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The Little Irish Cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way - experience the real Ireland.

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Our beautiful cottage in west Donegal
Outdoor dining
Outdoor dining
Living room
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Co Donegal, County Donegal
  • Glengesh Pass
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Slieve League
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Donegal Castle
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Donegal (CFN)
    ‪94 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Little Irish Cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way - experience the real Ireland.

Beautiful 150 year old cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way in west Donegal.
Tastefully modernized with free wifi.
Three double bedrooms sleeps up to 6 people.
Full family bathroom with tub and separate shower cubicle, and second shower room with power shower and WC.
Fully equipped kitchen and separate laundry/ utility room.
Living room with traditional Donegal open fireplace.
Oil fired central heating.
Bed linen and towels provided free of charge.
Household essentials including cleaning products and basic food items supplied.

Please note that weekend stays of 2 nights are available. Please contact me for details.

A traditional Irish cottage, well over 150 years old, in west Donegal, Ireland, situated right on the Wild Atlantic Way close to beautiful deserted Atlantic beaches, traditional Irish pubs and some of the most spectacular scenery in western Europe. Why not come to Ireland for the craic!
Our beautiful family holiday home is decorated in a traditional but comfortable manner and can sleep up to six people. The cottage is at least 150 years old but has been sympathetically modernized and extended and has three bedrooms, all with double beds (smallest bedroom has a small double bed 4ft / 120 cm). There is a family bathroom with full sized bath and separate shower cubicle and an en suite WC and shower room to the main bedroom. The fully equipped kitchen has a full sized oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge, toaster, coffee maker, kettle and microwave. There is plenty of cookware. There is also an additional drinks fridge. The separate laundry room contains a washing machine, tumble dryer and iron. There is a good sized wildflower garden and parking for several cars. Please note that the garden is a haven for wildlife and as such will occasionally will be left uncut.

The cottage is in a remote rural area (on the edge of Crocknamurrin Mountain Bog - a Natural Heritage area) but only a short drive from the heritage village of Ardara, and is incredibly peaceful. The cottage is full of books, fiction and non-fiction, there are board games, a radio and CD player with selection of CDs and an MP3 docking station/ speaker. The cottage is furnished with family pieces and some antiques. There is sky TV and free high speed WIFI. A second TV and DVD player is available to watch the selection of movies provided. You can sit by a traditional turf fire in the evenings with a relaxing drink and really feel that you are hiding away from the world. The sun does not set until after 10pm in summer and it is beautiful to sit outside on long summer evenings watching the sun set into the west.

The village of Ardara is only a few miles away through the glorious scenery of the Glengesh Pass and has loads of pubs and restaurants. Nancy's Bar and the Corner House enjoy fully deserved worldwide reputations for traditional music and craic. Ardara is the centre of the Donegal knitwear and weaving industry and there are many shops selling locally produced garments in wool and tweed. In the other direction, the quaint villages of Carrick, Kilcar and Glencolumbcille nestle in spectacular scenery, and the cliffs at Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in western Europe, are a must-see and less than 10 miles from the cottage. Surfing is popular at many of the Atlantic beaches nearby, particularly Tramore at Rosbeg, Rossnowlagh and Dooey Strand. Finally, the most beautiful beach in Donegal and perhaps Ireland (in my opinion) is at Maghera which is very close by. There are plans to extend the International Appalachian Trail to this part of Donegal and there are way marked trails for walkers in the area (less than 1 mile away).

Ardara was named the best village in Ireland to live in, and one of the top 5 places (village, town, city etc) to live in by the Irish Times in June 2012.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012/0618/1224318138559.html

Other items available:
Hairdryer
Straightening irons
Clock radio/ phone charger/ Bluetooth speaker
Beach towels
Beach chairs x2
Garden furniture

Property manager

Colette Hall

Languages

English, French
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please note that the garden is not fully enclosed
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Dogs must be kept on lead outside (sheep country)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please take care disposing of butts outside
Please note that stays of less than 3 nights are not available between Monday and Thursday inclusive.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Crowkeeragh

Located in Crowkeeragh, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. Sandfield Pitch and Putt Course and Narin & Portnoo Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore International Applachian Trail and Owenea Bridge Standing Stone. Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Visitor Centre and Maritime & Heritage Centre are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing and surfing/body boarding nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Map
Co Donegal, County Donegal

