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Whispering Willows - The Bungalow

(Ref. 936116)

Carndonagh, County Donegal Show on map

4.8

Sykes rating

  • 6 Guests

  • 3 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Sky TV
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (17)
  • stay (11)
  • beautiful (9)
  • well (9)
  • lovely (8)
  • our (8)

23 Customer Reviews

  • "Excellent Would Book Again"

    Reviewed by Gerard5.0Aug 2024

  • "We loved our stay in this cottage, clean, tidy with a particularly well stocked kitchen."

    Donegal itself is beautiful and a week was not nearly long enough.

    Reviewed by David4.4Aug 2024

  • "A very well equipped cottage in a lovely area of Donegal."

    Nicely laid out rear patio area complete with hammock/outdoor lighting and well stocked borders at the front. However, a damp/fusty smell in the bedroom area (where wood cladding is bulging out) could not be eliminated by scented sprays. This aspect put a negative slant on our stay at Whispering Willows. Secondly, a small low step, (in addition to the ordinary step coming out of the bathroom) could not easily be seen, as it was in same wood as the main floor, and resulted in my wife and son stumbling on several occasions when coming out of the bathroom. Some high Vis tape around the edges could easily prevent a potentially bad fall. If these points are addressed the cottage would be a perfect spot for a quiet stay.

    Thank you for your feedback, we are very glad you enjoyed the cottage. We are very sorry to hear about the issues you had during your visit, we have not had any complaints raised previously by any guests regarding this concern. You can see by our other feedback that everyone had had a fantastic time at Whispering willows - The bungalow. We really wished you would have contacted us immediately as we would have attended to inspect the bedroom for you. Apologies, but we found no issues following the change over. We do ask guests to contact us if they need any assistance at all so we can ensure they have the best stay possible. This is an old cottage and this is what brings to it's character and appeal. We take all feedback on board to ensure comfortable stays moving forward. thanks Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ronald3.4May 2024

  • "Very comfortable stay, spacious, very good beds, clean linen, lots of towels provided, materials to light the fire, spacious clean bathroom, good heating system."

    Every need is catered for in the kitchen: cooker, dishwasher, washing machine, tumble dryer. Lovely outdoor space to the rear.

    Reviewed by Philip5.0Apr 2024

  • "A truly lovely property, and a wonderful base for a holiday to the west of Ireland."

    The kids loved the garden and sharing a bedroom, and the little touches in the properly made all the difference (eg condiments, soaps, menus and guides to the area). Shops and restaurants are handy and plentiful. Really recommend Simpsons for dinner, we had wonderful food and service and the kids were happy to get punky ice creams! I would recommend Whispering Willows to couples/families looking for a base to explore the area and beyond.

    Reviewed by Kirsty4.4Aug 2023

  • "Fabulous stay in a lovely cottage with a great garden to chill in."

    Spotlessly and Fiona was very helpful during our stay. Excellent location for touring the local area and we were blessed with wonderful weather. Stunning scenery is aplenty!!

    Reviewed by Victoria5.0May 2023

  • "The Bungalow was absolutely charming place to stay."

    Surrounded by beautiful countryside with the sounds of wildlife close by. We enjoyed exploring Donegal fantastic beaches, taking time-out to sample local Irish food, which was delicious. Cannot recommend the accommodation highly enough. Its fantastic!

    Reviewed by Martin5.0Apr 2023

  • "Beautiful well equipped cottage"

    Reviewed by Bernadette5.0Sep 2022

  • "This accommodation was way above our expectations."

    House was warm and cosy. The location is a very pleasant 10 minute walk to Simpsons for a bite to eat or a drink and a twenty minute walk into the town of Carndonagh. There is ample secure car parking at the cottage and beautiful beaches within a twenty minute drive (highly recommned Shroove). There were many little nice touches such as torches, matches/lighters, umbrellas, rugs to use outside in the garden, the hammock, scented soaps, box for dirty shoes and much much more. We would highly recommend a stay at whispering willows for anyone looking for a peaceful and tranquil get away. It ticked all the boxes and more for us. We will most definitely be booking another stay in the not to distance future.

