Denis's Cottage, ARDARA, COUNTY DONEGAL

Rated 5/50 by C0llyl on 9th March 2019

"This beautiful little family cottage set in the countryside between killybegs and Ardara has everything you need for a perfect getaway. Furnished just how a traditional cottage should be lovely log fire, a modern kitchen and if u miss the outside world there's a big tv with more tv channels than you need and on a plus side no wifi access...oh the peace lol. Our hosts Mary and michael were both extremely helpful and unobtrusive in their care for our stay. The rooms were spotless and so cosy...a warming fire was waiting for us on our arrival along with a welcoming selection of homemade bread and cakes all other basics were supplied all in all as a base for exploring the stunning west coast and a cosy nest to return too it can't be faulted. A return in the warmer weather is sure to happen."

Rated 5/50 by POB128 on 14th May 2018

"A truly wonderful cottage in a quite and peaceful setting just a short drive to Killybegs town and Fintra blue flag beach. Mary & Michael are wonderful hosts and we had a great week with our little dog Tilly who loved watching the sheep in the surrounding fields. We could easily have stayed much longer and we will be back again very soon."

Rated 5/50 by Simonmiller2017 on 19th September 2017

"We stayed at Denise cottage in July and had a fabulous time. Everything we wanted for our week away. Molly our dog also enjoyed herself spending hours walking the trails and watching sheep. Mary and Micheal could not have been more accommodating with fresh bread, milk and homemade Jam on arrival, which was very welcome after a long trip. Thoroughly recomend this for a quiet break away from it all in the lovely Donegal countryside."

Rated 5/50 by TheGilly on 19th April 2017

"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!"