I’ll never forget the drive to our holiday spot in County Kerry – a proper Irish jaunt that started with me taking a wrong turn just outside Killarney, ending up on a narrow lane that had us dodging sheep like it was a video game. We were knackered from the flight and the M50 crawl, but as the mountains of the Ring of Kerry loomed into view, that anticipation bubbled up. “This is it,” I thought, “proper escape time.”

Pulling up a mile from Killorglin, we were gobsmacked by the place. This elegantly-finished detached property looked like a dream – contemporary and stylish, perfect for our little family crew. Stepping inside, the open-plan living room hit us with its soothing colours and serene vibe, complete with an open fire that promised cosy nights. It flowed seamlessly into a neat dining and kitchen area, where I could already picture rustling up a stew without feeling cramped. First impressions? Spot on – spacious, relaxing, and just what we needed after the road mishap.

Day one, the weather gods smiled: bright blue skies, ideal for a gentle wander along the nearby Laune River paths. We ambled a couple of miles from the door, past lush greenery and babbling streams, breathing in that crisp Kerry air. The kids skipped ahead, spotting herons and wildflowers, while I lagged behind, pretending to take photos but really just soaking it in. It felt like the perfect tonic after a hectic year at work – a gentle nudge to slow down and appreciate the simple stuff.

But oh, the British holiday weather curse followed us across the Irish Sea! Next morning, it was lashing down – horizontal rain that turned our planned hike up to the Gap of Dunloe into a non-starter. “Sod that,” said my husband, peering out the window. We pivoted to a shorter loop around Killorglin’s edges, hoods up, wellies on, laughing as we splashed through puddles. The wind whipped our faces, but there was something brilliant about it – that raw, elemental feel you don’t get back home. We spotted a rainbow arching over the hills, and it turned into one of those memories you cherish.

By afternoon, the clouds parted just enough for a stomp along the old railway trail towards Rossbeigh – not too far, but with killer views of Dingle Bay peeking through. Muddy underfoot, sure, but the payoff was those far-reaching green vistas and the odd seal bobbing offshore. Back at the cottage, we thawed out by the fire, mugs of tea in hand, sharing daft stories. One evening, caught in a sudden downpour on a whim walk to the river, I stood there drenched, grinning like an idiot. Why do we Brits love moaning about the rain? It forces these adventures – the soggy triumphs that make you feel alive.

Reflecting now, those walks – good days striding easy paths, bad ones battling gales – wove the holiday together. Kerry’s landscapes are magic, rain or shine, and this spot was the ideal base. We left fitter, happier, and plotting our return. If you’re after a walking haven with weather-proof charm, this is your spot.