Holiday homes to rent in Co. Donegal

  New for May 2012: Loch Bheithe (pronounced Veyha)  is a newly built, spacious cottage located on an elevated site in the coastal area of Glassagh in Gweedore in west Donegal. Close to Port Arthur Beach and pier and Bloody foreland the house enjoys panoramic views over the rugged Gweedore coastline.   It enjoys a central location along this beautiful coastline dotteed with small harbours, secluded beaches, dramatic headlands and numerous off shore islands. To the side of the house is a small lake (Loch Bheithe) and Taobh a Leithid mountain. The holiday home has solid wood flooring throughout. It has 3 double bedrooms to sleep 7 comfortably. The downstairs open plan includes a large Lounge with open fireplace and dining seating for 8 leading into the Sun Room – all with sea and lake views. There is a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and shower room (with electric power showers). Outdoor furniture is supplied for enjoying sitting in the patio area outside.   Food and Dining At the foot of the hill (5 mins walk) from the house is Teach Jack’s – an establishment renowned for its music sessions and ceili dancing. Ostan Gweedore with its award winning sea-food restaurant is a short drive (10 mins) and Hudai Beag’s Bar, famous for its live traditional  music is a popular venue for the locals.   The house is situated just 3 km from the nearest sandy beach and 5 mins drive to Port Arthur Beach and pier. The Irish Language The Irish language has survived in Gweedore – along with a healthy traditional music scene.  This area is the heartland of  the  renowned groups Clannad and Altan  and is famous for its warm welcome to visitors The Errigal Arts festival host many traditional events in July/August and the Frankie Kennedy Music School is held annually in January. An outline of local events is available at the cottage for your information. Local Activities / Attractions * Take a trip around the spectacular Bloody Foreland * Enjoy beautiful unspoilt beaches and small harbours in the locality * Golf on nearby Gweedore Golf Club – a challenging 9 hole course. * Relax in the leisure centres in the Ostan Gaoth Dobhair and An Chuirt Hotels * Visit Dunlewey Lakeside Centre - Facilities include restaurant, tea-room, craft shop,  adventure play areas, pets & animals, storytelling, boat trips on Dunlewey Lake, guided tours and weaving demonstrations. * Take a day trip to Tory Island or Gola Island. The ferry service to Tory Island is available from Bunbeg and Magheraroarty several times a day - weather permitting * Climb Muckish and Errigal. Mount Errigal, the highest mountain in Donegal is a demanding climb and once on the summit you can see for miles around. * Visit Glenveagh National Park, with 16,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, wood and bogs. Glenveagh contains the largest red deer population in Europe.  Within the National Park Glenveagh Castle and gardens are well worth a visit on their own * Find numerous peaceful roads, country lanes and mountain tracks to walk. Slí an Earagail - a Bealach na Gaeltachta Waymarked Way - passes close by the holiday home. A cead mile failte awaits you in this lovely holiday home in the heart of the Gweedore Gaeltacht

Arranmore View is within walking distance of the quaint fishing village of Burtonport and less than five miles from Dungloe. This new property, in a small development, is beautifully furnished and fully equipped to ensure your holiday is as enjoyable as possible. The surrounding area is rugged and unspoilt and you can enjoy fishing, diving, golfing, walking, cycling and much more. It’s a great base to explore Glenveagh National Park and west Donegal or just relax on one of the many secluded beaches. Burtonport Burtonport offers a pier for fishing, 2 seafood restaurants, 4 bars and the opportunity for chartered deep sea fishing trips. Nearby Dungloe has 2 hotels, 7 bars, 2 Chinese and 1 Indian restaurant, 2 takeaways and 3 supermarkets. Up until recent years Burtonport was a thriving fishing port, however due to the decline in fish stocks over the years and strict fishing quotas, the harbour area is now being developed for the tourism industry with facilities for water sports and boating enthusiasts. The Burtonport Festival The Burtonport Festival takes place towards the end of July and is then followed by the "Mary from Dungloe Festival" - an international event, drawing participants from all around the globe. The festival runs for ten fun-filled days of music, song, Irish dance and traditional entertainment most of which is free and live on the busy streets of Dungloe. From Burtonport pier, there is a regular ferry service to and from Arranmore island, with several crossings a day from each end. The island is about 5km offshore, and the crossing takes about half an hour. For Tory Island and Gola Island, a ferry departs from Bunbeg pier. Local Attractions Some of the main attractions in this part of Donegal include the majestic Glenveigh National Park and the family orientated Dunlewey Lakeside Centre. This centre has lots of different attractions to keep all the family entertained - children's play area, farm yard, boat trips, craft shop, weaving house, audio visuals, etc. The Golf course on the peninsula of Cruit Island is within 15 minutes by car or there are several other courses within easy reach. Nearest Village: Dungloe - 4 miles, Burtonport - 0.5 mile Beaches: Arlands Strand for swimming and Keadue beach where the bay drys out allowing miles of excellent beach walks Golf Course: Cruit island golf course - 15 min drive Distance details: Arranmore View is centrally located within minutes of some of the numerous summer festivals which run during the summer months, with music of all styles and markets for all types of goods including locally produced organic produce.

