed at how popular it is. Bless you all.

[@aadij1]

Best of luck! I use my keeping hole as a ‘medicinal’ cabinet (ie; whiskey). Glad you plan on keeping the vernacular. So many people who move to the countryside are turning the place into suburbia with lawns, leylandi hedges and (horror) spot lights!!! There is nothing more romantic and calming then to see the soft light coming out of a little cottage window on a starry winter night. Spot lights and pointless garden lights are ruining the country side to where you can’t enjoy the night sky! These same people (mostly coming from the NANNY STATE mentality) are the ones who cry out for street lights and endlessly complain about the ‘lack of services’. They seem to live in a constant state of fear. But guess what, YOU WILL SURVIVE! Just as you didn’t go blind for not using SAFETY GLASSES! I’m not advocating carelessness...just recommending to anyone who reads this to think twice before you wrap your life and those around you in cotton wool...it comes at a cost! SAOIRSE!

[@alibardgett1493]

That’s great advice 👍

[@mariazlata7127]

Wear a face mask...there must be old dist there...

[@brendacordova5039]

I love this SOOO MUCH I’ve always been a fan of Irish history and old Irish folklore... just about everything having to do with Ireland!!! And I just love anything authentic like this. I absolutely love that you’re trying to keep it as authentic as possible. So much beauty in history. ❤️ this is just wonderful!

[@D7nielle]

Brenda Cordova thanks so much for your kind words. Ireland is full of magic and mystery isn’t it. I love it.

[@marymcandrew7667]

this is really interesting, I hope you'll post some updates soon.

[@shellywelsh2316]

Hi! How about an update? Can't wait to see what you have been doing.

[@angelle07]

How is this coming along? I would love to see more.

[@julibeswick-valentine3690]

Very best of luck with your project. I started on my farmhouse in West Cork 19 years ago and it needs constant maintenance and work. I also had to fit multi fuel stoves because it is always cold inside. I wouldn't change it for the world though.

[@indirajane]

Can't wait to see an update on the cottage!

[@beecharmer31326]

I'm so excited and happy for you the brickwork and the stonework is absolutely beautiful take your time enjoy every moment! I can't wait to see the next installment please make lots of videos I pray that your blessings overtake you and all your endeavors!

[@Thegonepotties]

Beautiful project, we did similar, love the fireplace. Will be watching your videos sure they will be fab

[@D7nielle]

Thanks so much for your kind comment. X

[@cottagemommy5116]

So, so happy to have found your channel. This has been one of the biggest dreams of my life. I'm settling for building an Irish style cottage here in the USA for now. 😁 I can't wait to see all that you do. I'm so happy you are keeping it authentic. I pinned this on pinterest, so hopefully others will find you too. Please update us often!!!

[@NaCreagachaDubha]

Hope the restoration is going well and the winter is nice and mild for you. Welcome to Ireland!

[@ralphstephan353]

I admire your commitment and energy in taking on such a heavy, involved project. Someday your kids will brag about how their parents worked so hard to make a beautiful home for the family. I grew up in a 3 bedroom, one bath home that my dad built and I still brag about how he and my mom feathered our nest. My parents never had a mortgage payment or debt. When credit cards became necessary to conduct certain business my dad couldn't get one because he had no credit rating. He had to buy something and make payments to establish himself.

[@D7nielle]

That's a lovely story. My grandparents were the same. Grandad never went in to debt. Saved all his life. And worked so hard! Thanks for commenting.

[@bluegypsy71]

Oh please make more videos about your life in Ireland!!!🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️😀

[@maryxm1]

Hi there. How are ye doing? Hope you haven't given up🌹🌼🌻

[@peterhunt1207]

Your shed is picture perfect. I can see a gorgeous garden when you are up for it. Cheers Tammy

[@kmwrites7456]

this will be so interesting to watch your progress as I have dreamt of moving to Ireland and renovating an old cottage. Alas, a tad too old to do that now, so I will work with you vicariously. Have you said how you got the cottage?

[@jlawlor7560]

Well done you just can build character like the old houses hold

[@maryrose4712]

We are all rooting for you, so glad you and your family have the will to save the old cottage. Good luck to you and God bless.

[@holgerhaupt]

Is that the only fireplace in the House? Needs plenty of turf. I bought a small cottage in 2015. Got 4 fireplaces and a Stanley range with back boiler. As you can see from my videos.

