Coolure House by Breda - CoolockALS - Adult Literacy Service

Listen to Breda’s story here!

Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, nobody had any money and holidays for Dublin people were few and far between, unless you had relatives down the country. In 1984, through contacts in Colaiste Dhulaigh, I got the chance to bring my kids on their first family holiday to Coolure House in Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath.

I had 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls from 5 years to 16 years old at the time. The country bus reversed up the road to collect us. There was great excitement on the road. All the local children came out to see us off. Our luggage was packed in black plastic bags, including a bag of potatoes and a tray of eggs, although I carried the eggs on my lap. No fancy cases back then. We set off at 1.30 pm on the Saturday. It was a long journey so we played games on the bus. I warned the kids to be good or there would be no more holidays.

When we arrived we were all shown to our rooms. We were put into converted horse stables. The kids all went to a disco on the first night. They had a great time. Myself and my mother sat and watched TV and had a nice peaceful night without any kids.

The week flew in. The children had the best time ever. There were bikes they could use to go to the local village and a bike trail to race one another. There was a sweet shop in the Big House and there was an outdoor swimming pool where they spent most of their days. We also had a grocery shop, Mr Rabbits, in the village. Mr Rabbits sold everything.

There was a big lake right beside us with two boats, a couple of canoes and some splash cats (types of boats) which worked on pedal power. The bigger lads went fishing on the lake. If they caught fish I cooked it for dinner that night. The fish was so nice. Unfortunately, the week flew. It was the best holiday we ever had with some of my happiest memories. We spent nine years going to Coolure House and we still talk about it to this day. The name of the person who looked after us so well was called Louis. Lord have mercy on his soul. He drowned on holiday in France in 1992. We will never forget him.

Listen to Breda talk about her story here!