Crest of the Wave is a modern holiday home with a coastal setting on the outskirts of Bundoran – Donegal’s premier seaside resort and one of Ireland’s top surfing venues. With breathtaking sea and mountain views this deluxe holiday home boasts four bedrooms all of which are ensuite, a comfortable living room with adjoining sunroom, an open plan fully equipped beautiful oak kitchen and dining room.This fantastic home is designed with a touch of elegance and is finished with vibrant colour schemes and all mod cons. The holiday home is located in a spacious private development. Accommodating 8 – 10 people this is the perfect holiday home for the larger or extended family or for small groups of walkers or anglers. With views of the Ben Bulben Mountains and the famous Drowes River just a five minute walk away this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. It is an ideal base to explore Yeats country in Sligo, the Fermanagh Lakelands and the rugged coastline and mountains of South  West Donegal. However if it’s the bustle and excitement you crave the seaside town of Bundoran is less than 1km away. An abundance of state of the art facilities are available locally including a modern six screencinema complex, ‘Glowbowl’ bowling alley, ‘Waterworld’, a funfair, cafes, bars, night clubs, disco bars and award winning restaurants. Local Activities / Attractions * Golf at Bundoran Golf Club – a classic 18 hole links course. The Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh and The Co Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point are within a half hours drive * Try the leisure facilities at Bundoran Waterworld or relax in the Aqua Mara Seawater Baths & Treatment Centre * Enjoy the beautiful beaches in the region -  Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh and Mullaghmore * Go horse riding from the Donegal Equestrian Centre * Enjoy surfing at Bundoran or at nearby Rossnowlagh. There are 3 ISA approved surf schools in Bundoran * Go bowling at the Bundoran Glowbowl * Walk along some of the scenic coastal walks in the area - The Cliff Walks and Rougey Walk * Find entertainment to suit your taste -  Bundoran has many hotels, pubs, restaurants and clubs  with a variety of entertainment on offer, including live traditional Irish and contemporary music, performed by local and well known national names * Go fishing or sightseeing on Donegal Bay on the Bundoran Star charter boat * Try game angling on the nearby Lough Melvin or on the nearby River Drowes - the river that traditionally produces the first caught Salmon in Ireland on New Years day each year.