    Reviewed by Sean5.0Sep 2022

  • "Lovely quaint cottage in a beautiful County."

    Fiona was only a call away and was extremely helpful with any issues that arose. Great spot as a base to tour the North of Ireland.

    Reviewed by Pamela5.0Apr 2022

  • "Great house, quaint but modern at the same time, really good mix."

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would really recommend it. The broadband was good (always helpfully for teenagers), lovely private garden. Location was very central to the Inis Eoghain peninsula.

    Reviewed by Colm5.0Jul 2021

  • "We had stay for 5 nights and it was really comfortable, clean and worm the cottage."

    Mi husband and I we really enjoyed the holiday. People in the village very friendly and we went only one time for diner in the Oliver Restaurant..Really good the food..after that they close for Christmas and for lockdwon.

    Reviewed by Elena Daniela5.0Dec 2020

  • "Everything was exceptionally clean, convenient to everywhere, beautiful surroundings and very peaceful."

    Reviewed by Margaret5.0Sep 2020

  • "Lovely holiday cottage , very well kept and presented inside and out."

    So many little things there that you might need- torches, batteries, scissors. Loads of information on site on the local area. Clear instructions on heating etc. Everything very well thought through which made it very easy for us to settle in and feel at home quickly. Fiona, the owner was more than helpful and checked in with us throughout our stay. Fond memories of Whispering Willows.

    Reviewed by Wendy4.4Jun 2019

  • "We had the loveliest week in Fiona's cottage, which provided the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Inishowen peninsula."

    The cottage was so cute with cosy beds, a fabulous open turf fire and came equipped with everything you would want in a holiday cottage. The location was also ideal; under 5 minutes to the town of Carndonagh but also surrounded by open countryside to provide the perfect escape from the city. Additionally, Fiona was the perfect host who provided plenty of recommendations and tips for things to do and restaurants, as well as arranging to post a jacket to me which I left behind! Would highly recommend visiting both Fiona's cottage and north-west Donegal.

    Reviewed by Kate5.0Jun 2019

  • "Very warm cosy welcome with cottage heating switched on prior to us arriving."

    Beds were very comfortable with nice white bedding, throws and even hot water bottles for each bed provided. Plenty of additional towels tea towels and extra home comforts provided. The owner is very helpful and easily contacted if any queries arise. Would recommend if you require a peaceful setting for your holiday .

    Reviewed by Norma4.4Apr 2019

  • "Cottage was spotlessly clean with loads of extras like tea coffee jams sauces etc and lots of information on the area"

    Reviewed by Sean5.0Jul 2018

  • "We had a lovely stay in the cottage the location was ideal for what we wanted to do."

    . The cottage throughout was spotless, extremely comfortable (kids adored the corner sofa). Everything worked perfectly but what made it special was the little touches that you have that make it better than a hotel stay. The umbrellas and torches at the door ready for use, the books dvds and games available, the jams, tea coffee etc that are in the kitchen. Your welcome book is very well laid out and planned it’s clear a lot of time and effort went into it. They are small things but they mean a lot. Since coming back work colleagues etc have been asking about the cottage and I have been recommending that if anyone is considering heading up to your part of the country they should definitely consider the whispering willows as a place to stay and will continue to do so, if we are ever having an extended holiday in Donegal again it would certainly be very close to the top of our list. Thank you for the use of your cottage we had a lovely time

    Reviewed by John5.0Jul 2018

  • "Whispering Willows is ideally placed for exploring both Northern Donegal and across Lough Foyle into Northern Ireland."