[@leoniesutton712]

Any updates?

[@Khh444]

Planning to do the same in the new year. Thinking of wicklow too. Would love to email you to throw some questions at you. Would that be possible. Xx

[@ejf2894]

Kay, check out co longford.. 1.5 hrs drive from dublin and the property is half the price,, i can tell you from experience there are some serious hidden gems there....

[@Zone10Permaculture]

Have you checked out Bealtaine Cottage youtube channel?? 🌳🌿💚

[@D7nielle]

Yes, I love her channel!

[@GenevieveEKelly]

She is my absolute favorite! Colette, and of course-Jack.

[@chrismullan7191]

its good your going to keep the cottage the way it was, it can still be cosy but still have the style of the old world, best of luck to you, its a big undertaken, but you seem to be doing good job so far.

[@melissaamyx2196]

I can't wait to see your progress on this lovely cottage!

[@dani71johnson]

Gorgeous! I would love to see an update!

[@JennyPoolton]

Great video Dani. I think this project will change your life entirely all to the good. I think it was a very wise decision. I really look forward to sharing your journey with you all.

[@sanders3219]

Lovely cottage, take a look at some “peter ward” video’s concerning damp problems and old techniques and materials. Best of luck!

[@D7nielle]

I will. Thank you for the tip.

[@avibank]

Masonry looks so much better than render of any kind. - Do you plan on exposing the exterior rock? - Do you have to adhere to any building codes when it comes to insulation or is that not a problem in this case?

[@greenknitter]

Depends on the amount of work done. Increasingly tighter regulations on new builds with new laws coming in shortly to improve energy ratings, and for rebuilds if you renovate I think more than 25% of the building you have to comply with them also, which of course would involve insulation, and usually heat pumps, underfloor heating and so on. Not sure what the rules are for vernacular building though.

[@jac1797]

I think it's lovely what you're doing and I really hope that you show us some more videos. Even if it's not the work you're doing on the place but just the fun you're having being there. With your lovely family. Thank you from the US

[@lindahouston9331]

It looks like you have taken on a big challenge, but I'm sure it will be worth it! It's wonderful to see people who are willing to preserve their heritage like this! Best of luck to you!

[@katarinaeconomou7274]

Please we able to see the finish cottage please

[@ClaireCambridge]

Yes wow / also a dream of mine

[@PaulaJoW]

Makes me nervous when I see someone doing renos and not wearing safety glasses. Eyeglasses are not good enough - and they may get scratched in the process. Otherwise, the cottage looks charming. Thank you for taking the time and love to restore these amazing old buildings. Hope to see the results!

[@johnmulvey5121]

I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that for authenticity and beauty the wlls need to be lime plastered and the white washed limed.

[@D7nielle]

John Mulvey yes that’s the plan. 😊

[@geraldbrogan]

We'd all love to see how your beautiful home turned sout. Pleeeease.

[@twotierneys]

Update video?

[@sage_comper]

Mum I’ve been there I don’t need a tour

[@mk2passat]

update?

[@aineflynn4861]

Thank you so much for sharing this. What a brilliant and brave thing to do. Will certainly be following your story.

[@D7nielle]

Aine Flynn thanks for watching and commenting. Before we got the place I loved watching other people’s stories on KZbin. I figured I’d return the favour. 😊

[@nathanquinn6157]

Mayo for Sam

[@hannahoron9740]

I do like to watch your video, because it is insightful as to what to expect in reality ... one comment though, I think if you do this work you should wear a protective mask (?), not necessarily because of the dust but for the mold and possible mice/rat droppings, these can make you very ill. God bless!

[@brienmacgearailt7801]

That area is heavenly, I retraced my origins to treanffounan

[@Odo55]

I like the guy talking loudly on the telephone

[@D7nielle]

He was born in the cottage. He's an absolutely lovely man.

[@baylaschauer3122]

It's beautiful! You are so lucky!

[@ExLibris-Alys]

It would be great to see your progress.

[@davidsangels5347]

Hi Dani, out of interest, how much did you buy this cottage? many thanks

[@D7nielle]

If you go on daft.ie you will see sort of prices they go for.

[@stephencullen3372]

Any updates Best of luck

[@D7nielle]

We're heading over soon to get more done. Will make more videos when we do. Thanks for asking.