Shell Cottage – Cullenstown, Ireland - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Shell Cottage

Cullenstown, Ireland

A 300-year-old cottage decorated with tens of thousands of seashells arranged in intricate patterns. 

View all photos
4
58
Top Places in Ireland
Nephin Mountain overlooking Lahardane at Addergoole
Addergoole Titanic Monument
Mayo, Ireland
MV Plassy
Inisheer, Ireland
National Leprechaun Museum
Dublin, Ireland
 See All

It’s amazing how intricate the patterns are on this building. Down to perfectly outlined birds, a lighthouse,  and even a pirate ship, all using shells. You have to see it in person to truly appreciate the amount of detail and time,  love, and care that went into this project. Also there is a very grumpy cat creature guarding this house which gives it an even more magical vibe.

The 19th-century thatched cottage is located at Cullenstown Strand on Wexford’s south coast. It was decorated by Kevin L. Ffrench, a sailor who dedicated countless hours of his life to this masterpiece. He passed away in 2003 and today his granddaughter lives in the cottage. There is a donation box for restorations.

Know Before You Go

Just drive slow getting there please. The locals are out walking with their pups. 

Atlas Obscura Trips

NEW - Discovering Ireland: Literature, Legend & Myth

Cozy pubs, dreamy landscapes, and friendly locals in Ireland.
Book Now
shells mosaics houses architectural oddities
Nearby
Hook Lighthouse
10.84 miles
Old Red Iron Bridge
18.23 miles
Castleboro House
18.27 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Churchtown, Ireland

Hook Lighthouse

One of the oldest lighthouses in the world, this structure was built more than 800 years ago.
A low level view of the Track bed looking back at the South Entrance to the Bridge.
Kilkenny, Ireland

Old Red Iron Bridge

Once the longest bridge in Ireland, this rusting span sits abandoned and overrun by nature.
The first photograph which I took which shows how big this building actually was. The landowner told me that he tries to do as much as possible to keep it from decaying further but can not afford to do any serious work.
Wexford, Ireland

Castleboro House

After being destroyed by IRA sympathizers, the ruins of this stately Irish manor have sat vacant for decades.
Tankardstown Engine House.
Waterford, Ireland

Tankardstown Engine House

Impressive mining ruins overlook a spectacular view of Ireland's Copper Coast.
Related Places
San Fernando, Philippines

House of Seashells

A house and its fence that are entirely covered with sea shells and giant clams.
Broken Glass Villa.
Passau, Germany

Broken Glass Villa

Shimmering sea-colored mosaics and Jesus statues cover this opulent building.
San Miguel, Spain

Shell House - Casa de las Conchas

A small house in Tazones, completely covered in shells.
Gothenburg, Sweden

The Ghost Plaque of the Keyhole House

This mysterious sign claims an American astronomer haunts the building—but is it true?
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web