Coís Farraige, Donegal Cottage

Images of Coís Farraige, Donegal Cottage

 

The Donegal Region

Rathmullan, in Donegal, is a small, quiet village located approximately 12 miles from Letterkenny. With its' newly opened watersports centre and its pier servicing the jetty for sail boats and deep sea angling, even the visitor that just wants the peace and tranquility of the long sandy beach and wooded walkways that overlook Lough Swilly, will not be disappointed. Like all Irish villages, you will find a warm welcome.

Just 2 miles out of Rathmullan you'll find Otway Golf Club, one of the oldest in Ireland. Carry on along this road and you will discover the panoramic coastal road of Knockalla, with breath-taking Atlantic views, leading to Portsalon with yet another fine golf course.

Rathmullan is well remembered for the historical "Flight of the Earls", and a visit to the historic centre near the pier is a must.

For good food ,there is no shortage of places to eat.
Rathmullan House Hotel – winner of the 2007 Country House of the Year.
An outstanding feature of Rathmullan House is the glowing silk Arabian tent designed dining room where the cooking is in Irish Country House style.
Where possible, organic fruit, vegetables and herbs are used from the walled garden. Locally caught fish and seafood is a speciality, as is Donegal lamb, which can be described as "pre-salé". A gastronomes term for the wonderful flavour the meat takes on due to the grazing enriched by wind-borne deposits of minerals from salty sea air.
The breakfast buffet at Rathmullan House defies description: The food is excellent and if you eat breakfast you probably won't want to think about lunch!
• In Jan 2002 and 2007,they were the Ulster winners of the Irish Breakfast Awards in association with Georgina Campbell's Jameson Guide.
• Dinner is served from 7.30pm-8.45pm.
• Smart/Casual Attire requested.
• Vegetarians and special dietary needs are catered for with prior notice.
• In order to avoid disappointment booking is advisable.
• Lunches are served in the convivial Cellar Bar during summer months together with an early evening menu. This is a good place if you want to relax and enjoy good food at reasonable prices.


Fort Royal Hotel
The hotel has a very good reputation for its fine cuisine, with the table d'hote dinner menu changing daily, depending on what raw ingredients are available and in season.
As you might expect with the seaside location, there is a daily supply of fresh fish, which when cooked simply is one of the highlights of the menu. There are also locally caught lobsters, scallops and mussels available throughout most of our season.
The hotel uses two award winning butchers from the nearby area, for the supply of all the meats, including Donegal mountain lamb. Fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs are brought in from the hotel's walled kitchen garden on a daily basis. Guests are encouraged to walk around the garden whenever they want.
Fort Royal has an RAC Dining Award, which is a good benchmark as to the high standards of quality and consistency the kitchen works to.

The dining room is closed at lunchtime, but light meals/snacks are served in the bar or outside if the weather permits. Please note. They serve children's tea in the dining room at 6.00pm. Young children (under 10) are not allowed in the dining room later in the evening.
There is an interesting and varied wine list to choose from at the hotel, with most regions and tastes covered. At Fort Royal they try to keep things fairly simple, so there are about 50 wines on the list and most of them are in the sensibly priced bracket.

WATERS EDGE RESTAURANT
The Waters Edge Restaurant rests on the shores of historic Lough Swilly. Four hundred years ago the Earls of Tir Chonaill and Tir Eoghan set sail from here in what is known as the Flight of the Earls. Enjoy the atmosphere of this Olde Worlde Restaurant with idyllic views.
Contact: The Blaney Group, Rathmullan, Co. Donegal.
Tele: 074 9158182



An Bonnan Buí
Pier Road, Rathmullan, Co. Donegal
Tel: 074 9158453
e-mail: barrybcondron@eircom.net
website: www.info:anbonnanbui.ie
Gourmets and lovers of good wine will be in their element at An Bonnan Buí, an outstanding restaurant in a splendid position right on the pier with views across Lough Swilly to the Inishowen Peninsula. Iris Condron took over here in May 2003 and her menu, which changes each month, offers an appetising choice of lovingly prepared and beautifully presented dishes. Naturally, fresh fish dishes are prominent, along with others based on locally sourced ingredients according to season. The wine list is particularly satisfying with an excellent selection of wines from around the world.
The restaurant's décor is pleasing with attractive pine furniture, wooden floors and ethnic African original paintings on the walls. Children are welcome as well as larger groups by arrangement. Rathmullan itself is an attractive seaside town boasting a Blue Flag beach which has the distinction of being classed as amongst the cleanest in Europe. It's possible to hire boats at the pier and golfers will be delighted to find, just 2 miles outside the village, the Otway golf course which is reputed to be the oldest 9-hole golf course in the world.

THE SILVER TASSIE
Situated on the road from Letterkenny to Ramelton,the Silver Tassie is a beautiful newly opened, Board Failte registered, family run hotel, built to three star specification. It combines old world charm with modern comfort and elegance that includes luxury bedrooms, excellent food all to be enjoyed in relaxed surroundings. An ideal touring base for the local golf courses as well as other amenities. It has a very nice bar area and serves very good bar food. On Sundays they have a carvery which is ideal if you are not in the mood to cook!!
Contact:- Mr Kieran Blaney, The Silver Tassie, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal .
Tele: 074 9125619 Fax: 074 9124473

The Beachcomber Pub – Serves soup and sandwitches in the summer months. A very child friendly pub which serves a great pint of Guinness. You can relax and enjoy the fantastic views across Lough Swilly. It also has folk sessions which are very popular. You will always be assured of a very warm welcome here.

