We had the most wonderful time staying at the cottage! From the local Irish town charm, to hiking at Slieve League, this region of Ireland is a must visit! It's an easy and beautiful drive from Dublin. We felt like semi-locals in town as everyone knows the Ryans and was so kind and friendly. As busy New Yorkers, we most loved the peace in the country, especially sitting on the bench overlooking the stunning view and reading by the fire.
We loved our stay at the Ardlougher Cottage. It was so neat to ride up the winding driveway (lined with sheep!) to this traditional & well maintained homestead. Janet and Brian had everything opened up for us, including cozy fires welcoming us inside. We so enjoyed pulling on the wellies from the closet and walking out to Lizzie's view to overlook the town and the countryside leading to the ocean. Our stay was peaceful and relaxing - such a unique experience! Ardara and the surrounding area are incredibly beautiful and we had great visits to Slieve League, Silver Strand, Assaranca Waterfall, and the Caves of Maghera. We had great meals during our visit (would particularly recommend The Courthouse Restaurant) and, of course, a few pints at Nancy's. Thank you for hosting us!
My husband and I and our two British friends spent a fantastic week at Ardlougher Cottage in early October to celebrate my birthday. The cottage is absolutely charming -- so cozy, peaceful, and quiet. And the setting couldn't be more beautiful, away from everything up in the hills at the end of a winding private lane, amidst old stone farm walls, purple fuchsia in bloom, green fields, and grazing sheep. Magnificent! I loved that the family-owned, century-old cottage has been kept very traditional both outside and inside, with two working fireplaces, a big wooden cupboard filled with china, and a white-washed exterior, yet has all the modern comforts one would ever need.
We walked several times to Lizzie's View to sit on the bench and drink in the gorgeous views down across the farms and village to the sea. Our hosts were wonderful! Catherine gave us all kinds of great information and suggestions of fun things to do in the area. And local hosts Janet and Brian had a warm, cheerful fire burning in the fireplaces to greet us upon our arrival and couldn't have been more lovely and welcoming.
The cottage is perfectly located near the charming village of Ardara in an area of incredible natural beauty. We walked the nearby cliffs at Slieve League, explored Maghera beach and caves at low tide, went to the gorgeous Silver Strand, explored Loughros Point and the wonderful coves and beaches. We loved spending time in the friendly village of Ardara. We visited the shop of amazing handweaver Eddie Doherty and watched him weave at his loom, heard live traditional music at the Corner House, went out for a delish dinner at Mickalene's, and spent several wonderful evenings in the family-owned Nancy's Pub enjoying pints of Guinness and the great company. In the late afternoons after our outings and in the evenings after dinner and visits to the pub, we made a fire in the cozy sitting room and read books and played bannagrams and other games. Most of all, we loved all of the friendly and welcoming local people we met in Ardara and the surrounding countryside. Such a perfect birthday week, so many lovely memories -- we can't wait to go back!
Our stay at Ardlougher cottage in May 2023 was absolutely incredible and the best part of our honeymoon! The cottage is so quaint, cozy and quiet, and the view is beautiful in all directions. The hosts are wonderful - Catherine provided us with lots of helpful information and directions before arrival, and Janet and Brian were wonderful on-site hosts, even getting the fire going before we arrived! We loved watching the sunset (and sheep), and the walk down to Ardara was scenic and easy, if a little more difficult on the climb back up! We met so many nice people in Ardara and had great meals and pints at Nancy's, Mickalene's, Beehive and The Corner House. We had so much fun making day trips to the Maghera Caves and on the Sliabh Liag Boat Tour - Paddy was an excellent guide. We are already dreaming of going back!
This is a lovely cottage in the hills overlooking the beautiful town of Ardara in Co. Donegal. Catherine and Janet were so helpful in the lead up (Catherine sent PERFECT driving instructions!) and meeting Janet and Brian at the cottage was super helpful. I can't say enough good things about our stay in this rustic , charming and adorable place. The view outside is simply amazing; from the adorable lambs to the scenic views (Lizzies view...incredible for sunsets, or sunrises, or any time really!) Its only a few minutes into the little town of Ardara, where you can find whatever you need: food, a pint, grocery, charming people and lovely little hikes all around. The place itself is cozy and we had a little fire every evening and I can't rave enough! If you want to get away from it all, but still be close to all of the amazing sites in Donegal, this is the place for you!! I would stay here again if we decide to go back to Ardara! You probably should too :)
We had the most incredible time at Ardlougher Cottage while touring Ireland on our honeymoon. My husband and I walked to town and back multiple times which made for the best of memories but isn’t for the faint of heart—took about 35 minutes each way and we’re fairly fit 30-somethings. It really made the experience though! The cottage was warm and welcoming when we returned. The electric blankets on the bed were a fabulous touch. A few pints at the Corner House also made it much easier to walk home. The views along the are incredible. The time spent here was amazing. The locals welcomed us with open arms. Talk to people and make friends. This was an experience I truly don’t believe you could find anywhere else in the world. Live music at the local pubs was a highlight. Skip a top Ireland tourist attraction and spend a few of your days here. You won’t regret it.
I cant put into words how magical this cottage is. It's so charming from the outside in. It's nestled right in the hills of Donegal, hidden by the surrounding hills. At night you can hear and see the sheep calling their little lambs to settle down for the night. And you can hear them munching on the grass in the fields. It's just so relaxing, tranquil and peaceful. Lizzie's view is a wee magical spot you can go sit and relax and take in the beauty of a birds eye view of Ardara and surrounding land and beaches.
The house itself is a step back in time. Beautiful big fireplaces, stone walls, timeless furniture and decor throughout. I fell in love with the place. My family love it too. You can really feel the heart and soul of this house and it makes you feel very welcome, cosy and relaxed.
Janet was a brilliant host. She made us feel so welcome. She gave us a big box of toys for the kids to play with which they loved! We found more toys in the shed too. Kids loved playing bowls and ten pin and finding books around the place.
House facilities... you could not fault....you have everything you need and more. Lovely warm cosy house. Big cosy beds. Beautiful land outside to chill on good days
Great location...just a few minutes drive from Ardara village
I cannot recommend it more highly.
Thanks Janet for this wonderful experience. We are very grateful to you for giving us the opportunity to experience your beautiful home.
Imagine the feeling as we found the winding road that led to the door of our rustic cottage, surrounded by rolling hills, dotted with sheep. Yes, we loved our time at the cottage....and yes, we loved every moment of our time in Donegal. We made use of the gumboots and took a walk to the top of the nearby hills.....and also made time to visit the "secret" lookout behind the cottage, with far reaching views of Ardara and the Wild Atlantic far beyond. I walked into town a few times, along the back road, with sheep and cattle for company in the surrounding fields. Perfect for a getaway.
It was perfect, nothing more to say :) the cottage is a real treasure, you feel so connected to nature, „back to the roots“, a magical place with a fantastic view. Everything was there, even salt, pepper and olive oil.
The communication with Catherine and Janet was great and we found the cottage with an open fire. Thanks so much, we‘ll hopefully have the chance to come back one day :)
Ardlougher cottage had everything we needed and more. The accommodations were perfect and the surrounding scenery was amazing! The local host was available for any questions and was flexible with our travel needs. Catherine’s recommendations were great! Make sure you check out her host guide for great things to do in and around Ardara.
Had a fabulous 5 nights at Ardlougher cottage. Very authentic and great views - enjoyed the real fire. Great location for exploring the coast - recommend the boat trip and walk up Sleive League and the beach/headland at Muckross Head. Ardara is great - Nancys for food and Corner House for traditional music is a must !!
Gorgeous cottage, perfect for an escape and reset from everyday life. The front reading room is just heavenly with the fire going and the rugs and various little touches. Catherine, Margaret and Tommy were all extremely helpful and responsive and did everything to make sure we had a great stay. Hopefully will be back!
We had a fantastic time an Ardlougher Cottage. It felt that we were back in time!. We arrived to the cottage where the fire was already lit by Tommy. The cottage is beatiful decorated and has evening you need The highlight for us was to sit by the fire in the evening after a day visiting the beatiful sights that Donegal has to offer. We loved to be waken up in the morning by our neighbourhoods (sheeps, cuckoo). The cottage is in a perfect spot to visiting so many places and beaches. We had lovely evening chats with Tommy who was born in the cottage and is a true gent. Thank you Catherine, Margaret and Tommy for letting us to stay in your beatiful cottage.
Ardlougher Cottage is an authentic step back in time, with the added benefit of heating and bed warmers ❤
We had a 4 night stay and we loved every minute, the kids shared the beautiful wrought iron beds and loved waking up to the sound of sheep saying good morning. The location is as magical as the cottage and it really feels like the perfect place to unplug from modern life. We had mixed weather but one evening spent at the beautiful Maghera beach felt like days!
Our hosts, both local and remote were fantastic communicators and we felt really well looked after and welcome. Tommy & Margaret shared a little history about the cottage with us and that along with all the books, fabrics, furniture, pictures and open fires - the atmosphere was just magical.
We had a wonderful stay and we can't wait to go back again someday soon.
Thank you Catherine, Margaret & Tommy for sharing this little gem with us.
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