An Cúlú

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.

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.

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.

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

• Quick Bay tour on the Waterbus
• Links golf in Donegal
• A visit to the Craft Village
• 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

Festivals and Events in County Donegal

​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 is famous for its tapestries and carpets, some of which were produced on the biggest carpet loom in the world at the Donegal Carpet Factory. The carpets, known as Donegals, are 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-19^th 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.

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.