    Unfortunately for us the Foyle Ferry was not operating which does put on additional time reaching attractions such as the Giant's Causeway. There are some fantastic places to visit closer at hand all of which were very well detailed in the guest book. The cottage is very well equipped with an abundance of coffee/tea and other essentials. Fiona the owner, although we did not meet was very easily contacted and readily available to offer help/advice. The weather whilst we were there was not the best with rain and strong winds, the wind especially seemed to draw the heat out of the cottage such that the back boiler in the fire did not seem to heat the radiators. There is however a secondary oil fired system which does require the insertion of 1 euro coins, the 2 euro facility does not work. When this was loaded the cottage heated up very quickly. A normal metered system with readings and payment/unit may be easier for people. 1 euros seemed to be hard to get for some reason. Heating apart ( which Fiona was made aware of), the cottage was fantastic and we would most certainly try to re-visit in the summer to make the most of the fantastic beaches close at hand.

    Reviewed by Malcolm5.0Mar 2018

  • "Fiona has presented this property in first class condition."

    We are a family of 4 ( kids aged 9 & 11 ) the location of the property made Derry and the Giants Causeway very accessible. The cottage comes with Sky Tv and the Wi-Fi was very dependable. Simpsons bar ( a 20 minute walk ) is very reasonable priced and a good spot for an evening meal. Would highly recommended this cottage.

    Reviewed by Vincent4.8Oct 2017

  • "Fiona is very nice despite the problem of the language (French) Put a coat hanger in the bathroom Possibility to turn off the heating when the weather is hot outside Cottage very well located and very nice."

    Reviewed by Serge4.8May 2017

  • "What a beautiful cottage."

    My husband and I stayed in the bungalow with friends in early May 2017 and we were all so pleased with this cosy, well equipped, spotlessly clean rental accommodation. The sun shone for us during our stay in Donegal and Whispering Willows was a wonderful home from home for us after our days out exploring the beautiful scenery in Donegal. Great pub nearby for food. Very close to Doagh Famine Village (well worth a visit!) and loads more to see and do in Donegal. Loved every minute of it and would highly recommend this accommodation.

    Reviewed by Teresa5.0May 2017

  • "The cottage was beautiful, comfortable, and had every amenity that you could possibly need."

    The owner had provided little extras and a store cupboard of basic (and a bit more) cooking essentials as a starter. A detailed pack was provided giving information on the cottage and the surrounding area. It was a home away from home, and would have no hesitation in booking again or recommending it to friends.

    Reviewed by Lesley5.0Aug 2016

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • Three bedrooms: 1 x twin leading to 1 x king-size double and 1 x double
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Dining room with additional sofa and chairs
  • Sitting room with open fire. This property can be booked with Ref 928919, together they sleep 8.
  • Oil central heating with open fire and back burner for hot water
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, Slow cooker,fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher,Iron and Ironing board
  • Kitchen is fully equipped with extensive range of all cooking equipment, bake-ware and utensils. Smart TV Netflix account, Freeview TV with full use of Apps
  • Bluetooth speakers, High quality WiFi range throughout property, selection of reading and cookery books,board games
  • Electricity and starter pack for fire inc. in rent
  • Additional turf can be purchased at property on an honesty box basis
  • Oil is on coin meter requiring €1 coins which is optional if not using fire
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Travel cot and highchair on request
  • Ample off road parking
  • Large storage shed
  • Enclosed patio with furniture
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shop and pub/restaurant 1 mile
  • Note: Due to fire safety BBQs are not allowed at this property

The property

This excellent semi-detached bungalow is situated on a quiet peaceful lane, one mile from the town of Carndonagh on the striking Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal.

This traditional, comfortable, well-presented cottage is furnished to a high standard, somewhere to retreat to after a day exploring but offering all the modern facilities you need and a good location close to amenities.

At Whispering Willows, you have real country living, peace and tranquillity at all times of the year.

In spring and summer, you are surrounded by beautiful rose bushes, colourful flowerpots, butterflies and birds singing in the meadows around you.

Winter guests don’t miss out either with views of Slieve Snaght towering over the countryside with its white tip showing most of the winter.

This bungalow can be booked separately or in conjunction with ‘Whispering Willows – The Thatch’ located next door.

This is ideal for a larger family or group looking to holiday together enjoying a wonderful break but having independent accommodation. This is a ground floor cottage with three spacious bedrooms, one communal twin from which you access a king-size double, as well as a further double.