RiverRun is a 200 year old restored mill house on the banks of the Cloon River on the edge of the charmingly unspoilt village of Creeslough. Set in the shadow of Muckish Mountain and close to the majestic Glenveigh National Park in the Donegal Highlands, it nestles beside Sheephaven Bay, and is just 5 minutes drive from Ards Forest Park. A Lovingly Restored Building Decorated in a Unique Artistic Style RiverRun offers the holidaymakers a full range of facilities: 4 ensuite bedrooms, a sitting room, a dining room, a kitchen - all lovingly decorated in the artistic designer style of Kerstin Gronvall,  ceramic artist, who runs the Art and Craft - studio/gallery in Creeslough village, where  the visitor can also participate in art- and pottery-classes.  The holiday home itself is the biggest part of the old mill building, which is divided into  3 separate units. To the right is a small holiday home, rarely used. The house to the left is a workspace used by a massage therapist, who may be available for treatments. A Tranquil River Side Setting The house is set in 2 acres of working gardens, sloping down to the swift flowing river, just half a mile from the bay, and is completely secluded from the main road, being accessed through a single stone arched bridge of the historic Donegal railway, which ceased to run more than 50 years ago. The keen rambler will find a variety of walking terrains in the region around the holiday home. In nearby Ards Forest Park there is good choice of woodland trails. The wonderful coastal footpath in the adjoining Ards Friary enjoys breathtaking views. There is also a beautiful walk around Horn Head near Dunfanaghy. This spectacular headland offers some fine cliff scenery and views across the wild waters of Sheephaven Bay to the Rosguill and Fanad Peninsulas. Muckish Mountain, which provides a dramatic backdrop to Creeslough, is popular among hill walkers. Glenveagh National Park (12km), with its mountains and glens, is a walker’s paradise. For the keen fisherman, RiverRun is a good base. Just outside Creeslough village is the Lough na Tooey Rainbow Fishery. This is a fly and boat fishing only venue. In addition the famous Lackagh Fishery is located in this part of Donegal. This fishery comprises the Lackagh River, Owencarrow River, Glen Lough and Lough Beagh in Glenveagh National Park. The lakes of the Dunfanaghy Fishery – Sessiagh, Purt and New Lake are just over 10 km away. Fishing permits are required and are available locally. Ideal Touring Base for North Donegal RiverRun is also centrally located among the main holiday resorts on the North Donegal coastline – Portnablagh, Marble Hill, Dunfanaghy, Downings and Carrigart.  Windsurfing, water-skiing, scuba diving, canoeing and sailing are all available in this region. There are fine golf courses at nearby Dunfanaghy and at Rosapenna near Downings.  Local arts and crafts are well represented in a variety of shops in the local villages. There are also a number of magnificent beaches located within a short driving distance of the holiday home including Ards, Marble Hill, Tramore and Killahoey. The magnificent Glenveagh National Park, the wonderful Dunlewey Lakeside Centre and Letterkenny are all less than a 25 minute drive from the holiday home. Letterkenny is Donegal's main shopping town and entertainment centre with a full range of facilities including theatre, cinema, leisure complexes and indoor childrens activity centres. RiverRun affords a restful getaway for the keen walker, photographer, artist or angler

Bun an Chnoic is a relaxing holiday home set in lovely countryside just outside the village of Crolly in North West Donegal. This deceptively spacious holiday home has accommodation for up to 11 people in 4 bedrooms. This makes it an ideal holiday base for large or extended families or small groups of hill walkers or anglers. The local shop and cafe are only a 10 min walk away as is the local pub. Crolly itself is a peaceful little village located just 4 km inland from the larger coastal village of Annagry This beautiful part of West Donegal is surrounded by wild rugged hills, glorious sandy beaches and off shore islands Based at Bun an Chnoic you will not find it hard to find something to do - climb the mountains; take a boat trip to Aranmore Island, kayak in Kincasslagh, swim at Carrickfinn or golf on Cruit Island. Crolly is not only ideal for outdoor pursuits -  there is a charm and poetry about the place and its surrounding area that will keep you coming back for more. Two of Donegals main tourist attraction – the magnificent Glenveagh National Park