About
ACCOMMODATION ACTIVITIES GETTING THERE PRICES
In a nutshell:
Port cottage sleeps EIGHT comfortably, and some….
There’s LOADS to do here – active or not.
It’s THREE/FIVE hours drive from Belfast/Dublin.
It’s NOT EXPENSIVE.
Here’s the best bit: there’s no TV/DVD, in fact it’s a machine-free zone – with very limited electricity (but there is a good phone signal and somewhere to charge phones).
Desperate to know something, just call me, Zoe on +353 87 2533 166 or email
Or please just scroll down for more detail:
ACCOMMODATION
Inner Space – Sleeps Eight +
The cottage comprises one main building and two booleys (small separate buildings). The main building still follows traditional lines, with a main living room and hearth, and a bedroom either side. On the back is a kitchen with big hatch through to the living room, and the two ensuite bathrooms (one of which can also be entered from the kitchen). One booley is a guest room with wood-burning stove (really toasty) and a separate toilet. The other booley is at the moment a store for turf, firewood, fishing stuff and tools.
Main sitting/dining room with wood burning stove
Kitchen with 4 hob gas range, sink etc (the gas-powered fridge is in the bathroom for now)
Master bedroom (small double) with wood-burning stove, ensuite bathroom
Kids room (two bunk beds) with ensuite shower-room
Booley guest room (two single beds) with adjoining toilet
Attached to the main house is a “control room” which controls and monitors the eco power and utility systems.
Caravan
We have a sweet little caravan out the back but it’s not ready for use yet.
Bedding/Housekeeping
Mattresses, duvets and pillows live in the cottage. This is a very remote “DIY holiday home”, so you’ll pick up your sheets, pillowcases and towels from the lovely Margaret in the launderette in Ardara, and pop them on yourselves (and take them back there at the end). As it’s very hard to entice your average cleaner out to these remote and blissfully hoover-free parts, we expect a firm commitment from every guest to leave the cottage as beautifully clean and tidy as they find it.
Power
Available power is VERY LIMITED, as all systems run on alternative power – solar and wind-power – with enough to supply reasonable lighting and charging for cameras/mobile phones. No high voltage appliances like irons or hair driers will run.
The water is heated by the main wood burning stove. This provides lashings for washing, bathing and heats two bathroom radiators.
Cameras/telephones
There is a three square pin socket for charging these, but consistent use may run the system quite low especially if its not sunny or windy, so needs to be guarded. The telephone signal for some networks (o2, Three ) is good, and its easy to pick up internet with the right phone.
Food/drink
The basics like herbs, seasonings, oils and few tins will be knocking around. Please replace what you use. You can resupply anything basic in Ardara, and theres a small local shop in Glencolmkille, fifteen minutes drive away. There’s an organic foodstore in Glenties.
If you’re nice to the lobstermen who come into Port harbour , they might bring you some crab or lobster for a fee. There’s great foraging – fishing off the rocks and shellfish at Maghera beach. Nancy’s pub in Ardara does great oysters, while the chowder and fish and chips at the Westside Cafe are superb. Failing all that, munch on a pint of Guinness at any one of the many pubs – nearest ones in Glencolmkille.
Books/Games
This is a family holiday home, so there’s a fair bit of our own stuff around, like the basic board games, books, packs of cards, some old rainwear etc. Please respect this and leave as you find.
ACTIVITIES
FANTASTIC kayaking and rock climbing right out of Port
Swimming, fishing, foraging – it’s just one minute by foot down to the practically private pebble beach.
Massive walks, birding, communing -you can go straight out across the sheep-scattered, heather hills and along the cliffs where you’ll hardly see a soul. There are footpaths.
Biking – straight out of the cottage, along the empty, winding roads and tracks
Fishing, bathing, messing – in the streams, waterfalls and lakes.
Good surfing, kiting, dune jumping -one some fabulously secret sandy beaches less than 15 minutes away.
Some locals offer boat fishing trips from nearby ports.
There are ancient ruins and monuments (nearby Glencolmkille, for instance, has a very deep history), national parks and hills to climb.
Full details of most of what’s available is provided in the cottage.
Er..pubs and music OF COURSE
GETTING THERE
Location
A very remote site in a lost valley on the edge of the far western Atlantic coast of Donegal, Republic of Ireland. Staggering, unimpeded sea views. Pebble beach and tiny harbour, a minutes walk down the road.
Nearest town is Ardara, Donegal – a favoured folk music and traditional Donegal destination. Its about a half hour’s drive (or six hour walk) away. See our travel page
Access (see our maps page)
By road
From Belfast – about two and half hours
From Dublin – about four and a half hours
From Knock – about one hour
From Donegal airport – Dungloe – about one hour
By bus
To Donegal Town (from Dublin and Belfast), then Glencolmcille , then taxi – but please note as the location is remote you would be well-advised to have at least one car with you during the holiday.
By Air
Flights from many UK airports including Scotland to Dublin, Belfast, Knock or Donegal airport by Ryan Air, Aer Lingus, Aer Arann and BMI, among others.
Please also see our maps-you will need them!
Parking
There is room for two cars right behind the house – others can be parked on the edge of the drive, and in a lay-by at the drive entrance.
PRICES 2011/2012
Bookings taken normally from Saturday to Friday inclusive.
Jan - April E325.00
May -July E450.00
July - Aug E550.00
Sep – Oct E450.00
Nov – Dec E325.00
Christmas, New year and Easter and mid-term breaks are charged at E450.00
We are happy to discuss shorter breaks during low season ( November-April)
Full payment up front by personal cheque or Paypal – details on request. We will confirm your booking when the payment has cleared.
Cancellations:
75% refund if cancellation received more than three months before date of your booking.
50% refund if cancellation received from three to one month before date of your booking.
No refunds less than one month before booking, (if you cancel this late its unlikely we’ll be able to rent it out again).
