|
You will find the two cottages some 4km east
of Kilcar, and 7km west of Killybegs, off the main R263 road, on the
quieter coastal road. Nestling on the slopes of the hill after which
they are named, the cottages face directly south onto the broad
panoramic expanse of Donegal Bay. In the picture above, Benbulbin in
Sligo county is visible on the horizon, and on a clear day, it is said
that the sacred peak of Croagh Patrick can be seen in county Mayo. The
rocky isle offshore is called Inishduff.
Both cottages are identical, so for convenience, we list the details and
interior photo's of one (the lower one).
Three bedrooms to sleep six. Upstairs are two spacious bedrooms, each
with double beds. Downstairs, a bedroom with two single beds, a fully
fitted kitchen, the bathroom with a separate shower, and a large lounge
with an open fireplace. All forward facing rooms have magnificent sea views. The cottages are
double glazed, and have oil fired central heating.A quiet and peaceful location as well as an
ideal touring base for
Southern Donegal and the "Gaeltacht".
A short walk away, gets you to a lovely secluded, sandy beach; - and a
seven minute drive east will take you to the Blue Flag Beach at Fintra.
The Blue Haven Hotel, with its Bar and Restaurant are conveniently close
for a drink or a meal if you don't feel like cooking, or just a little
further on, where a bend in the road slows you down, is Kitty Kelly's: -
A converted, 200 year old farm house, now a popular restaurant, with
fresh seafood and a selection of pastas: Open from 6.00pm to 9.30pm.
Killybegs is an important fishing port, and is situated in a fine
natural harbour which opens out into McSwyne's Bay. (The McSwyne's were
a warlike clan who came to Ireland from Scotland in the 13th century as
"gallowglasses" or mercenary soldiers. A branch of the clan had a castle
in Killybegs harbour where Mooney's boat yard now is) The town has some
fine hotels, pubs and restaurants, and it is also gaining a reputation
as a water sports centre, with sub-aqua diving, sea and river fishing,
and sailing to mention a few. An international sea angling festival is
held in August.
The town has the only dedicated tourism college in Ireland, offering
courses in culinary and hospitality skills.
Killybegs is also famous for its fine tapestries and carpets, once a
thriving industry, the carpets are now made to order. The unique carpets
are hand knotted in the Turkish style, and they adorn the walls and
floors of many important buildings; - in Ireland and abroad, including
the Vatican, The Whitehouse, Downing street and Buckingham Palace. One
can visit the carpet factory, and see the worlds biggest carpet loom!
The Maritime & Heritage Centre is here too, where you can learn about
the history of fishing in Ireland.
To the west is Kilcar, a smaller, picturesque village, lying in a valley
between Crough Muckross and Cronarad. Kilcar is said to be the centre of
the Donegal hand woven tweed industry, along with embroidery, knitting
and other flourishing cottage industries in the area. It is also known
as Donegal's southern gateway to the "Gaeltacht" or Irish Speaking area
of the county. A number of archaeological and historic sites of interest
are to be found, including St Cartha's church, after which Kilcar is
named.
Drive further west on through Carrick then head south towards Teelin;
then follow the signs that point to the road leading to Slieve League,
the tallest sea cliffs in Ireland and possibly Europe. They are awe
inspiring! The more adventurous may want to try the walk along the
ridge called the "One Mans Path". You don't want to try it on a windy
day!
Hill walkers will love this area, and it is
worth finding out more about all the different paths and trails open to
the public.
Golfing enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the Narin and Portnoo
Golf Club is not too far. Described as "another Donegal nugget.." by
Greg Allen of the Irish Times. |
|
home page
pets welcome
Croaghbeg Cottages :: Facilities
