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Rowan Cottage - Inch Island

The Cottage

Originally built in 1906 as one of a pair of council houses (with the first slate roof in the area to replace the traditional thatch) - extensively renovated in 2006, the cottage is now just over 101 years old, and retains much of its older character and charm. A large spacious, modern kitchen was added to the rear of the cottage, allowing more room in the living room for it to function as a separate lounge area. There are three bedrooms to sleep up to six, with a main bathroom and a separate en-suite. The fireplace area in the lounge still has its traditional old stove, which is now just used for heating the house instead of its original function as a cooker. (The house does have oil fired central heating as well.)

Set in a lovely quiet, and peaceful location,  on the western shore of Inch Island, which really is an island, it is surrounded by the waters of  Lough Swilly, with only two causeways to connect it to the mainland. It may be suitable for a small family, but is also an ideal place for individuals who are artistic, and who need the silence and solitude to inspire and to replenish those creative talents, - whether it be music, painting or writing...

Inch Island

Access to the island is across a causeway by road, the main turnoff being at Tooban, and another turnoff near Burnfoot, both on the main road between Buncrana and Derry, the two largest towns in the area.

The island is home to an important population of migratory birds and wintering waterfowl. Whooper Swan, Greenland white Fronted Goose and Greylag Goose occur in numbers of international importance. This is the area where the swans make their Irish landfall in autumn on their return from breeding grounds in Iceland. There are some excellent vantage points from which to view these majestic birds.
 
On the southern extremity of the island are the ruins of the15th century Inch Castle, which was one of many castles in the area owned by the then powerful O Doherty family, and was also connected with the Flight of the Earls. There is also a more recent fort,- erected in in 1813, and one of five around the Lough, built originally as defensive positions after fears of a French Invasion during the Napoleonic wars. This was later strengthened and modified later in the 19th century, and was last occupied during the second world war.

Apart from bird watching, other activities on the island may include hill-walking and rambling, and swimming. There is a fine sandy beach on the south western shore with some scenic drives. Horse and pony riding are available, with the owner able to provide his own ponies.

Just south of the island, on the mainland, one can take a fifteen minute drive to the Griannan of Aileach, an ancient stone ring fort or rath on top of a tall hill, from which magnificent panoramic views of the surroundings, including up to three counties and Inch Island are to be seen.

At Fahan, a ten minute drive away, one can drive to the top of the hill and see an impressive view of Inch Island. (see below). Fahan has a yacht marina, the Railway Tavern pub and restaurant and the highly recommended St Johns Restaurant. At a bend in the road near the Rectory, an ancient, 7th century early Christian stone cross, known as St Muras cross, can be seen in the old churchyard.

Facilities & Living Space

Facilities

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• main living area has fireplace with stove-range
• satellite tv and dvd
• fully fitted kitchen
• electric hob and oven
• microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher
• washing machine, tumble dryer
• outside clothes line, iron and ironing board
• patio area with patio furniture and barbeque
• 300 metres to lovely sandy beach
• 15 min drive to shops, pub etc (in Buncrana)
• rural, quiet and peaceful location
• ideal touring base
• ample parking
• pets welcome
• nearest shop and garage - Bradleys at Fahan 10 min drive

Living Space

  Kitchen

A fully fitted kitchen and dining area form part of a new extension to the recently renovated house. Bright and spacious with south facing sky-lights and windows for illumination. Fittings include and electric hob and oven, microwave, fridge-freezer, and dishwasher.
A washing machine and tumble dryer, with an iron and ironing board are in a separate utility area. There is also an outside clothes line.

  Living room

The lounge used to be part of the main living area, which incorporated the kitchen. Recent renovations have moved the kitchen out to a more spacious area to the rear of the house, and so the lounge is now separate, but still connected to the kitchen through double doors. A reminder of its former multi-functionality, is the old stove, now a feature in the fireplace, used mainly for heating the house instead of cooking. The holiday home has satellite TV and a DVD player.

  Bedrooms

There are three bedrooms to sleep up to six.
A ground floor bedroom leading off the lounge, has a double bed.
Upstairs, one room has a double bed with an en-suite, and the other room has two single beds.

  Bathrooms

The bathroom has a bath with an overhead shower, a basin and toilet.
The en-suite has a shower, basin and toilet.

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
• central heating

What's Not Included

• beach towels

Availability Key

Availability for Rowan Cottage