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An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Photo gallery for An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Bloody Foreland from the garden
Living room
Cosy up by the stove in the evening.
View along the driveway
Living room window

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 5130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Downings, Co. Donegal
  • Sandy Hills Golf Course
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Carrigart Riding Stables
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Marble Hill Strand
    ‪29 min drive‬
  • Londonderry (LDY-City of Derry)
    ‪86 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Teachín is a traditional stone wall Irish cottage located in Ballinacleava (Baile na tSleibhe) in the hills 2 miles outside of Downings and on the Wild Atlantic Way. The cottage is in a rural location (in a Gaeltacht area) and is perfect for somebody seeking relaxation through peace and quiet. The nearest neighbours are only occasionally at home and are located 200m away. When guests arrive, often the first comment is to reflect on how quiet the location is.

The cottage was fully renovated a few years ago in a style that brings its heritage value to the fore. The cottage has 2 double bedrooms and a bed deck with skylight to the rear that is suitable for age 10 and up. There is a living room with eating area, kitchen, shower room, a boot room for those wet days and muddy walks and a small utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. As we wanted to keep the heritage of the house as much as possible we do not have central heating, instead we have a stove in the living room and energy efficient electric radiators in each bedroom and the shower room. The living room is a very cosy environment and perfect for lazy days and relaxing times together reading, playing games or watching TV together, while listening to the crackle of the fire in the stove.

The house has a parking area suitable for two cars and a large garden for relaxing in and reading or just sitting to take in the stunning view over Sheephaven Bay, the Ards forest park and Muckish mountain.

The house is ideal for photographers as we still have a relatively dark night sky to the rear (north) of our house. As the address of the house suggests we are situated on a small mountain and the cottage is a good base for hill walkers. Downings is a 35 minute walk away by road while Dooey (Dubaih), Tra na Rossan, the Singing pub and Melmore Head are all within a few hours walk away if you are prepared to walk over the mountain through moor and heather. For the more serious walker the Glenveagh mountains home to Errigal, Muckish and the poison Glen are just a 30 minute drive away. Glenveagh Castle and National Park are also well worth a visit. In the park there are mapped out trails and guided tours available.

For golfers the Rosapenna hotel and golf course is located just three miles away.

The Rosguill Peninsula also provides opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing, deep-sea diving, sea angling & boat charters. The Jaws Watersports shop located in Downings and Dunfanaghy also offers courses for children and adults. A day trip to Tory island can also be booked via the Tory Island ferry.

Letterkenny is just a 40 minute drive away and the walled City of Derry 60 minutes.

Here is a link to an aerial view of the cottage and surroundings, the video is hosted on YouTube https://youtu.be/0YCY1tW_JEY

Regarding pets, if you have a pet and are interested in staying in the cottage please send me an enquiry over the website and we can discuss the request.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Pet on request
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Downings

Located in Downings, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. Sandy Hills Golf Course and Ashtree Stables are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Carrigart Riding Stables and Dunfanaghy Stables. Scuba diving and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and mountain biking nearby.
Map
Downings, Co. Donegal

What's nearby

  • Sandy Hills Golf Course - 5 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Carrigart Riding Stables - 9 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Marble Hill Strand - 29 min drive - 30.5 km
  • Ards Forest Park - 36 min drive - 28.1 km
  • Horn Head - 41 min drive - 38.9 km

Getting around

  • Letterkenny (LTR-Letterkenny Airfield) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Caifé Na Sraide - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Singing Pub - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Óstán Charraig Airt - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Patsy Dan's - ‬29 min drive
  • ‪Starfish Cafe - ‬29 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Sandy Hills Golf Course and 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Carrigart Beach. Carrigart Riding Stables and Ashtree Stables are also within 12 miles (20 km).

About the host

Hosted by William Laverty

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Rural, excellent views and very quiet. If you want to hear the wind in the trees, the birds cheeping, the hum of a bumblebee or the sound of the sea then this is the place for you.

Languages:

English, German, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests