“Cosy, family friendly, delightful owners”
We spent a fabulous week at Denis's Cottage, which truly was a home from home. It was a perfect setting for us, plus our two girls aged 9 and 10, and the family dog, to explore Donegal, its beaches, villages and mountains.
The cottage is owned by Michael and Mary, who farm the fields around. It is Michael's childhood home, and they've recently been able to buy it back into their family and renovate it as a rental cottage.
It's beautifully presented. Some Irish cottages are gutted out and made to feel like brand new properties inside. That can be nice, but it's not very authentic. Denis's Cottage is quite different. The renovation has kept lots of original features, so it really does feel like living in a proper old Irish cottage. However, it is cosy due to a wood stove and central heating, equipped with everything you will need, and lovingly furnished. Mary has taken such care inside: ornaments, books (including kids books) and pictures make it feel like a real home. There are three good, comfortable bedrooms, a lounge with TV, DVD player and CD/radio, a well equipped kitchen that we cooked in every night, and a bathroom with bath and shower.
Michael and Mary were so welcoming. Mary met us and took us to the cottage, where basic provisions were already there, and lovely flowers on display in the bathroom. She explained that unfortunately the washing machine was not working, and she hadn't been able to get a service man yet. However, we were welcome to use her washing machine; she and Michel live about 10 minutes away. Thus we ended up at their home the next night, drinking tea and chatting as the washing machine completed its cycle. A friendship was born!
It's worth saying something about the location. Don't expect to be at the heart of things. In fact, the cottage is way out in the countryside, amongst roving hills, with sheep all around. Not the place to go if you expect to walk to the pub, but perfect if you want a peaceful spot with beauty and nature all around. We even spotted some deer. Our girls loved playing in the garden, and built their own 'den' down by the little stream. They were safe, and we could just let them get on with it.
Ardara, the nearest village, is about six miles away. There you'll find good pubs and food, music sessions, a small supermarket and craft shops. About ten miles in the other direction is Killybegs, a fishing town with an impressive trawler fleet. Donegal town is more like 20 miles away, but well worth it.
I'd forgotten how lovely Donegal really is. Drive out the coast from Killybegs and walk along the spectacular Slieve League cliffs. Nearby Malin Beg beach was a beautiful place for the dog and the kids to let off steam - but there seams to be a beach around every corner in Donegal. Clencolmcille folk village is an inspiring window on the past - a must see. Those were our highlights, but you'll make your own, there's so much to see.
This was a really special family holiday, and we have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Denis's Cottage. We'll be back!
The property
Ardara 5 miles.
A cosy little country cottage, located in the east of County Donegal between Killybegs and Ardara.
Within an hour’s drive from Letterkenny, Donegal, Ballyshannon and Bundoran, this property will make an excellent starting point for friends and family to come and explore.
The cottage is all on the ground floor and has three cosy bedrooms for you to retreat to at the end of the day.
In the compact and well-equipped kitchen you’ll be able to rustle up some delicious meals and a few packed lunches ahead of a day exploring the north west of Ireland.
The sitting room is traditionally finished with a woodburning stove where you can curl up with a book or in front of the telly and it also has a dining area where you can enjoy good food and discuss the highlights of the day.
With the sun out, why not take the plates outside and eat alfresco while enjoying the cool summer’s breeze with a well-earned drink?
A few miles up the road you will find Ardara and all its amenities.
Browse the local shops, go for a bite to eat and enjoy a pint of the black stuff in its home country or cast your line into the River Owentocker and spend the day fishing.
Explore the Glenveagh National Park, go shopping in Letterkenny, or take the car in the opposite direction and you have Killybegs, the largest fishing port in Ireland as well as the likes of Donegal and the popular seaside town of Bundoran.The property is local to some of the top beaches in Ireland.
Maghera Beach is 5 miles and Silver Strand Beach 15 miles respectively from the property.
A terrific little cottage for all to enjoy and start their Irish adventure.
Summary
- All ground floor
- Three bedrooms: 2 x double, 1 x single
- Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
- Kitchen
- Sitting room with dining area and woodburning stove
- External utility.
- Oil central heating with woodburning stove
- electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine in utility, dishwasher, TV with Saorview, DVD, radio, selection of books and DVDs
- Fuel, power and starter pack for stove inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Travel cot on request
- Ample off road parking
- Front gravelled area with furniture
- One well-behaved dog welcome
- Sorry, no smoking
- Shop, pub and beach 5 miles.
About the location
ARDARA, COUNTY DONEGAL
Donegal Town 17 miles; Derry Airport 54 miles.
Ardara, voted by The Irish Times as one of the 'best villages to live in' in 2012, is one of the most attractive towns in Donegal, set in a wide valley where the Owentocher River enters Loughros More Bay. Visitors can enjoy the many craft and gift shops, together with the traditional Irish pubs. There are many brown trout lakes in the area for budding fisherman, or why not discover the nearby caves and falls of Maghera? Enjoy walking the magnificent Glengesh Pass, with spectacular views over the Atlantic from Loughros Point. Every March, the village hosts a successful walking festival with walkers coming from all over the world, while May boasts the annual “Cup of Tae” traditional music festival. Donegal town, 17 miles away, is situated at the mouth of Donegal Bay, on the River Eske, and is overshadowed by the Bluestack Mountains, which provide a great base for hill walking. With Donegal Castle, and the remains of a Franciscan Abbey which dates back to the 15th century, there is plenty of Irish history to absorb. There is a horse riding centre just one mile away, great golfing opportunities nearby, with a magnificent links course open for players of all abilities just seven miles away, and five miles away is Killybegs Sea Angling, where a competition is held on the first Saturday in May and September each year, along with the Killybegs International Sea Angling Festival, which is a two day event on the second weekend in July. Also 20 miles away is the wonderful Slieve League mountain, which has a height of 601 metres (1972 feet) and is situated on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal. With its sandy beaches offering good surfing conditions, restaurants, shops and pubs, this is the perfect base for an Irish break.
This property offers the following short breaks: