Property Details

Set in an ‘olde’ world atmosphere the beauty and tranquility of the cottage with its own sheltered gardens would be difficult to emulate. The aura from the fine old open hearth, with the kettle and pot hanging from the crane creates for the visitor the true atmosphere of our former way of rural life.

Built by Donal McElwee, Ardroe Cottage has been the home of this family for six generations. The present owner Michael, who himself grew up in the cottage, and his wife Margaret extend a warm welcome to you in true Irish fashion and will help in every way to make your holiday in Ardroe an enjoyable and memorable experience.

History of the cottage

Originally built in the 1780’s by the great-great-grandfather of the present owner, this thatched cottage, now restored to its former charm and beauty, is situated in the townland of Aughadreena close to the famed Knockalla Coast Road and Portsalon.

An Taisce (The Irish National Tust) has adopted the cottage as a model of craftsmanship in restoration and preservation of detail of ancient times. The specialised work of the stone mason, thatcher and traditional carpenter feature prominently throughout the cottage.

Filmed by B.B.C. television for the holiday program and featured on R.T.E. television, the restoration of Ardroe Cottage has been the subject of much media interest including various magazine and press articles.

Description of Ardroe Cottage:

Although restored to its former glory as an Irish thatched cottage, retaining every detail of the original design, the visitor can enjoy all mod cons which have been discreetly incorporated. Set back from the roadway, entry is through a hedged laneway leading to the cottage with its half door and rambling roses.

The Irish kitchen with a flagged floor is traditionally furnished with an antique dresser of century old delph earthenware, butter churn, spinning wheel, and old-style long table. The glow from the turf fire adds to the warmth of the welcome you will find at Ardroe.

The parlor has an elegant open fireplace and is comfortably furnished.

The cottage contains two bedrooms and sleeps a maximum of 4 people.

The main bedroom upstairs has a charm and beauty all of its own with a coved ceiling and arched doorway, all in natural pine. Two ancient trunks used as storage chests in bygone days enhance the furnishings of this room.

The other bedroom is situated above the fireplace, with small paneled windows allowing the glow from the fire below to enter the room.

The pantry and shower room offer all mod cons and are designed to retain the originality of the cottage.

The cottage also has its own charming and sheltered gardens, containing garden furniture and barbecue equipment.

Local Area Details

The cottage is situated 30 Km north of Letterkenny, Donegal’s largest town. To get there, follow the signposts on the road to Ramelton and on towards Milford. Before entering the town of Milford, you turn right, following the signposts to Kerrykeel. From Kerrykeel, follow the road to Portsalon. Before coming to Portsalon, you arrive at the crossroads. Turn left at these crossroads, and you will soon arrive at the cottage.

Activities in Donegal

The Fanad Peninsula is an area of outstanding natural beauty and welcoming people, with a rich cultural, and historical heritage. With its wealth of beaches, mountains, cliffs, and of course pubs with traditional Irish music, the visitor is never short of anything to do. The cottage is perfectly situated to enjoy any one of the following activities.

Beach

Ballymastocker Bay in Portsalon boasts a magnificent EU Blue Flag beach which was once voted the “Second Most Beautiful Beach in the World� by the Observer Magazine. This stunning beach, whose golden sands stretch for 3 miles, is less than a 5 minute drive from the cottage. The beach’s harbour is perfect for boating and fishing.

Golf

The Portsalon Golf course, founded in 1891, is less than 5 minutes by car from the cottage, and is one of Ireland’s finest links courses, situated alongside the stunning Ballymastoker Bay, beneath the Knockalla Mountains. The course is an 18 hole par 69, with its greens well protected with bunkers, streams and natural sand dunes all of which come into play. (tel: 074 59459).

Fishing

Donegal is truly an anglers paradise, with the Fanad Peninsula offering not only sea fishing along Donegal’s beautiful coastline, but also offers plenty of opportunities for fresh water fishing in the many rivers and lakes. The fishing season for the local lakes runs from March 17 – September 30 and fishing permits and rods can be obtained from the Fanad Lakes Fishing Club (tel: 074 59218).

Scenic Walks and Drives

With its quiet roads, stunning landscape, and cliff scenery, one can enjoy tranquil walks in the Fanad Peninsula. Furthermore, the Fanad Peninsula Scenic Tour is a signposted 72 Km circuit covering some of the peninsula’s most striking scenery. For those interested in cycling, we can arrange cycle hire on request.

Walking

One can enjoy a pleasant stroll through country lanes, or can attempt to climb some of the areas hills and mountains. Whatever you chose, walking truly is a pleasure on the quiet and peaceful roads of the Fanad Peninsula, where you will come upon many unspoiled areas of stunning beauty. The whole area is rich in flora and fauna, and contains many species of birds, including the rare Corncrake. The County also has many signposted walking routes for the visitor to enjoy.

Major Attractions

Major visitor attractions which are easily accessible by car include Glenveagh National Park and Castle, Tory Island, Glebe House & Gallery, Newmills Flax Mill, Colmcille Heritage Centre, Fort Dunree Military Museum & Donegal Castle, not to mention the abundance of ruined casles, and archaelogical sites.

Property Features

* Close to a golf course
* Close to a Beach

Contact Information

Name:	Michael McElwee
Telephone:	+353-7491-22267
Alt Telephone:	--
Fax:	--
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