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Maghera Caves Cottage

(Ref. 1138979)

Ardara, County Donegal Show on map

5.0

Sykes rating

  • 7 Guests

  • 4 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

Features

  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Seaside
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • beach (6)
  • cottage (5)
  • pauline (5)
  • hugh (4)
  • amazing (4)
  • stay (4)

7 Customer Reviews

  • "Pauline went way out of her way to greet us and introduce us to this lovely family home."

    Hugh was most generous in allowing us to observe his sheepdog training. Amazing. BUT THE BEACH. . . glorious. We walked every day there as it was hard to leave to sightsee elsewhere. Sunsets are brilliant, the caves extraordinary. Neighbors all very friendly and helpful. A rare opportunity to stay in a spectacular setting. Plus wild blackberries.

    Reviewed by Priscilla5.0Sep 2024

  • "We stayed for a fantastic week at the beautiful Maghera Cave Cottage and I have to say the photos do not do it justice!"

    The cottage is so well equipped with everything you could want and everything is of an extremely good quality. Pauline the host and her sons were so welcoming and helpful and always on hand should you need anything. The path to the beach is just at the side of the cottage and the walk through the sand dunes is amazing! Fantastic beach, caves and a waterfall nearby, the grandchildren loved it - we will be back for sure! Many thanks Pauline and family. Rebecca.

    Reviewed by Rebecca5.0Aug 2024

  • "Fantastic stay house was amazing"

    Reviewed by Sharon5.0Jul 2024

  • "Our family had a wonderful stay at the cottage."

    We wish we could have stayed longer and would stay there again if we get the chance to return to Ireland. The cottage was spacious, clean, and comfortable. We enjoyed relaxing by the wood-burning fireplace in the evenings. The surrounding countryside was breathtaking; picturesque mountains, charming sheep pastures, and flowing waterfalls. It is also a short walk to a wide expanse of beautiful, sandy beach. The pictures don't do it justice.

    Reviewed by Kelly5.0Jun 2024

  • "Lovely cottage in a beautiful location, the cottage was very clean and comfortable with everything that you need, water needs to be boiled before using but this is not a problem there was copious amounts of bottled water freely available."

    Short walk to a stunning beach ,the owners Hugh and Pauline are very friendly and thoughtful , we had a great holiday in this beautiful part of Ireland

    Reviewed by Carol5.0May 2024

  • "We (2 adults and a 7 month old) stayed here for three weeks in April."

    We had a fantastic time and loved the cottage and its stunning surroundings (right next to a gorgeous beach, nestled in under some impressive hills). I don’t think we’ve ever stayed somewhere so beautiful and picturesque. The cottage is spacious and well-equipped with a big wood burning stove that we curled up in front of on the rainy/windy days. We had no problems with the water - Pauline and Hugh went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed, occasionally checking in to see if there was anything else we might require. Hugh gave us insights into the local farming history and showed us different walking routes up and around the hills to the nearby lakes. Ardara isn’t far away so we often popped into the town for great seafood and the odd pint. The cottage also served as a great base for exploring more of Donegal’s wild Atlantic coastline. We couldn’t recommend it more!

    Reviewed by Tom5.0Apr 2024

  • "Hosts Pauline and Hugh were so friendly and welcoming."

    This cottage has only become available this year and I think that's why there are not many reviews, but don't let that put you off. The cottage has recently been completely redecorated and the kitchen and bathroom have recently been refurbished as new, also new flooring throughout. Fantastic new Neff hob and oven, new microwave etc and managed to cook some lovely meals for a cosy night in with a brand new log burner which also heats the house (as well as the central heating). The beds are really comfy too. Tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, herbs, oil, milk and biscuits in stock on arrival. Centra (a store) in Ardara also sell home made ready meals if you are a microwave dinner person. The Heritage Centre in Ardara is great for lunch, fab homemade veg soup. The cottage is situated just behind the dunes of Maghera beach and caves which are just amazing and a stones throw away to walk. The small field between the cottage and the dunes, behind the cottage, has sheep and it was lovely watching Hugh training a young pup to herd. There is a road from the house through the Granny Pass to south Donegal which is a spectacular drive, worth driving to An Port (20 mins) a deserted village and port with fabulous views over the Atlantic. Also you can take this road to Glen Columbcille and also Silver Strand and Sliebh Lieg (highest cliffs in Europe), all approx 30 mins without stopping but we kept stopping to admire the scenery and take photos! Also about 30 mins is, Killybegs, if you want to see a working fishing harbour with the best fish and chips. Further north there are loads of lovely peninsulas to drive around, eg Maghery, The Rosses etc and Dungloe is about 40 mins away with an Aldi and Lidl, if that's what tickles your fancy!!! From the house and beach it was a delight to see Ravens, Choughs, Wagtails, Yellowhammers, Robin, Hooded Crows and a few sparrows too. Due to the climate, many cottages of this age can be damp and fusty and this one does NOT have any signs or smell of damp and was a delight to stay in. We would recommend this cottage as perfect place to stay in Donegal and if you book it, we hope you enjoy it and the surrounding area as much as we did.