and the wonderful family orientated Dunlewey Centre are a short drive from the holiday home Local Activities / Attractions * Enjoy beautiful unspoilt beaches in the locality - including the fabulous Carrickfinn Blue Flag Beach (10 min drive) or the many fine beaches in the Bunbeg and Derrybeg area * Golf on Cruit Island Golf Club or Gweedore Golf Club  – two challenging and very scenic 9 hole links courses. * Go sea angling from Bunbeg, Kincasslagh or Burtonport, * Fish for brown, sea and rainbow trout in some of the 130 lakes in the Rosses area. The renowned Loughanure lake is just 5km away. * Visit Leo’s Tavern in Meenaleck (2km) – the home of world renowned Clannad and Enya * Try some of the local award winning restaurants - Danny Minnies in Annagry  or the Lobster Pot in Burtonport * Visit  the fabulous Dunlewey Lakeside Centre - Facilities include restaurant, tea-room, craft shop, adventure play areas, pets & animals, storytelling, boat trips on Dunlewey Lake, guided tours and weaving demonstrations. A major new theatre at the centre hosts performances by Irish and international artists. * Relax in the Leisure Centre of  An Chuirt Hotel * Take a day trip to the islands of Aranmore, Tory Island or Gola. * Climb Mount Errigal. * Visit Glenveagh National Park, with 16,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, wood and bogs. Glenveagh contains the largest red deer population in Europe.  Within the National Park Glenveagh Castle and gardens are well worth a visit on their own * Immerse yourself in the Irish Language – the Gaeltacht village of Ranafast with Irish language summer courses is just a 5 min drive away

"Ealu" is a modern three bedroom holiday home located in a secluded spot in the townland of Kinnalargy above the popular family seaside resort of Downings in north Donegal.  From its elevated site the holiday home enjoys superb views towards Tramore Strand and Sheephaven Bay. These views can be best appreciated from the large decking area to the front and side of the house. The holiday home has 3 bedrooms to sleep up to 8 people. The living area has glass patio doors which lead out to the decking area. There is a fully equipped modern kitchen and dining area. Outside there are large private grounds which provide a safe playground for children. Downings and Rosapenna Downings itself is set on a beautiful unspoilt beach and is a lively small town of pubs, cafes and restaurants, with a small harbour at one end and the Rosapenna Golf Resort at the other end. Downings Beach is popular for watersports of all kinds. Sea angling is available at the harbour. The Rosapenna Golf Resort features two championship golf links courses – Sandy Hills and the Old Tom Morris Course. The wider area around Downings is home to dramatic mountain scenery and other towns, together with stretches of sweeping Irish coastline and unspoilt beaches. The Atlantic Drive The holiday home is 1.5km from the  centre of Downings Village. It is within easy walking distance of the Magherabeg Leisure Centre and from the renowned family friendly "Singing Pub". It is also located close to the start of the Atlantic Drive – a spectacular scenic route around the Rosguill Peninsula. At "Ealu" you can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Downings and its surrounding bays and mountains. This property is ideal for young families.

Foyle View Chalet is a 3 bedroom holiday home located on the grounds of the Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf & Spa Hotel.  This beautiful self catering accommodation is set on the shores of Lough Foyle and backs onto the 9 hole golf course attached to the hotel. The house is south facing and boasts panoramic views over Lough Foyle towards the cliffs at Binevenagh in north County Derry . To the back it overlooks Redcastle’s 9 hole parkland golf course The Shores of Lough Foyle Lough Foyle is an important habitat for migrating sea birds, and is a special protection area. As you sit and relax in the chalet you can hear the waves and watch the shipping traffic - from local fishing boats to ocean going cruise liners and large cargo ships sailing up the Lough Foyle towards the port of Derry.  Just north of Redcastle  there are two more popular coastal resorts on the shores of Lough Foyle – Moville (7km) and Greencastle (11km). The ancient and historic Walled city of Derry is just 18km to the south Adjacent to the holiday chalet is the Leisureland complex. Leisureland is recognized as one of Ireland’s leading indoor fun parks.   