The Shell Cottage

13/12/2023

We were delighted to see the new re-surfacing works get underway yesterday on the road leading up to the cottage. Those of you that have used the road previously will have been aware of its deteriorating condition and urgent need of repair.

As residents living on the road, we were directly affected by its condition on a daily basis and had spent the last couple of years in contact with local council, in an attempt to bring attention to works needed.

It is in this regard that we would like to say a massive thank you to Cllr. Jim Codd who having called out to observe the road earlier in the year, promised to deliver these repairs. Following further meetings with Jim and roads engineers in recent months, we are delighted to say that he is a man of his word who has delivered these much-needed works for ourselves and other residents living in the area and for all those who use the road to visit the cottage, the lookout area or to access the beach.

Thank you to the following for their roles in completion of this work;
Cllr. Jim Codd
Michael Brazil
Gerry Forde
Mark Collins
Barry Pettit Tarmacadam
Pat Wade

15/06/2023

We are heartbroken to announce that earlier this week, we had to make the very hard decision to have Kim put to sleep - just weeks after celebrating her 53rd birthday. (159 in human years)

If you pass the cottage often, you may have noticed Kim lying down more frequently throughout the day and becoming more laboured when grazing. Following a number of veterinary check-up’s and consultations with experts at The Donkey Sanctuary, it was decided that the medication currently being given to Kim to treat her arthritis was no longer adequate for her to sustain an enjoyable quality of life and that the kindest option was to say goodbye to our old friend.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everybody that assisted us in caring for Kim and ensuring that she remained happy and healthy throughout the course of her long life with us.

Thank you in no particular order to:
- AHC Veterinary, Wellingtonbridge
- Clare Crowther – Welfare Adviser at The Donkey Sanctuary
- Gavin O’Brien - Farrier
- The Equine Dental Team at The Donkey Sanctuary
- Those who gave assistance in carrying out repair works to Kim’s housing etc.

Finally, thank you to all of you who stopped by the cottage over the years to see Kim, say hello to her or give her a treat. While she may have slowed down considerably over the last number of months, her appetite for apples and crusts of bread only grew as time went on and we’re pretty sure that she could smell a ginger snap biscuit from a mile away.

She was the gentlest animal, well known and well liked within the area and it won’t be the same here without her. Rest In Peace Kimmy. 💔

10/06/2023

"Sun sets behind the Shell Cottage in Cullenstown... I often pass this little place going through Wexford and wonder what this unique little house is all about, but being here the place looks fantastic with beach front and sunset surroundings it's unbelievable.. It's possibly Ireland's unique little house with shells all around at Cullenstown and well worth the visit. 📍🐚🏠☘️

The Shell Cottage, Co. Wexford 📍

I walked, I looked, I seen, I stopped, I photographed."

Photo c/o -

06/06/2023

Last week saw Kim celebrate her 53rd birthday - an unbelievable achievement... and while age has unfortunately been catching up with her over the last number of months, she has been delighted to soak up the recent sunshine and devoured her cake.

20/02/2023

Today marks the 109th anniversary of the Helen Blake lifeboat tragedy as we remember the nine brave men who gave their lives while trying to rescue the crew of the Mexico schooner that had gone aground on the Keeragh Islands in 1914, as well as one of the Mexico crew members, who later died of exposure during the disaster.

This article from the centenary of the tragedy gives a detailed account of how events unfolded.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20 marks the centenary of one of the greatest sea rescue operations ever undertaken off the Irish coast, at the Keeragh Islands near Fethard.

19/02/2023

It’s looking like calm weather and sunshine ahead of this years Rosslare Lifeboat Memorial ceremony, commemorating the Mexico shipwreck tragedy of 1914.

Those of you who have previously visited us may be familiar with the Mexico ship mural sitting above our porch which is a link to the tragic event and the role that our cottage played in providing shelter and refreshments to those who came ashore at Cullenstown following the disaster.

There will be a wreath laid in honour of all heroic crews and those who sadly lost their lives ahead of tomorrows anniversary.

Rosslare Burrow Lifeboat Memorial
Wexford RNLI
Rosslare Harbour RNLI
Kilmore Quay Lifeboat
The Helen Blake

17/08/2022

FROM CULLENSTOWN TO INISHMAAN...

We recently had the pleasure of hosting the brilliant Wexford Drama Group at the cottage to shoot the promo material for their upcoming play 'The Cripple of Inishmaan'.

The play opens this Thursday night the 18th of Aug at 8pm in the National Opera House with accompanying live music from the local Danescastle Music Group so if you are interested in going to see the play grab your tickets now.

See their page for further info and dates.

18 - 27 August 2022 Tickets: €18 👉 https://bit.ly/3FuDpVDSet on the isolated island of Inishmaan in the 1930s, "Cripple" Billy Claven dreams of escaping the...

13/08/2022

It's shaping up to be another scorcher today.
Who's starting their weekend with a trip to the beach? 🏖☀️

02/07/2022

There was a slight delay with the celebrations this year, but Kim didn't seem to mind once she finally got her cake.

Another year older, another year bolder. Happy 52nd birthday, Kim. 🎂🎉

10/06/2022

Sunshine and a thatched roof... winning combination. 😍

24/03/2022

Scaffolding up and ready to go!

The first job that faced our thatchers once they had erected their scaffolding on-site, was to remove the tarpaulin covers which we had previously applied to weather proof the damaged thatch.

As exciting as it was to finally see work beginning, we were also a little anxious to see what state the roof was in, having been covered down for so long. Thankfully, nothing too major but we did notice that the ridge had sunken considerably under the weight of the covers and pallets.

Image c/o - Philip Doran & Nikolaj Thuesen