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Ocean Cottage, Derrybeg, Gweedore, Donegal

Traditional Irish 19th Century Cottage which has been refurbished with a spacious and architecturally sympathetic interior design which sleeps five/six comfortably. Downstairs is largely open plan. There is a sitting room, with a traditional open turf fireplace, which is adjoined to a dining area. This leads onto an external, south facing, timber decked patio which offers sea views.

Also on the ground floor is a large kitchen with breakfast bar and adjoining cosy snug with a turf burning stove. This area is linked to a second, timber decked, east facing patio space from which you can watch the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, on the ground floor, there is a fully glazed front porch and to the rear of the cottage a separate utility and bathroom/wet room.

Upstairs there are two large double bedrooms and a bathroom - all with fabulous Atlantic sea views. The contemporary bathroom has a bath which comfortably fits two.

Set in a quiet and peaceful location in the heart of West Donegal, the cottage is set within the Donegal Gaeltacht area where Irish is widely spoken. In the long evenings locals and visitors gather in the village pubs to listen to live traditional music.

The landscape is rugged with an indented coastline of spectacular sandy beaches, bays, coves, inlets and offshore islands.

Culture and Heritage

The village of Derrybeg lies on Donegal's west coast in the heart of the Irish-speaking Gweedore Gaeltacht. Gweedore is located along the western seaboard of Co. Donegal and is regarded as one of the most ruggedly scenic areas of the West of Ireland. Here, the old skills and traditions have survived and the native language is still spoken.

Traditional Music

Traditional music sessions can be found in the local pubs nightly. The cottage is within walking distance of Teac Jack's in nearby Glassagh. Here the visitor can take part in the 'ceol', 'caint' agus 'craic' and absorb a traditional Irish music seisiún, or join in the Ceili Dancing. The Famous Frankie Kennedy winter music school is held locally at the end of December every year. Amongst the area’s famous artists are Altan, Clannad and Enya.

Convenience and Food

The cottage is also convenient to Sean Og’s pub, the Seaview Hotel, Ostan Gweedore leisure centre and local supermarkets. Donegal Airport is situated on the West coast of Donegal in the area of the Rosses/Gweedore; about 40 minutes flying time from Dublin. The Cottage is just a 15 min drive from the airport. There is a good selection of restaurants in the area, especially for sea-food lovers. Ostan Gweedore and Teac Jack in Glassagh, and the Lobster Pot in Burtonport, are well worth a visit.

Beaches and Walking

The Cottage is located by the coast and is within walking distance of the unspoilt and quiet beaches via a single track road. Slí an Earagail - part of Bealach na Gaeltachta (The Gaeltacht Way) is located by the beach. This is a long distance walking route (approx 60kms), developed to the standard of a National Waymarked Way, which encompasses mountain, riverside, seaside and forest habitats. Most sections of Slí an Earagail are on track and minor roads. Within a few kilometres of the Cottage are some other excellent beaches including Magheragallen, Bunbeg (Magheraclogher) and the superb Blue Flag Beach at Carrrickfinn.

Sailing and Windsurfing

Gweedore is ideally situated in the North West of Ireland, on the coast of the Atlantic, to take advantage of the prevailing winds which provide some of Ireland's best windsurfing locations. Sailing and kayaking can be enjoyed in and around the many islands. Sailing and kayaking School – Derrybeg Selchie Sailing offers practical skills for sailing that promote good seamanship and boat handling.

Fishing

Sea Angling Charter boats are located in Bunbeg; lake fishing is available at Loughanure and salmon fishing on the Clady river. There are about 130 fresh water lakes, making the area something of an anglers’ paradise. Anglers can also rent or hire a boat to enjoy off-shore sea fishing.

Golf

The coastal 9 hole golf course in Bunbeg, Gweedore is both scenic and challenging.