It caters for children of all ages and offers a safe and secure environment loaded with fun. A wide variety of activities are available including Dodgems, F1 Cars, Pirate Ship, Safari Trains, Ladybird ride,  remote-control theme trucks, Circus Caroussel, Ball Pool, Aqua Blast Fire Station and El Dorado guns. There is also a cafe on site. Local Attractions and Amenities * Play a round of golf at the scenic 9 hole Redcastle Golf Club, literally on your doorstep. The fine 18 hole course at Greencastle is 13km away and the Internationally renowned Ballyliffin Golf Club is 30 km. * Try kayaking at the Just Kayak adventure centre based in nearby Moville. This centre offers inland and sea level kayak training as well as tours by canoe and kayak * Visit the Inishowen Maritime Museum in Greencastle, which includes a state-of-the-art planetarium * Go sea angling from Culdaff (16km). The Inishowen Boating Company operates 2 purpose built fast charter boats from Bunagee Pier Culdaff  . These fully licenced vessels offer sea angling and sight seeing on Lough Foyle. * Take a trip to some of the many fine beaches on the Inishowen Peninsula including Culdaff, Kinnegoe Bay and Five Finger Strand near Malin * Take a trip around the famous Inishowen 100 This is one of Ireland's most scenic drives. The route includes dramatic coastal scenery plus a fine collection of ancient forts and monuments, traditional craft centres, and a dozen or so friendly villages. Scenic highlights include the Gap of Mamore, and Malin Head -  Ireland's most northerly point * Visit Derry City on the banks of the Foyle. Few places in these islands can offer such a compelling and unique experience for the visitor as the Walled City of Derry - its setting on the steep hills overlooking the wide sweep of the River Foyle, its distinctive architecture and its famous walls all provide enormous appeal. The Tower Museum is well worth a visit * Use the Greencastle to Magilligan Ferry to explore the northern coast of counties Antrim and Derry, The Giants Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle are just some of the top attractions in this area. * Visit the newly renovated Isle of Doagh Famine Village near Ballyliffin (30km). This wondeful attraction depicts life in Donegal at different stages throughout history in an informative and enjoyable tour  

Undoubtedly one of the finest holiday properties in Rathmullan, set in a private 1/2 acre site with spacious gardens and patio area, yet only a 5 mins walk to the beautiful Rathmullan beach/village. Rathmullan House Hotel is just across the road. Finished to an extremely high standard, Laurentic House is an ideal family holiday home and will appeal to those who appreciate luxury living in relaxed surroundings. With excellent facilities, Laurentic House will make your holiday in Rathmullan relaxed and enjoyable for every member of the family. The owners hope you will enjoy as they do, the beauty and history of this area. Whatever you enjoy, be it tranquility, walks on the beach, horse trekking, a good pint of Guinness or fine food, Rathmullan has everything to offer.  Rathmullan Rathmullan has much to offer whether it is for a holiday packed with activities or just a completely relaxing time. The village has a pier extending into Lough Swilly and it is from here that you can catch the car ferry (June - September) to Buncrana and onwards to the rest of the Inishowen peninsula.  There is a small marina attached to the pier and if you fancy a spot of sea fishing or sightseeing on the Lough there are 2 fully equipped and licensed boats available for hourly or daily hire. While in the village be sure to call and visit the Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre which tells the story of the last days of the great Irish Chieftains, O'Neill and O'Donnell.  Activities in the Area Otway Golf Club, reputedly the second oldest in Ireland, is within short driving distance while Portsalon Golf Club is a 20 min. drive along the spectacular Knockalla Coast Road. Other activities in the area include, pony trekking at the nearby Golden Sands Equestrian Centre, and hillwalking on the little country roads surrounding the House. Letterkenny, County Donegal’s main town, is 20 minutes by car and has a 5 screen cinema, Arena 7 kid's adventure playground, public swimming pool, urban park, an Grianan Theatre and of course, a wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. Laurentic House make the ideal base for your family holiday in Donegal. Our holiday home is conveniently located being within 5 min walk time of the beach and the centre of Rathmullan village.Contact Karen now to reserve your preferred dates.