The lovely sitting room is a cosy space in which to spend time with your loved ones as you warm your hands by the open fire and reminisce about the day’s adventures.

At the rear of the house there is a well-equipped kitchen, as well as a splendid dining room, a great place to enjoy a celebratory meal, or if the weather is bright and sunny, dine alfresco in the enclosed patio with a glass of something cool in hand, perfect for a family evening. Carndonagh or ‘Carn’ as it’s called locally is the main Market Town in Inishowen.

There is a fantastic selection of shops, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants and cafes.

In this convenient location you can take a leisurely walk into town or use one of the many reliable taxi companies available.

Pick up supplies or enjoy a relaxing drink with the locals and experience some foot stamping traditional Irish music sessions in the many late-night live music venues. Take a visit to one of the many stunning beaches a short drive away.

The Blue flag beaches Culdaff and Stroove offer a truly comfortable experience.

Five Finger Strand, Malin is absolutely beautiful, and even in cold weather you can wrap up warm and take in the world class views over Dough Island, Trawbreaga Bay & Rashenny Rock on the wind swept Wild Atlantic Way.

From the cottage, you can head for Moville taking a detour to see Kinnego Bay where the Spanish Armada ship the ‘Trinidad Valencera’ sank in 1588.

Around the peninsula an abundance of marine wildlife can be seen close to the shore including dolphins and basking sharks. Hop in the car and take the scenic drive to Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point.

You could pull on a pair of walking boots and have your camera primed as the northern peninsula is well known for its far reaching breath-taking views and extensive natural habitat, a perfect spot for nature lovers and for bird watching; a twitch’s paradise. Malin town is famous for its Tidy Town awards and the second longest stone bridge in Ireland.

Passing over the beautiful ten arches on your way back to Carndonagh, you can then take the road to the Isle of Doagh and the famous Doagh Famine Village where you will see the original cottages that were occupied by the same family from the 1840’s right up until 1980’s.

Lunch awaits in nearby Ballyliffin in one of the many hotels or at Nancy’s barn, recent winner of the world Seafood Chowder competition.

This property is excellent for golfing enthusiasts with Ballyliffin, Greencastle and Lisfannan courses all close by and a short drive from Portsalon, Portrush and Portstewart. For those looking for some adrenaline from their holiday, try your hand at some of the water-sports available, go horse riding on the beach, take a boat trip out to sea or go fishing. For a more leisurely pursuit, revel at one of the festivals held in the area in the summer months with the Clonmany Festival being one of the biggest country music festivals in Ireland.

There are also cycling events, treasure hunts, raft races and talent competitions offering entertainment for all ages. Go on an adventure taking a day trip to the historic walled city of Derry, a European city of culture, visit the museum, take a bus tour or immerse just yourself in the "craic" with locals in traditional Irish music pubs.

The towns of Buncrana and Letterkenny are close by and boast many immenities and don’t forget the chance for an unforgettable day trip to the County Antrim coastline via the Lough Foyle Ferry. This is a really lovely property in an excellent location, the Wild Atlantic Way where foamy waves lap sandy shores is just waiting to be explored. Note: The property can be booked with Ref. 928919, together they sleep 8.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £300.

About the location

CARNDONAGH, COUNTY DONEGAL

Malin Head 12 miles; Buncrana 12 miles; Derry 22 miles.

Situated on the Inishowen Peninsula in North Donegal lies the small, pretty town of Carndonagh. Only a stone’s throw from the shores of Trawbeaga Bay, Carndonagh is home to the site of the Donagh Cross, which was once part of an early Christian monastery founded by the patron Saint Patrick. Boasting a lovely selection of cafes, pubs and shops, the town also has a strong reputation for traditional music and culture with many musicians, artists and writers making it their home. Within a short distance from Carndonagh are some superb beaches and ideal family spots at Culdaff, Kinnagoe Bay and Five Fingers strand to name a few, Ballyliffin golf course and Malin Head, Ireland’s most northern point.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas