House in County Donegal
12 guests · 4 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
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About this house rental
Accommodations: The Hilltown is a historic, recently renovated, traditional farmhouse plus additions, stable and farm buildings on 50 acres of actively farmed land - four bedrooms, two and a half baths - sleeps up to twelve.
Description: William McKinley, born in 1882 in a thatched cottage a mile from the Hilltown, emigrated to the US, and then returned to purchase the Hilltown in 1928. His reason? He wanted his expanding American family to learn of their roots. His parents and some of his siblings are buried in the Drumhome Churchyard on the hill directly opposite the house. Three of his grandchildren, the current owners, have rehabilitated and modernized the house from top to bottom while striving to retain the charm and feel of the traditional Irish farmhouse which they experienced as children. The house is located on a hillside with panoramic views of long, green, drumlin hills at the head of the Donegal Bay. These hills in turn are framed by the Blue Stack Mountains some 15 miles distant.
In mid-summer, when all is in darkness around the house, the tops of the Blue Stacks are often bathed in the sun’s last orange rays. Murvagh Beach, a three-mile strand on the South side of the bay, where the tide recedes for up to one quarter of a mile, is minutes from the front door. Donegal Golf Club, locally known as Murvagh Golf Club, is a superb links course described as the Muirfield of Ireland and is located about one mile away. What else does one need?
The Hilltown has proven to be the perfect setting for Irish-style decompression. It has been the romantic location of choice for many honeymoons, and a cozy nest from which three generations of McKinley heirs and many of their friends have launched excursions throughout the northwest of Ireland.
Amenities: Working fireplaces located in kitchen, dining room and sitting room with turf and wood provided. Full kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooking utensils provided. Mudroom has large-sized washer and dryer. Dining room oak table seats eight. Two bedrooms have queen-sized beds, a third one has two queen-sized beds, and a bunk-room (with a half bath) can accommodate four kids. Linens provided. Two bathrooms, one with shower and the other with tub. Satellite TV and WiFi included.
Activities: Extensive hiking and mountain climbing opportunities including Slieve League, the highest edge-of-the-Atlantic mountain on the west coast of Europe, world-class golf courses within a days drive, cycling (mountain bikes can be rented in Donegal Town), beautiful beaches, horseback riding, ocean, lake and river fishing, exploration of ancient round forts, stone cairns, abbeys, castles and remains of great houses, trips to off-shore islands, shopping in Donegal Town, Ardara and Glencolumbkille for native tweeds and sweaters, boating, swimming, sailing, picnicking, and on and on.
Description: William McKinley, born in 1882 in a thatched cottage a mile from the Hilltown, emigrated to the US, and then returned to purchase the Hilltown in 1928. His reason? He wanted his expanding American family to learn of their roots. His parents and some of his siblings are buried in the Drumhome Churchyard on the hill directly opposite the house. Three of his grandchildren, the current owners, have rehabilitated and modernized the house from top to bottom while striving to retain the charm and feel of the traditional Irish farmhouse which they experienced as children. The house is located on a hillside with panoramic views of long, green, drumlin hills at the head of the Donegal Bay. These hills in turn are framed by the Blue Stack Mountains some 15 miles distant.
In mid-summer, when all is in darkness around the house, the tops of the Blue Stacks are often bathed in the sun’s last orange rays. Murvagh Beach, a three-mile strand on the South side of the bay, where the tide recedes for up to one quarter of a mile, is minutes from the front door. Donegal Golf Club, locally known as Murvagh Golf Club, is a superb links course described as the Muirfield of Ireland and is located about one mile away. What else does one need?
The Hilltown has proven to be the perfect setting for Irish-style decompression. It has been the romantic location of choice for many honeymoons, and a cozy nest from which three generations of McKinley heirs and many of their friends have launched excursions throughout the northwest of Ireland.
Amenities: Working fireplaces located in kitchen, dining room and sitting room with turf and wood provided. Full kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooking utensils provided. Mudroom has large-sized washer and dryer. Dining room oak table seats eight. Two bedrooms have queen-sized beds, a third one has two queen-sized beds, and a bunk-room (with a half bath) can accommodate four kids. Linens provided. Two bathrooms, one with shower and the other with tub. Satellite TV and WiFi included.
Activities: Extensive hiking and mountain climbing opportunities including Slieve League, the highest edge-of-the-Atlantic mountain on the west coast of Europe, world-class golf courses within a days drive, cycling (mountain bikes can be rented in Donegal Town), beautiful beaches, horseback riding, ocean, lake and river fishing, exploration of ancient round forts, stone cairns, abbeys, castles and remains of great houses, trips to off-shore islands, shopping in Donegal Town, Ardara and Glencolumbkille for native tweeds and sweaters, boating, swimming, sailing, picnicking, and on and on.
Amenities at The perfect vacation home on the spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland
Free WiFi/internet
Non-smoking
TV
Refridgerator
Kitchen
WiFi/Internet
Microwave
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Dryer
Kitchenware
No pets allowed
Garden
Kettle
Oven
Stove
Laundry services
Fireplace
Bath or shower
Children's high chair
Ironing facilities
Towels
Hairdryer
Map of County Donegal
Ratings and reviews
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Sep 2025
We’ve been renting holiday homes in Ireland since 1996 and have been fortunate to choose good ones nearly every time. The Hilltown is our new favorite after a recent 10-night stay. Everything was exactly as advertised, the house is comfortable and spacious. We loved being in a family home rather than a generic rental; the photos, local artwork, and Irish books/resources made us feel like we’d been invited to a reunion. The 1970s farm ledger was a particularly fascinating glimpse into the property’s not-so-distant past.We are familiar with Co. Donegal from previous visits but were still able to find new places to explore such as the nearby cemetery with its many poignant markers. We visited several beaches and landmarks, and we learned the history of the area at the small but mighty County Donegal Museum in Letterkenny. We had great meals at many local spots but also enjoyed hearty home-cooked meals including a beef stew with 100% Irish ingredients including bay leaf from the garden! Both Michael (owner) and Jennifer (property manager) were quick to respond to inquiries and full of helpful information. More importantly, they were accommodating and compassionate when our plans changed twice due to an emergency back home. We can’t thank them enough for their kindness during an exceedingly difficult time.We would absolutely stay at The Hilltown again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in beautiful Co. Donegal.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Aug 2025
Beautiful home, comfortable and well stocked, amazing views and nearby walks, excellent support from property manager who was always available. Awesome beyond expectations. The real Ireland!
8.0 / 10.0Excellent·Jul 2025
Wonderful location! Peaceful and easy to access many wonderful must see places. Communicating with the host was very timely and efficient. Highly recommend.
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Jun 2025
We spent 17 nights at the Hilltown in Ballintra, outside of Donegal Town. It met or exceeded our expectations. Very peaceful, country setting.
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Top rated by guests
10.0Outstanding
(68 Ratings)
"We’ve been renting holiday homes in Ireland since 1996 and have been fortunate to choose good ones nearly every time. The Hilltown is our new favorite after a recent 10-night stay. Everything was exac..."
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