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Saddle Quern Cottage - Ardara

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.

Four Generations

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.

Originally Thatched

The original thatch was replaced with a slate roof, and there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, sitting room and a separate utility area. 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.

Surrounding Area

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

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.

Narin and Portnoo

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.

A Rich Heritage

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.

Local Attractions

Iniskeel Island, with St Connells 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.

Facilities & Living Space

Facilities

• 3 bedrooms
• Shower room with shower basin toilet en-suite wet room with shower basin toilet
• main living area has solid fuel stove in fireplace
• tv, cd-stereo, dvd
• fully fitted kitchen
• electric hob and oven
• microwave, fridge-freezer, dishwasher
• washing machine, tumble dryer
• outside clothes line, iron and ironing board
• cot, highchair available on request
• patio area with patio furniture
• 300m to lovely sandy beach
• 2.5km to shops, pub etc in Ardara
• quiet and peaceful location
• ideal touring base
• ample parking for 4 cars
• lovely views
• bord failte approved

Living Space

  Kitchen

The compact, fitted kitchen is west facing, receiving afternoon light. It manages to accommodate all the usual appliances which include an electric hob, oven, extractor, a fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave, stainless steel sink below the window, kettle, toaster, blender, juicer, and essential crockery, cutlery and cookware. The washing machine and tumble dryer are located in a separate room. There is an outside clothes line.

  Living Room

The compact lounge has a couch and two arm chairs, a TV with DVD, a small table and chairs from which to dine, and a raised stone fireplace occupied by a solid fuel burner, which supplements the central heating, when the oil burner is not in use.

  Bedrooms

The cottage has three bedrooms to sleep up to six.
All three bedrooms each have a double bed, a clock radio and a TV. One of them has an en-suite wet-room.

  Bathroom

There are two shower rooms.
Each has a shower, basin and toilet.

Tariff

Booking Details

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

This owner accepts PayPal

What's Included

• bed linen
• electricity
• central heating
• 1 refuse sack supplied

What's Not Included

• Please supply own towels

• Non smoking

Availability Key

Availability for Saddle Quern