    Reviewed by Geraldine5.0Sep 2023

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Summary

  • Single-storey
  • Four bedrooms: 2 x double, 1 x twin and 1 x single
  • Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Sitting room with woodburning stove
  • Oil central heating
  • Electric oven and gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher
  • Free WiFi
  • TV
  • Fuel, power, and starter pack for woodburning stove inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Off-road parking
  • Rear lawned garden
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shop 5.1 miles, pub 5.5 miles, beach 0.1 miles
  • Note: The property rests on a working farm, please be aware
  • Note: The water is not suitable for drinking and bottled water is provided by the owner

The property

Ardara 6 miles.

Maghera Caves Cottage, a traditional, farmhouse bungalow rests rurally near Ardara in County Donegal.

Enjoying breath-taking, countryside views, whilst a short walk from the beach, Maghera Caves Cottage offers a peaceful base for seven guests, looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

With off-road parking on offer, park up, unload your belongings, and take in the tranquillity of your new surroundings.

Step indoors to be greeted by the homely sitting room, classically-styled with plush, leather seating, and a rustling woodburning stove to light on cooler days.

The kitchen offers a contemporary feel, fully-equipped with all the necessary appliances for a self-catered stay, including a washing machine and dishwasher, where you can prepare delicious meals to be enjoyed as a family.

With a private garden to the rear, and picturesque, waterfall vistas to the front, spend some time outside, basking in your beautiful environment, before sloping off to sleep in one of four bedrooms on offer, including two doubles, a twin and a single; a shower room is available and services all bedrooms.

Kickstart your getaway with a stroll down to Maghera Beach, bordered by breath-taking, turquoise waters, explore the nearby Caves of Maghera, or hike a little inland to discover Assaranca Waterfall up close and personal.

Outdoor enthusiasts will relish in the chance to trek towards the Owenwee River Waterfalls, climb up to the Glengesh Viewing Point for elevated views, and traverse the Crocknamurrin Mountain Bog, recommended to pack your walking gear for.

With Donegal Town just a car journey away, spend the day sightseeing by visiting Donegal Castle, Donegal Railway Heritage Museum (Centre), and the Abbey of Donegal, before boarding the Donegal Bay Waterbus to explore River Eske.

Retreat to the countryside at Maghera Caves Cottage.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of €200.

About the location

ARDARA, COUNTY DONEGAL

Donegal Town 17 miles; Derry Airport 54 miles.

Ardara, voted by The Irish Times as one of the 'best villages to live in' in 2012, is one of the most attractive towns in Donegal, set in a wide valley where the Owentocher River enters Loughros More Bay. Visitors can enjoy the many craft and gift shops, together with the traditional Irish pubs. There are many brown trout lakes in the area for budding fisherman, or why not discover the nearby caves and falls of Maghera? Enjoy walking the magnificent Glengesh Pass, with spectacular views over the Atlantic from Loughros Point. Every March, the village hosts a successful walking festival with walkers coming from all over the world, while May boasts the annual “Cup of Tae” traditional music festival. Donegal town, 17 miles away, is situated at the mouth of Donegal Bay, on the River Eske, and is overshadowed by the Bluestack Mountains, which provide a great base for hill walking. With Donegal Castle, and the remains of a Franciscan Abbey which dates back to the 15th century, there is plenty of Irish history to absorb. There is a horse riding centre just one mile away, great golfing opportunities nearby, with a magnificent links course open for players of all abilities just seven miles away, and five miles away is Killybegs Sea Angling, where a competition is held on the first Saturday in May and September each year, along with the Killybegs International Sea Angling Festival, which is a two day event on the second weekend in July. Also 20 miles away is the wonderful Slieve League mountain, which has a height of 601 metres (1972 feet) and is situated on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal. With its sandy beaches offering good surfing conditions, restaurants, shops and pubs, this is the perfect base for an Irish break.

View more holiday cottages in Ardara, County Donegal

Note: The water is not suitable for drinking and bottled water is provided by the owner

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas