County Donegal
An Cúlú
Price is €3,300 per week (only rents by the week)
Clifftop Cottage re-imagined
PLEASE NOTE THIS HOME ONLY RENTS BY THE WEEK/7 NIGHTS
An Cúlú: Award-Winning Luxury Home on Donegal Bay
Perched confidently on a coastal precipice, An Cúlú offers a truly exceptional getaway in County Donegal. This award-winning holiday home—recognized as the Best STR Rural Self-Catering Property in Ireland 2024—has also been featured on RTE’s My Bungalow Bliss, showcasing its remarkable transformation by McCabe Architects.
The home’s chic contemporary interior seamlessly blends comfort and style, while its floating deck provides an opulent outdoor living experience. With integrated seating, a firepit, and a spa, guests can soak in the spectacular views over Donegal Bay and the ever-changing Atlantic horizon.
Sleeping up to 8 guests, An Cúlú is perfect for families or groups seeking a luxurious escape. Located just a short drive from Donegal Town, the property offers a prime base for exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. From pristine beaches and coastal walks to world-class dining and local culture, Donegal has something for everyone.
At a Glance
Sleeps 4 adults and 4 children
Two double bedrooms – 1 ensuite
One double bunk room – sleeps 4
Bathroom
Sitting room
Dining room
Family kItchen
Utility outbuilding
Flat screen TV, fast WiFi internet
Good Cell phone reception
Underfloor heating
Extensive Patio, Jacuzzi Spa, outdoor hot Shower
Sunken Firepit with seating
BBQ and Pizza Oven
This home does not have an EV charger. Click here for more information on EV charging and locations.
NO PETS
Children over 6 are welcome
Property Features
Smart design in Donegal
The canary-yellow traditional stable-door entrance leads through the original cottage into an entirely unexpected elegant open-plan living area annexed to the rear.
Full height glazed panoramic walls define the south-eastern elevation of the home, with remarkable views spanning Inver beach, the Atlantic Ocean and all the way around to Benbulben in county Sligo.
The dining area is sandwiched between the handle-less kitchen and the sitting room, in a continuous extension of monochrome black and white, and furnished with fully upholstered high stools.
The television and its companion electric cassette fire are recessed into a satin black gable end, with more of the impeccable detailing and choice of materials that is a mark of this property.
Two large sections of patio door slide away from the corner of the sitting room to access a stylish glazed-balustrade balcony that almost spans the width of the bungalow.
Bedrooms
Sleeps up to 8 guests.
Bedrooms remain in the original cottage, with the superlative ensuite master bedroom indulging in more of those extravagant sliding doors directly onto the patio with its endless vistas.
Here too a genuinely charming bunk room – in radiant white – with built-in beds for four, is a magical retreat for kids. The beautifully detailed alabaster marble family bathroom with bath, is an absolute delight.
Outside
The comprehensive multi-level patio area extending south-west of the cottage, and reminiscent of a cruise liner, incorporates some really exquisite features in addition to barbecue al-fresco dining.
To add a stretch into the evenings, an innovative and spacious outdoor sunken seating area wraps around a welcome firepit and provides some wind shelter.
Just a few hundred metres away, there is a secluded beach, and when you return, there is an inspired outdoor hot shower to flush away the sand…
There is also a sloping lawn with ample parking to the front.
Facilities
Kitchen Appliances
- Electric cooker with twin ovens
- Ceramic hob with built in extractor
- American Fridge-freezer
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Nespresso coffee machine
Utility Appliances
- Washing machine
- Spin dryer
- Iron
Bedrooms
- Sizes – King-size bed, double bed
- And two double bunks (sleeps 4)
- Hairdryer
Tech & Entertainment
- Fibre Wi-Fi Internet
- Flat-screen smart TV
Other
- Outdoor Jacuzzi Spa
- Patio with Sunken firepit area
- Hot outdoor shower
- Selection of books
Our Highlights of this Home
Out and About
Wild mountains and churning oceans, fine food and hospitality, just some of the attractions of Donegal.
Things to do
- Quick Bay tour on the Waterbus
- Links golf in Donegal
- A cliff top hike at Sliabh Liag
- Dinner at Harvey’s Point
- Freshest fish dining experience at The Boathouse
- An Atlantic boat trip below the cliffs
- Learn to surf at Rossnowlagh
- Pop in to the Castle
- Gallop along Tullan Strand
- Seafood specials down at the Harbour
- Go on a sea kayaking tour
- Visit the museum of Folk Cottages
The Locality
Killybegs
Ten minutes away from the cottage by car, the harbour at Killybegs is home to Ireland’s largest off-shore trawler fleet, so it’s not surprising that some of the best fresh fish food is to be found here.
The town was famous for its tapestries and carpets, some of which were produced on the biggest carpet loom in the world at the now defunct Donegal Carpet Factory. The carpets, known as Donegals, were hand-knotted in the Turkish style.
Donegal town, about ten minutes away but in the opposite direction, is the nearest centre for pretty much anything from groceries to fishing tackle. The middle of the town is known as The Diamond, and can get very busy in high season, with great pubs and live music.
You can’t miss the recently restored Donegal Castle, built by Red Hugh O’Donnell in 1474, but there is also a charming harbour which you can reach along the Bank Walk beside the River Eske as it flows into the bay.
The town was invaded by the Vikings in the 8th century and they used it as a port – hence its Gaelic name Dun na nGall, which means ’Fort of the Foreigners’.
County Donegal is the largest county in Ulster and the only one that is not in the UK.
Its Population decimated during the famine, still only about half of what it was in the mid-19th century.
The county is renowned for its golden surfing beaches, such as Murvagh beach, and Rossnowlagh which is one of Europe’s finest. The European Surfing Championships have been held here on three occasions. Donegal Bay’s funnel-like shape encourages huge Atlantic rollers, occasionally as high as 7 metres (20 ft).
The Blue Flag Fintra beach – long and more sheltered, lies just beyond Killybegs, but much closer along the narrow St. John’s peninsula is the small clearwater Coral beach.
Donegal
Historically this beautiful coastal locale was once an important whaling post, and the harpoon gun so associated with the industry was invented here. Whales and dolphins are happily still in evidence all around the shores.
The Blue Stack Mountains straddle the county and its scenic trails are popular with hill-walkers.The Blue Stack Way walk connects Donegal Town with the town of Ardara further north – a three day hike.
The stunning sea cliffs at Slieve Liag are worth a visit. At 600 metres high, they are nearly three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher. A narrow twisting precipitous road will take you to the best viewing point at Bunglass.
Lough Eske is a small and placid lake about 20 minutes from the cottage in the Donegal direction. It is popular with anglers in the summer months, and is has numerous forest paths around its shores and a fine hotel restaurant.
During the Second World War this area experienced a lot of airborne activity as sanctioned flying boats from Lough Erne in the UK flew missions out over the short Republican corridor into the Atlantic. It was a Catalina from Lough Erne that spotted the notorious German battleship Bismarck out in the Atlantic – and this led to her demise by the British Navy who had been in pursuit but had lost contact in heavy fog.
The word Éire remains crafted in white stones on headlands around Donegal, which acted as navigation aid for those flying above.
How to get there (Car advised)
By Air: Flights to Dublin, Belfast or Donegal airports.
Donegal Airport – is about one and a half hours from the cottage.
Knock Airport – is about one and a half hours from the cottage.
Dublin Airport – is just under 3 hours from the cottage.
Belfast Airport – is approx 2 and half hours from house.
Shannon Airport – is just under 3 hours from the cottage.
By Sea: Ferry crossings
Dublin City Port/Holyhead has a fast crossing and is just over 3 hours from the cottage
The Belfast Liverpool ferry is approx 2 and half hours from house.
Pricing Options
This home is ONLY let by the week.
Important – A weeks booking runs from Saturday to Saturday
A refundable €500 breakage deposit is required and will be returned within seven days of departure.
| Months | Per Week |
| All year | €3,300 |
Price is
€3,300 per week (only rents by the week)
Book This Home
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This is a wow house. Fabulous views and beautiful interior with gorgeous finish. Perfect for our stay while attending family wedding. We used the hot tub and pizza maker both great additions to the house. Christmas decorations were a beautiful touch and the wine with all the little extras was so welcoming . Overall fabulous stay and would love to go back in summertime.
Anne O’Mahony, December 2025/6
An Culu is lovely modern house with great Inver bay views. Good appliances. Owner provided good welcoming letter and Clare, housekeeper, was very helpful . One complaint: coffee pods for latest model of coffeemaker were only available online, not in nearby stores. Alerted owner to this issue. Altogether, had good experience visiting many nearby places.
John Scanlan, August 2025
We were very pleased with both An Culu in Donegal and Melon Cottage on the Woodside estate. They both had well kitted out kitchens, and were definitely nicer than most house rentals we have had in the UK and US. We would definitely recommend your service to anyone looking for an Irish rental.
Tiernan Shea, USA. Oct/Nov. 2024
We loved An Culu, house, very modern, clean and with every comfort. Fabulous view in all weathers. Communication with the Hosts was excellent, all information required for the stay was sent as a Welcome Pack. We were met on arrival by the house keeper who gave us local information. Highly recommended!
Sam Pearson, August 2024
We had a beautiful week in Donegal and thank you for sharing your little slice of Irish heaven with us. Hats off to you both for taking on that project and an excellent renovation job. Your taste in your choices are to be complimented. So thank you again.
Anita & Stephen, July 2024
We had a wonderful, relaxing, holiday in a magnificent home which when I entered and saw the view, my soul took a huge deep breath. Even on a dull or rainy day you cant help but feel content looking out at the stunning views. Thank you to both Clare’s and Jonathan for being so KIND and welcoming. Our love of Donegal has been renewed, cant wait to return.
Audrey Purdy, April 2024
Your home is so beautiful, the attention to detail, the touch of art deco glam but it’s calmness and gentle welcome envelops you as you walk in and THEN… the view!! Words cannot explain it enough, other than to say my soul took a deep inhale of gratitude.
Audrey and John, March 2023
Just a note to say how much we enjoyed our stay last week. The house was lovely and the views were spectacular. We loved exploring the area and were blessed with some sunny days. Jonathan was great to work with and very responsive. We look forward to booking with UIH again in the future.
Karen, July 2023
Thank you Jonathan and Claire for the really enjoyable stay we had in your property at An Culu. The location was ideal and completely enhanced by the wonderful interiors.
Houston, September 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
- Please note all booking requests are subject to 24 hour approval.
- Once your provisional booking has been placed, the UIH team will verify it, answer any specific queries you may have, and request a deposit to lock in your dates.
- Please note if your provisional booking is not confirmed and the deposit paid within 3 days it will expire.
- If your preferred dates are not available, click here to review alternate options.
- For additional information please contact us on +353 85 860 0027

