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Loch Aille - Glenties

Loch Aille is a two bedroom, one bath cottage located between the Bluestack and Derryveagh mountains nestled in an upland valley above the village of Fintown.  It overlooks Loch Muc and the stunning Binmore cliff which rises up on the far side of the lake. Its central location in Co. Donegal makes it an ideal location for travelling the N.W. of Ireland which is known for it golfing, angling, outdoor activities, and sightseeing. 

Angling:

The cottage is located centrally to the three main river fisheries in Co. Donegal; The River Finn (2 miles east), The Owenea (7 miles south), and The Gweebarra (7 miles north).  The River Finn is one of the best Salmon rivers in Europe.  Season is March 1st through September 15th with the main run being from June through July. 

The river Owenea has runs of spring salmon, grilse, sea trout, and a resident stock of small brown trout.  The fishery consists of nine beats of double bank fishing varying from a half to one and a quarter mile in length.

The Gweebarra is a 20 mile long stretch of spate river and includes 10 miles of estuarine water. Sea Trout are at their best from July and are usually taken from the estuary and the pools around the Doochary area.

Lough Finn and Lough Muck:  These upland lakes have good populations of wild brown trout and arctic char as well as an occasional salmon and sea trout.  They can be fished from shore and there are boats for hire.

House accommodation for angling
- Deep freezer locate in the storage shed adjacent to the house
- Drip hanging area in shed
- Rod and equipment storage in shed

Hiking:

Beallach na Gaeltachta, is a set of long distance marked walking routes (one of which the cottage is located on!)  The routes encompass mountain, riverside, seaside, and forest habitats.  The scenery is spectacular and walker have an excellent opportunity to sample the uniqueness of the Irish language, heritage, and the culture of the region.

The Bluestack Way, is a fully Way Marked Way, starting at Pettigo in the S. and reaching Ardara on the coast.  This route is 70 miles and has local link routes from towns and village. (See Camping Section)

Glenveagh National Park: A variety of walks are offered here including from a 2 mile long nature trail to a 6 hour guided hill walk to mountain crossing for more experienced hikers. 

Local Hiking:

One highly recommended route is to follow the gravel road through Crocam which leads around the shore of Loch Finn into the village of Fintown and leads back over the river Finn bridge to complete a loop of Loch Finn. 7 miles.

Screig Mountain is a relatively short (2 hour) ascent and descent of moderate difficulty. The peak is marked by a cairn of stones which is traditionally added to by successive climbers. The North face does consist of steep cliffs over 800 feet tall which are extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

Achla Mountain is a longer hike (5 hour) but climbers are rewarded with a spectacular view of the entire county even as far as the coastline of Co. Mayo  in the southwest to the Sperrin Mountains in Co. Derry in the northeast.(Weather permitting of course!)

For a casual evening stroll, either of the three roads leading out of Loch Muc offer miles of scenic countryside and breathtaking views.

Golf:

Donegal has a long history of excellence in golfing, featuring some of the best links courses to be found anywhere. Below is a list of clubs which are within an hours drive.
Ballybofey And Stranorlar Golf Club, Ballyliffin Golf Club, Buncrana Municipal Golf Club, Bundoran Golf Club, Cruit Island Golf Club, Donegal Golf Club, Dunfanaghy Golf Club, Greencastle Golf Club, Gweedore Golf Club, Letterkenny Golf Club, Narin And Portnoo Golf Club, North West Golf Club, Otway Golf Club, Portsalon Golf Club, Redcastle Golf Club, Rosapenna Golf Club, St Patricks Golf Club

Glenties and Fintown

Glenties is the closest small town.  It is a 15 minute drive from the cottage. It has a main hotel (Highlands), bank/atm, convenient store, grocery store (Costcutter), local health food store (Good Earth), and a number of local pubs (Highland Hotel, Leo McLoon's, and The Limelight).  

Fintown the closest village 2 miles from the cottage has the following pubs: The Railway Bar, Tech an Cheol, and Teach Jimi.  Fintown also has an antique narrow-gauge railway which runs along the shore of Loch Finn.

Facilities & Living Space

Facilities

• 2 bedrooms to sleep 4
• Bathroom: Ground floor with tub with shower attachment
• Private toilet attached to bathroom
• Living room with open fireplaces
• Lovely views over Loch Muc
• tv, dvd with dvd library and radio
• Universal ipod docking station, board games
• Kitchen with electric cooker and range (turf and wood supplied)
• fridge/freezer and microwave
• washing machine and tumble dryer
• iron and ironing board
• Outside clothes line provided
• Ideal travelling base and for hiking or fishing holiday
• spectacular views of the sheep farm, lake, mountians, and an amazing starry sky in the evening
• House accommodation for angling:
• - Deep freezer locate in the storage shed adjacent to the house
• - Drip hanging area in shed
• - Rod and equipment storage in shed
• Fintown 2 miles
• Glenties 15 min drive
• Sorry, no pets

Living Space

  Kitchen

The kitchen is located to the rear of the house and provides all necessary amenities for a comfortable self catering stay.
- fridge/freezer and microwave
- electric cooker
- washing machine and tumble dryer
- turf and wood supplied for range

  Living Room

The living room is located to the front of the house and overlooks Loch Muc and the stunning Binmore cliff which rises up on the far side of the lake.

  Bedrooms

Loch Aille has 2 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 4 people.

Bedroom 1: queen size bed, hanging wardrobe and a mirrored dresser
Bedroom 2: bunk bed

Ground floor with bath tub with shower attachment. Private toilet attached to bathroom

Tariff

Booking Details

Booking deposit (non-refundable) of euro100 per week - with balance to be paid six weeks prior to the letting period.

• check in 4pm, check out 11am
• rental Sat – Sat except by special arrangement
• refundable security deposit of euro150

Special Offers (valid to end of 2010)

Wkend (2 or 3 nights) euro150
Christmas 2010: euro225
New Year 2010: euro225

What's Included

• bed linen and towels
• central heating
• electricity

Availability Key

Availability for Loch Aille - Glenties