What's nearby

  • Glengesh Pass - 4 min drive - 5.2 km
  • Assaranca Falls - 16 min drive - 16.6 km
  • Slieve League - 22 min drive - 16.2 km
  • Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Visitor Centre - 22 min drive - 24.3 km
  • Donegal Castle - 33 min drive - 44.4 km

Getting around

  • Donegal (CFN) - 94 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ahoy Cafe - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Fleet Inn Restaurant, Killybeggs - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Slieve League Lodge - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Harbour Bar - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Kilcar House - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Little Irish Cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way - experience the real Ireland. pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Little Irish Cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way - experience the real Ireland.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Little Irish Cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way - experience the real Ireland.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Little Irish Cottage on the Wild Atlantic Way - experience the real Ireland. located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Glengesh Pass, International Applachian Trail and Ardara Heritage Centre. Glen Gallery Art by Conal and Ardara Fort are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.6/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Graham H., Lytham St.Annes, Lancashire, England

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rural retreat to explore the remoter areas of County Donegal

An excellent base for exploring the remoter extremities of County Donegal. Large cottage, adequately equipped for up to 6 people. Cosy lounge with open fire. Don't expect to sit outside in a garden, there isn't one!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Feena M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

The cottage is so cosy and comes well equipped inside. The decor is fantastic. We had a great 5 night stay. The location is perfect for exploring a very beautiful county! So much to do .
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Aidan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great week

A lovely cottage to get away from it all. Lovely location and the weather for the week was fantastic. WiFi very poor but that helps when it comes to relaxing.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Greig H., Dundee

The cottage is as per pictures...very sweet and homely. Beds are comfortable and linen was plentiful

Previous occupants had left any leftover supplies so anything you may have forgotten to bring could be there. Plenty of books,music,dvds etc. If it's remoteness you seek you'll find it here. Ardara's stores will supply all fire needs as well as groceries...Nancy's serves the very best Guinness I've EVER tasted..That's going some! All in all a great holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Steve M.

Fantastic time

The cottage was everything it said it would be and more. We wanted peace and quiet and we certainly got it and never wanted for anything as all was provided. Great location to explore the surrounding area. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

jacqui d., belfast

Great New Year

Spent New Year with friends Lovely time Great home as always
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

jacqui d., belfast

Great Stay

As normal really enjoyed this lovely cottage and can't wait to be back Colette your home is lovely
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tracey M.

Amazing cottage in the middle of nowhere. A hidden gem that is just perfect to get away from it all.

The directions were spot on. The cottage is more than we ever thought. A perfect hidden gem. The cottage is beautifully decorated to go with the character of it. Everything was there that you needed. The fire was lovely. It was great to have pure peace, no TV just relaxing, reading books and spending time with my hubby in peace. There is a great mixture of books to read. Plenty of games top if you fancy a games night. I would really recommend this cottage for a great break.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Meehan R.

Great location and amenities

Colette gave us excellent driving instructions (from Derry airport), and the cottage was a marvellous focal point for exploring Donegal nearby (Glencolumbkille, Ardara, Maghera beach etc) and further afield (Arranmore, Slieve League Cliffs, Letterkenny, Donegal etc). Great facilities for cooking, cleaning, sleeping etc and lots of local indicators in the house (Pitch and putt, places to eat, beaches, walks etc) for what to do. It was great to have the Pirates of The Coffee Bean mobile nearby (5 km) on Glengesh pass: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Piratesofthecoffeebean/ . The Wifi was invaluable for planning excursions. The Halls were great but unobtrusive hosts. As with any trip, sometimes items get left behind but Colette was on the job and posted them on to us. It was close to an idyllic stay, we hope to visit again sometime.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

jacqui d., belfast

Excellent and Superb

Brillant place to stay beautiful environment house is well equipped dogs loved it
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sian T.

Excellent cottage, perfect for families 👍🏻

We had a fantastic few days here despite the snow!! The cottage is so well equppied & was perfect for our young children. Will definitely return
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lynne I.

Fab time at this lovely cosy cottage

A super weekend spent with family walking on fantastic beaches and spending nights by the fire. The cottage has all you could ever need and more! This was my 3rd stay and we hope to be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Chantal et Colin C.

Enjoyed it immensely

This pretty little cottage has been entirely and comfortably renovated, and is set in quiet surroundings. It is well -equipped and well-furnished with many little touches that give it the feeling of a really cosy home rather than just another Holiday cottage. We (and our dog) really loved it. Well done Colette. Highly recommended
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ally O.

