Saddle Quern Cottage Ardara: A view of the cottage with Loughros Beg Bay just behind. A traditional cottage, about two centuries old, it has been renovated and enlarged for more comfortable living. A lovely, quiet and peaceful location with panoramic coastal views, and only 4 minutes walk from the beach below.

Ardara

Saddle Quern Cottage :: Facilities

Saddle Quern Cottage :: Ardara, Donegal 

Saddle Quern Cottage ::

Tariff 2008

The name "Saddle Quern" comes from a flat, slightly concave, 'saddle' shaped stone upon which grain was put and then ground with a rubbing stone to make flour. It was used in ancient times. They were eventually replaced by millstones, when milling became mechanised. Such a stone can be found positioned above the entrance to the front door of the cottage.

The cottage has been home to four generations, and is a traditional stone built cottage, possibly built in the early 19th century; making it about two hundred years old. Over the years it has been renovated and enlarged for more comfortable living.

The original thatch was replaced with a slate roof, and there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, sitting room and a separate 'utility' room. It is fully insulated against the cold, with double glazing and central heating. The length of the cottage lies along a north/south axis, so its front and rear face east and west.

The cottage is situated 2.5 km west of Ardara, on a small peninsula separating two bays. It lies just off the road to Loughross Point, and has beautiful panoramic views over Loughros Beg Bay and Maghera Strand with Slievetooey in the background.

Ardara is a picturesque village, situated at the centre of three peninsulas, and set in a valley near the mouth of the  Owentocker River, just before it enters Loughros-More Bay. Visitors can see the weaving centres where the world famous Donegal tweed is spun, and enjoy other crafts such as hand-knitting and embroidery.

Do visit the town Heritage Centre to find out more about the story of Donegal Tweed, from the shearing of the sheep to the manufacture and completion of the beautiful woven cloth. The village is presently undergoing a rapid transformation, with the development of a new residential building project along the river bank, and many other private homes being built in the area.

Nearby Narin and Portnoo villages have world-class beaches; - Tramore Strand, and White Strand. Iniskeel island can be reached by foot at low-tide and two ancient ring forts can be seen from Dunmore Head, west of Portnoo.

The Narin and Portnoo Golf Club, with its 18 hole course, is situated along Tramore Strand, and is probably only a ten minute drive from the cottage.

To quote from one source: "Here is variety in abundance seldom to be found elsewhere. Un-crowded beaches, safe for bathing and surfing, mountain passes, scenic views, forest walks, historical landmarks, a wide range of countryside and coastal walks to choose from and the quiet roads throughout the district make sightseeing a pleasure for the motorist.

An area rich in folklore and archaeology. Home of hand-woven tweed and knitwear. Nightly ballad sessions and traditional music during the summer season. For the keen angler, facilities for lake, river and sea fishing are readily available. Above all, a friendly hospitable people ever ready to make the visitor feel at home.
May we offer you "A Cead Mile Failte" A hundred thousand welcomes!"

There are local attractions which are not to be missed when visiting this area. Some are listed here:
Iniskeel Island, with St Connell's Church and two Cross Slabs.
Lough Doon Ring Fort.
Kilclooney, Portal Dolmen.
Cloney Wood Forest walk.
Ardara Fort at Hillhead.
Maghera Caves.
Assaranca Falls near Maghera.
Glengesh Pass.
The Dorleens, Loughros Point.

	euro per week
July/August/Easter	660
May/June/Sept/Oct	580
rest of year	480
weekend (2 nights)	400
bank holiday weekend (3 nights)	480
Christmas/New Year	660

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

- linen supplied free of charge (please supply own towels)
- electricity included
- one refuse sack supplied (others available locally)
- central heating included
- check in 4pm, check out 11am
- refundable damage deposit euro200
- rental Sat – Sat except by special arrangement

Saddle Quern Cottage :: Contact Details
please mention DonegalCottageHolidays.com when contacting cottage owner