Entire home

An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Photo gallery for An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Bloody Foreland from the garden
Front of house in summer
View along the driveway
Aurora February 2024
Living room

Overview of An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 5130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Check out the area

Map
Downings, Co. Donegal
  • Popular LocationSandy Hills Golf Course7 min drive
  • Popular LocationArds Forest Park30 min drive
  • Popular LocationMarble Hill Strand54 min drive
  • AirportLondonderry (LDY-City of Derry)113 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Teachín is a traditional stone wall Irish cottage located in Ballinacleava (Baile na tSleibhe) in the hills 2 miles outside of Downings and on the Wild Atlantic Way. The cottage is in a rural location (in a Gaeltacht area) and is perfect for somebody seeking relaxation through peace and quiet. The nearest neighbours are only occasionally at home and are located 200m away. When guests arrive, often the first comment is to reflect on how quiet the location is.

The cottage was fully renovated a few years ago in a style that brings its heritage value to the fore. The cottage has 2 double bedrooms and a bed deck with skylight to the rear that is suitable for age 10 and up. There is a living room with eating area, kitchen, shower room, a boot room for those wet days and muddy walks and a small utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. As we wanted to keep the heritage of the house as much as possible we do not have central heating, instead we have a stove in the living room and energy efficient electric radiators in each bedroom and the shower room. The living room is a very cosy environment and perfect for lazy days and relaxing times together reading, playing games or watching TV together, while listening to the crackle of the fire in the stove.

The house has a parking area suitable for two cars and a large garden for relaxing in and reading or just sitting to take in the stunning view over Sheephaven Bay, the Ards forest park and Muckish mountain.

The house is ideal for photographers as we still have a relatively dark night sky to the rear (north) of our house. As the address of the house suggests we are situated on a small mountain and the cottage is a good base for hill walkers. Downings is a 35 minute walk away by road while Dooey (Dubaih), Tra na Rossan, the Singing pub and Melmore Head are all within a few hours walk away if you are prepared to walk over the mountain through moor and heather. For the more serious walker the Glenveagh mountains home to Errigal, Muckish and the poison Glen are just a 30 minute drive away. Glenveagh Castle and National Park are also well worth a visit. In the park there are mapped out trails and guided tours available.

For golfers the Rosapenna hotel and golf course is located just three miles away.

The Rosguill Peninsula also provides opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing, deep-sea diving, sea angling & boat charters. The Jaws Watersports shop located in Downings and Dunfanaghy also offers courses for children and adults. A day trip to Tory island can also be booked via the Tory Island ferry.

Letterkenny is just a 40 minute drive away and the walled City of Derry 60 minutes.

Here is a link to an aerial view of the cottage and surroundings, the video is hosted on YouTube https://youtu.be/0YCY1tW_JEY

Regarding pets, if you have a pet and are interested in staying in the cottage please send me an enquiry over the website and we can discuss the request.

Property manager

William Laverty

Languages

English, German, Spanish

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Ocean view

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:30 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed
If you have a pet then please contact me directly.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Downings

Located in Downings, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. Sandy Hills Golf Course and Ashtree Stables are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Carrigart Riding Stables and Dunfanaghy Stables. Scuba diving and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
Map
Downings, Co. Donegal

What's nearby

  • Sandy Hills Golf Course - 7 min drive
  • Carrigart Riding Stables - 10 min drive
  • Ards Forest Park - 30 min drive
  • Horn Head - 39 min drive
  • Marble Hill Strand - 54 min drive

Getting around

  • Letterkenny (LTR-Letterkenny Airfield) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • Patsy Dan's - 29 min drive
  • The Harbour Bar - 7 min drive
  • Singing Pub - 6 min drive
  • Starfish Cafe - 29 min drive
  • The Olde Glen Bar - 14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Sandy Hills Golf Course and 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Carrigart Beach. Carrigart Riding Stables and Ashtree Stables are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 132 out of 146 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 146 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 146 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 146 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 146 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything it promised ... and some
Driving up the road to the property was interesting to say the least - but the description did say "... nestled in the hills above Downings" - it certainly is. This lovely old stone cottage was perfect for out 4 night stay in Donegal. It's comfortable and well equipped - perfect for those wanting to self-cater. William, and his wonderful local property manager, Maryann, are very professional and take pride in ensuring their guests enjoy their stay. We definitely did. We have no hesitation in recommending the property to a couple or family and we would absolutely stay here again if ever we are back in the region.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Carolin H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfektes Haus für eine Familienauszeit
Wir hatten einen wunderbaren Osterurlaub in dem Cottage. Die Lage des Cottages ist wirklich sehr abgelegen und man hat sehr viel Ruhe. Für die Kinder gab es einige Spielsachen, welche gern genutzt wurden. Der Trockner und der Holzofen waren sehr praktisch, um Kleidung zu trocknen, die bei verregneten Wanderungen nass geworden ist.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jörn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
idyllic cottage
perfect, calm and romantic
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Christmas getaway
Everything was perfect about our stay at Teachín. On arrival we found a lit Christmas tree waiting for us as well as a lit fire, which was a very warm welcome. The instructions for getting to the cottage were perfect and we navigated the windy road with ease. By the end of the trip we were experts in going along the track! The location is remote and with few neighbours, we never saw nay other cars or people whilst near the cottage. It is only a short drive in to civilisation, if that is what you require. We managed to explore the coastline nearby and went on many lovely walks. It was all simply stunning and we will definitely be coming back. The cottage had everything we needed for our stay, we just had to bring food. There was a well stocked kitchen with plenty of utensils and pans to rustle up any dishes you want, we managed to make a full Christmas dinner on the big day! There was fuel for the fire left and you can also purchase more from the housekeeper, it's left at the back of the house and you can leave them cash in the honesty jar. All very convenient. We didn't require any help whilst there, but I got the impression that if we had needed it, we would have been sorted straight away. If you are wondering if you should stay here, then I would wholeheartedly tell you to. Don't expect mod cons, there are other places you can stay for that. This was a simple cottage set in a beautiful location, absolutely perfect for mine and my girlfriends first Christmas together. Thanks
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A little haven.
I loved everything about this cottage, it’s remoteness, the peace, the view, how quiet it is, and how it sits in the landscape, a beautiful part of Donegal. I would have no hesitation in going back. Both the owner, William, and Maryann the property manager were friendly and eager to help.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

About the host

Hosted by William Laverty

Host profile image

What makes this property unique

Rural, excellent views and very quiet. If you want to hear the wind in the trees, the birds cheeping, the hum of a bumblebee or the sound of the sea then this is the place for you.

Languages:

English, German, Spanish
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

More Holiday Rentals ideas