Cosy retreat in the Donegal countryside

Stayed at the cottage for three days with my boyfriend as a belated Valentine's trip. The cottage was very comfy, clean and romantic and kitted out with everything that we needed. It is located close to many different beautiful places including Slieve League, Glencolmcille beach and the town of Ardara. Enjoyed our stay very much, can't wait to return.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Susan Headley

A gem of a cottage in a stunning location!

This was our fourth visit to the cottage and it really has got everything you could wish for. Every room is beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean. We love the get away from it all atmosphere that you feel the minute you walk into the cottage. It is close to some of the most stunning beaches in Ireland, and a short drive to Ardara a great little town that's always buzzing summer or winter. This is no ordinary holiday rental this is a little bit of paradise and we can't wait to return!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lynne I.

Fantatic Break at this lovely cottage

After reading reviews I thought this cottage looked good but didn't think it could be AS hood as the reviews - it was! We were advised to try not to arrive in the dark but sat nav took us on a bit of a detour so ended up being dark but we found it no problem. It was great to have 4 days away without phones, wifi and although there is a TV in the cottage we didn't turn it on at all. This cottage was the perfect base to explore from and the living room was just perfect with the fire lit to relax in the evenings. We visited lots of places. Our favourites were: Glenveagh National Park, Beaches at Pornoo, Maghera and Rosknowlagh and the Slieve League cliffs. I have already recommended this cottage to family and friends and we would love to stay here again (which is not something I normally do!) Our dog thoroughly enjoyed this trip to and it was great that she could stay in the cottage with us :)

8/10 Good

Jann Peter L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Nice Cottage

Fine!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wild Atlantic Way

His was our final home in our journey and it was perfect! The house was lovely and we had everything we could need. You are in a remote spot which is what we wanted. Took a morning hike to Mel’s coffee truck with a view of the Gap.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victoria S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage near Ardara & Glengesh Pass

In a perfect location to experience the Wild Atlantic Way and environs, and to make day trips to the coastal beaches, cliffs and inland to Gkenvaigh Castle and gardens.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

aisling d., Dublin

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

We had a wonderful stay at this lovely traditional cottage. We loved that we could have a little dog with us. Would highly recommend. Nice rural location but within 20 mins of lots of villages.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Patricia K.

Liked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Little Irish cottage

Nice view from kitchen and living room into a nice landscape. Kitchen and living room are fully equipped and everything we needed during our stay was available.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ruby H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Remote Tranquility

It was a lovely comfortable little cottage with all modern conveniences (except a washing line or clothes horse). Its remoteness was soul refreshing. My daughter was dithering about going for an interview which was in middle of her stay in the cottage. She was able to spend 4 days studying for the exam style interview in the solace of the place. Left for the interview come back two days later saying she had succeeded in getting it. We will be grateful forever to this place with the sheep gently grazing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shu H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ultimate chill out location

Fuss free. Excellent location for touring surrounding magical beaches and sliabh liag cliffs.

10/10 Excellent

Kel R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning scenery in a quiet location

Property is a warm cosy 3 bedrooms cottage with all comforts for s relaxing holiday.

10/10 Excellent

Jérémie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cottage dans un paysage sauvage typique

Le cottage est très bien situé, entre Ardara et Slieve League. Le paysage est sauvage et isolé, très beau. La maison est fonctionnelle et rien ne manque. Seul petit bémol, le réfrigérateur est un peu petit pour une famille de 5 personnes. C'était très bien!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

About the host

Hosted by Colette Hall

Host profile image
We live in Belfast, 125 miles east of our holiday home. We spend a lot of time in our holiday home and have made it cosy and comfortable.

Why they chose this property

We loved this house at first sight. It is a typical Irish cottage, stone built, at least 150 years old. It can be traced in Griffith's Valuation, a book which was prepared in 1854. We love the area, which is off the usual tourist trail and as close to the 'real' Ireland as you are likely to get. There is no mobile phone reception. It's a chance to kick back and relax away from the world.

What makes this property unique

Because this is our family holiday home and not just a commercial rental, you have the advantage of living in a real home with all the home comforts! You can expect to find some of our own stuff here. Please make use of anything you find which may be useful to you during your stay.

The cottage is the top rated holiday home rental in Donegal on tripadvisor, in the top 5 of over 4300 in Ireland, in the top 200 of over 300000 in Europe and the the top 10% worldwide.

The peace and quiet that you experience here stays with you long after you return home.

Languages:

English, French