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

Top rated by guests
Bloody Foreland from the garden
Living room
Kitchen
Living room window
Interior
review stars
9.8Outstanding
(160 Ratings)
The reviews highlight the beautiful location, comfortable stay, stunning views, and welcoming atmosphere of the cottage. Guests appreciated the tranquility, well-equipped kitchen, cozy fireplace, and friendly hosts. The overall experience was describ...
From real guest reviews summarized by AI
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
9.8 / 10.0
Outstanding(160 Ratings)

Cottage in County Donegal

5 guests · 3 bedrooms · 1 bath

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Well priced for this locationPriced under area average

About this cottage rental

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.

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

Free WiFi/internet
Non-smoking
Pets allowed
TV
Coffee/tea maker
Refridgerator
Kitchen
WiFi/Internet
Microwave
Washing machine
Dryer
Patio
Kitchenware
Garden
Kettle
Oven
Stove
Laundry services
Fireplace
Ironing facilities
Towels
Hairdryer

Map of County Donegal


Ratings and reviews

9.8 / 10.0
Outstanding(160 Ratings)
review starsSummary of reviews
The reviews highlight the beautiful location, comfortable stay, stunning views, and welcoming atmosphere of the cottage. Guests appreciated the tranquility, well-equipped kitchen, cozy fireplace, and friendly hosts. The overall experience was described as idyllic, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing getaway.
From real guest reviews summarized by AI
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Sep 2025
The cottage is adorable. Very secluded. The road in/out takes some getting used to. Very narrow
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Apr 2025
Beautiful and secluded. We would definitely return! Quiet, clean, cosy, with incredible scenery and local beaches.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Apr 2025
Only a short break (3 nights), the house was exactly as described and located five minutes drive from the village of Downings, narrow roads but no passing traffic. Beautiful views from the garden across Sheephaven Bay to Marble Hill Strand and Dunfanaghy. The house is well equipped with everything you could need including a log burner for the colder days / evenings and ample supply of fuel at very reasonable cost. Dog friendly was a bonus, would definitely recommend for a short - or long-get away from it all break.
6.0 / 10.0Average·Jun 2025
Its remote, which we like.Kitchen/diner fine for a small group. Stove and radiator worked well to heat the room.Double beds were a bit too small and mattresses were very soft, so not that comfortable.

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FAQs

Is parking included with this cottage?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this cottage?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

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

Yes! This cottage is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.

What amenities are available at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

We found 22 amenities for this rental. This includes free wifi/internet, non-smoking, pets allowed, tv, and coffee/tea maker.


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