Patrick is “Connemara born and reared”. His Dad’s family are Moyard O’ Tooles and his Mom’s family are Streamstown O’ Tooles. They have a vast knowledge of the local area and have often been of great help in locating family, (past or present) and locations  for guests. Patrick has been a keen farmer since childhood a great love of the land and sheep farming has been instilled in him from his Mom. There was always a Connemara Pony on the farm until the tractor took over. Pat’s parents still live in her family home in Taobh a Locha, Streamstown , 3 miles from Clifden where we have our farm.

Cathriona first visited Connemara on family holidays as a child and later on her first work-placement from her Hotel Management course in Galway. Cathriona is originally from Ballinasloe where the famous Horse Fair is held each October. She is well known with lots of contacts in the Connemara Pony world and was most happy to re-introduce Connemara Ponies to the O’ Toole farm !  

We saw this site advertised in October 1995, while living in London, where we met. Cathriona was working as a Hotel Manager in Mayfair and Patrick had a Construction Company. We completed its purchase in May 1996 and building began (under the guidance of Pat’s dad- Martin) in September 1996. In January 1997 we moved home for good and a busy few months followed, including a short break from building to get married!

 By July 12 1997 Buttermilk Lodge was open for guests. We chose the name Buttermilk after the lake which is over the hill, Lough Ime ( Buttermilk Lake). Because of the name friends gave us black and white cows as “opening presents” and as you can see the collection has grown steadily, we receive cows in every shape and make imaginable from all over the world!.

You can sample a glass of buttermilk at breakfast!.