Stunning first floor apartment with views over Greencastle Harbour and Lough Foyle. The apartment is centrally located and within easy walking distance of all amenities. Watch the car ferry as it arrives from Magilligan on the other side of the Lough or the fishing boats as they land their catch on the nearby quayside. Greencastle Golf Club is a 3 min drive away and just a short distance further along the coast takes you to the sandy beach overlooked by Shroove Lighthouse. Greencastle Greencastle, a lovely little seaside-fishing village, is situated on the east side of the Inishowen Peninsula, at the narrow mouth of Lough Foyle looking towards Magilligan Point. A car ferry connects the village with north County Derry and from there it's a relatively short drive to the Giant's Causeway. Derry, or the Maiden City as it's sometimes called, the second largest city in Northern Ireland is only 30 minutes drive from Greencastle, situated about 25 miles south, along the shores of Lough Foyle.  There is a golf course in Greencastle (just 2km from Milltown Harbour) and another at nearby Redcastle - the renowned Ballyliffin Links Course is 20mins drive away. Local Activities and Attractions * Sailing * Bicycle Hire * Shore Walks (Shore Path from Moville to Greencastle) * Beautiful local beaches e.g. Kinnegoe Bay * Shopping in Derry (30 min drive) * Millennium Theatre Derry * Summer festivals e.g. Vintage Car Rally * Sea Angling * Golfing (Greencastle, Redcastle, Ballyliffin) * Hill Walking * Scenic Tours of Inishowen and Causeway Coastline * Greencastle Maritime Museum * The Cairn Visitors Centre * LeisureLand at Redcastle Hotel * Greencastle-Magilligan Ferry * Doagh Island Famine Village * The Guns of Dunree Military Museum * Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point  

Serenity Cottage is a modern newly built family home with spectacular uninterrupted views over Mulroy Bay. It is located on a hill just outside the holiday village of Carrigart in the North West of Donegal and is situated within newly landscaped grounds stretching to over an acre that include unique stone features. Local Smallholding Serenity is closely linked to a local smallholding - offering free range eggs, pork in season and children welcome. Homemade ready meals can be provided on request A Relaxing Holiday Base The accommodation is bright and contemporary with large windows to encapsulate that breathtaking panoramic view; the perfect place to unwind and de-stress. There are 4 spacious bedrooms, two of which offer king size beds;  two fully tiled modern bathrooms, one on each floor; a kitchen / living area which is open plan and flows into the sunroom style dining room with its own superb views. We are a little unique in that we are closely linked to a local organic smallholding with its hens, sheep, goats and pigs which has proved to be very popular with both adults and children. We also offer ready prepared meals on request taking the stress out of cooking after a long day on the beach or sightseeing.  Local Activities & Attractions * The villages of Carrigart (3km) and Downings are close by and are popular seaside destinations with lively pubs and good restaurants * Enjoy horse riding on the beach at Carrigart * Golf at nearby Rosapenna Golf Club (within 6 km) – featuring two classic 18 hole links courses, the Old Tom Morris Course and the Sandy Hills Course, as well as a driving range.    -  Other splendid courses in the general locality include Dunfanaghy and Portsalon * There are numerous beautiful beaches in the locality– including the magnificent Tramore Strand - about 6km of golden sandy beach * Enjoy surfing on one of the many spectacular beaches - local surf schools available * Opportunity to dive in the clear waters of Mulroy Bay and Sheephaven Bay - dive school with its own salt water pool located within walking distance of the holiday home * There is an abundance of lakes and shore fishing with opportunities to go deep sea angling from Downings pier. * Take a drive around the spectacular Atlantic Drive and Lough Salt Drive * Visit the tiny village of Glen on the shores of Glen Lough. This is the location of the Old Glen Bar which is renowned throughout the region for its bar food. * Visit Glenveagh National Park, a 30 minute drive, with its castle, gardens and 16,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, wood & bogs populated with red deer * Spend a day at Ards Forest Park with its children’s area, beach and woodland walks * Use the nearby Mulroy Bridge to explore the neighbouring Fanad Peninsula - highlights include Fanad Lighthouse, Portsalon Bech and Golf Club and the Knockalla Coast Road * Partake of the leisure facilities at the nearby Magherabeg Leisure Centre in Downings featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and gym * Find numerous peaceful roads, country lanes and mountain tracks to walk * Climb Muckish and Errigal, the highest mountain in Donegal * Take a day trip to Tory Island Serenity Cottage offers the perfect base for your holiday in Donegal with its spectacular panoramic views over Mulroy Bay and the Fanad Peninsula. Rural, private and peaceful yet only a couple of minutes from the popular seaside villages of Carrigart and Downings.