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Grandas Cottage - Ballyliffin

This family owned cottage has been inhabited by members of the same family for over one hundred years. It is a traditional two room Donegal style cottage with a thatched roof. The cottage has been recently lovingly restored and renovated in order to allow some conveniences such as electricity and modern plumbing, yet retains its old worldly charm and appearance.

The interior has two rooms. - A cosy front living room, consisting of a kitchen, and a lounge area, with seating and a fireplace, a table with chairs etc. The backroom is the bedroom, which includes a small en-suite. The cottage has been well insulated and dry-walled, so it is dry and warm inside, and the central heating is by way of a solid fuel stove in each room. A good supply of turf and wood is available.

Because of its size, the cottage would be ideal for individuals or couples wanting the feel of an authentic Irish cottage. It is also suited to artists, writers and musicians, needing a quiet place for inspiration.

The cottage is situated on the northern shore of the Isle of Doagh, - not really an island, but a small peninsula which separates Trawbreaga Bay from the Atlantic Ocean.

A quiet road is all that separates the cottage from the waters edge, and the cottage is surrounded by spectacular scenery. Crockmore Hill, behind the cottage has a path to the top from where one has panoramic views of the surroundings.

Trawbreaga bay has a narrow channel connecting to the sea, and through which 80 percent of its water volume is emptied twice a day by the tides. The bay area is a designated wildfowl sanctuary of international ornithological importance, owing to the diverse populations of migratory birds, including Whooper Swan, and Barnacle and Brent Goose.

There are many quiet roads and paths for walkers to enjoy a quiet ramble on Doagh Island.

Pollan Beach is a lovely 2 mile stretch of beach on the west side of the isle, which has Carraickabraghy Castle and The hissing rock on its northern end.

Looking west, you cant help noticing the prominent rocky sentinel some 3km offshore, called Glashedy Island, while on the east side of the beach lies the fabulous expanse of the two links of the Ballyliffin Golf Club. The town of Ballyliffin itself, comes into view at the southern end of Pollan Beach.

Carraickabraghy Castle and the Hissing Rock.

About 4km away, at the north-western extremity of Doagh Island, the remains of the  Carraickabraghy castle ruin perched on top of Friars Rock are to be seen.
Last inhabited in 1655, ownership of the castle changed hands many times, and was once occupied by McFaul, a descendant of Prince Eoghain, son of Niall and the nine hostages ... and from which we get Iniseoghain or Inishowen. - meaning the island of Owen

Just east of the castle. Is the blow-hole, known as the Hissing Rock, it is a fissure in the rock with a wide opening to the sea, that spews out a jet of sea water as tidal pressure forces water through the gap. A fine misty spray hisses out to warn you, like a kettle about to boil,  just before the main body of water erupts.

Perhaps the most popular attraction on Doagh Island has to be the Famine Village. This is a family run outdoor museum, with displays and models depicting buildings and tableux of life in Ireland during the great famine of the 1840s and onward. When visiting, you must go on the guided tour for a most fascinating account of the local history, traditions and customs. Refreshments are served afterwards. In the summer months, the centre has live music and dance performed by local artists, and in December, the centre transforms into Santas Lapland, magic, for young and old alike.

We are sure that you will enjoy your stay at Grandas Cottage, and will want to repeat the experience on a regular basis.

Facilities & Living Space

Facilities

• main living area has fireplace with solid fuel stove
• tv with 7 channel reception, dvd
• fitted kitchen
• gas hob and electric oven
• microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster
• washing machine
• outside clothes line, iron and ironing board
• slate tiled floors
• patio furniture and barbeque
• across the road to lovely sandy beach
• 6km to shops pubs etc in Ballyliffin
• quiet and peaceful location
• ideal touring base
• ample parking
• spectacular scenic location

Living Space

  Kitchen

The kitchen area is really part of the main living room and is fitted out with a gas hob and an electric oven and a fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster. Essential crockery, cutlery and cookware are included. A freezer, washing machine, iron and ironing board are located in an outside shed close to the cottage.

  Living Room

The living room has a warm, welcoming feel to it, with an assortment of furnishings and ornamentation reflecting the traditional style of the dwelling. The kitchen area is also a part of this room, facing the opposite wall. The solid fuel burner in the fireplace is used to heat the cottage, and an adequate supply of wood and turf fuel is provided. Because the cottage has been renovated using modern insulation and dry-walling methods, it does not take long to warm up, and the burner can be kept going overnight once the controls are mastered.
The TV has reception for 7 channels and includes a DVD player.

  Bedroom

The bedroom has a double bed which can sleep two. A third person can sleep on a fold-out sleeper couch in the living room. The room has an electric radiator, but includes a functional solid fuel burner, similar to that in the living room fireplace.

Tariff

Booking Details

Non-refundable booking deposit of euro100 per week - with balance to be paid six weeks prior to the letting period.

What's Included

• bed linen
• electricity
• wood and turf heating fuel

What's Not Included

• towels

Availability Key

Availability for Grandas