Island Trips

A trip to one of the local islands just off shore - Gola, Inishmeane, Inishsirrer, Inishfree lower, Tory or Innishbofin - is a great way to spend a day. The ferry service to Tory Island is available from Bunbeg and Magheraroarty several times a day, weather permitting.

Glenveagh National Park

The Cottage is a short drive from the magnificent Glenveagh National Park. This park has over 16,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, glens and woods providing habitat for a herd of red deer and a recently reintroduced Golden Eagle. The castle is surrounded by one of the best gardens in Ireland which contrasts sharply with the rugged surroundings. The Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and an audio-visual show.

Dún Lúiche Heritage Centre

Dún Lúiche, a small rural community in the Donegal gaeltacht. Ionad Cois Locha is a heritage centre, founded and run by local people, which explores aspects of the tradition of this part of Donegal including traditional music and the Irish language. Facilities at this centre include restaurant, tea-room, craft shop, horse riding, adventure play areas, themed farmyard, pets and animals, storytelling, boat trips on Dunlewey Lake, guided tours and weaving demonstrations. Traditional music sessions are held regularly in July and August. The centre now also boasts a purpose built concert and drama centre.

Mount Errigal

Dún Lúiche village sits by the Poisened Glen in the shadow of the highest mountain in Donegal. It is a demanding and popular climb.

Glebe House

The Glebe House and Gallery is located at Churchill, Letterkenny. Glebe House is a Regency house set in woodland gardens beside Lake Gartan. The Glebe is decorated with William Morris wallpapers and textiles and Islamic and Japanese art. The Derek Hill permanent collection includes 300 works by leading 20th century artists, including Picasso and Kokosha, as well as Irish and Italian artists.

Facilities & Living Space

Facilities

• Bedroom One - (2 Adults) Kingsize double + lounger/child bed
• Bedroom Two - (3 Adults) Double bed + adult single
• First floor bathroom with large bath and shower head
• Downstairs WC and walk in shower/wet room
• Satellite Freeview + dvd player and radio
• Wide selection of books and board games
• Open fireplace and turf/wood burning stove
• Breakfast bar, dining table with 8 chairs + high chair
• Electric cooker, ceramic hob, integrated fridge and freezer
• Washing machine, iron, clothes line.
• Wooden floors throughout the downstairs of the cottage
• External timber decked areas with furniture and sea views
• Walking distance to lovely sandy beaches
• Pets welcome
• Quiet and peaceful location
• Ample parking
• Ideal touring base

Living Space

  Kitchen

On the ground floor is a large kitchen with breakfast bar and adjoining cosy snug with a turf burning stove. This area is linked to a second, timber decked, east facing patio space from which you can watch the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean.

  Living area

This 19th Century Cottage has recently been refurbished with a spacious and architecturally sympathetic interior design which sleeps four/six comfortably. Downstairs is largely open plan. There is a sitting room, with a traditional open turf fireplace, which is adjoined to a dining area. This leads onto an external, south facing, timber decked patio which offers fabulous sea views.

  Bedrooms

Upstairs there are two large double bedrooms and a bathroom - all with fabulous Atlantic sea views. A double sofa bed downstairs sleeps 2

  Bathroom

The contemporary bathroom has a bath which comfortably fits two.

  Wood deck with sea views

The main living area leads onto an external, south facing, timber decked patio which offers fabulous sea views. The kitchen is linked to a second, timber decked, east facing patio space from which you can watch the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean.

Tariff

Booking Details

Booking deposit (non-refundable) of euro200 (£175 ) per week, with balance to be paid six weeks prior to the letting period. Weekly rental Saturday to Saturday check in 4pm, check out 11am

What's Included

• bed linen and towels
• central heating
• electricity
• open fire and stove fuel
• household sundries, cleaning products etc.

What's Not Included

- Refuse bags (Shaakey Bag €6) please purchase at the local supermarket Gallaghers

- Beach Towels 

Availability Key

Availability for Ocean Cottage - Derrybeg