The Salt “n” Batter -This is a carryout chippy recently opened in Rathmullan. It is owned and run by Ronny who used to be the chef in the Waters Edge. There is a good menu and his chips are fantastic.

AnStad, Rathmullan Village– An amazing eaterie… European style café with fantastic homemade food including pancakes and scones that you will be hard pressed to find better anywhere else in Ireland…open only from June to Sept.


Other:
For good value shopping, cinema, theatre, night-life and family activities such as pitch 'n' putt, karting,ten pin bowling or swimming then a visit to Letterkenny should not be missed.

 

Rathmullan Area

County Donegal sometimes known as the "forgotten county" is well worth discovering. Over 1000km of coastline is etched with beautiful bays and glorious beaches carved out by the Atlantic and backed by rugged mountains. Ireland's largest Irish speaking area is here.
While staying in Rathmullan there are several sightseeing attractions not to be missed.

Glenveagh National Park 074 9137088
Glenveagh National Park is 16,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, woods and wild bogs. The park is home to the largest herd of Red Deer in Europe. A Scottish style castle open to the public is surrounded by a stunning garden on the edge of a beautiful lake in contrast to the wilderness of the mountains and glens around it. This is really an attraction you should go and see. You will not be disappointed!

Glebe House & Gallery, Churchill 074 9137071
A regency house containing a fascinating collection given to the nation by portrait and landscape painter Derek Hill. The house is decorated with Victorian William Morris wallpaper and textiles and houses a collection of works by Picasso, Jack Yeats, Bonnard and Kokoschka.

Genealogy Centre, Ramelton.
Offering a comprehensive service for those tracing their Donegal ancestors. Rev Francis Makenne, founder of the first Presbyterian Church in Virginia, preached in the old meeting house where the Genealogy Centre is now housed, in the picturesque heritage town of Ramelton.
With over 4 million people owing their ancestry to Donegal, the Genealogical centre is a must.

Grianán Aileach, 074 9368000
This impressive hilltop stone fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside: Swilly and Foyle Loughs, Inch Island and distant Derry.
The walls are 4m thick and enclose an area of 23m in diameter.
The fort is at least 2000 years old but the site has pagan associations that go back much further. Between the 5th and 12th centuries it was the seat of the O'Neills - the High Kings of Ireland.
An informative visitors centre is based in the 19th century Church of Christchurch at Burt at the bottom of the hill.

Dunlewy Lakeside Centre
Beside Lough Dunlewy, Dunlewy is a small village at the foot of Mount Errigal, Donegal's highest peak.
Here the lakeside centre reconstructs the home of Manus Ferry, the last of the local weavers who died in 1975. Visitors can watch all the stages of weaving in operation and then go outside to see assorted farm animals, walk along the shore, and take a boat ride with a storyteller on board to fill them in on local history, geology and folklore. During the summer months there is music on occasions. There is an excellent café with a turf fire and a shop selling everything from sweaters to traditional music tapes.

City of Derry, www.derry.net
On the river Foyle, Derry is a lively and prosperous city with a fascinating history dating back to its foundation in the 6th Century by Columcille. Just four miles from the border with Donegal, Derry is a vibrant city with more than its fair share of artists and festivals. Derry's still intact walls dating from the early part of the 17th century are an impressive 8m high and 9m thick and have seen several sieges over the years. Today no visit would be complete without a stroll along these historic walls, which incidentally were never breached, hence Derry's sobriquet the Maiden City. Other visitor attractions are, the excellent Power Museum, which tells the story of Derry from the days of Columcille to the present, St Columb's Cathedral, the splendid gothic Guildhall, the Foyle Valley Railway Centre and The Ulster Science Centre.

Causeway Coast, Bushmills, Tel: 0044 (0) 28 2073 1159 www.causewaycoastandglens.com
If time is on your side then why not take a day trip to the Giants Causeway, often described as the eighth wonder of the world. The Giant's Causeway is without doubt Northern Ireland's number one tourist attraction and Ireland's first World Heritage Site. In legend its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns were stepping stones created by the giant Finn McCool on his way to Scotland, although another explanation tells that they were formed from the crystallisation of red hot lava some 60 million years ago. It is also the site of the Spanish Armada treasure ship, the Grona.

The small town of Bushmills is synonymous with whiskey making.
Old Bushmills Distillery was established in 1607 and is the oldest licensed distillery in the world. The visitor can experience the production of whiskey with almost 400 years of tradition behind it. After a tour you are rewarded with a tasting session when you get to compare Bushmills whiskey with other brands.

Newmills, Letterkenny 074-9125115
Step back in time with a visit to one of Donegal's oldest mills situated in the banks of the River Swilly just outisde Letterkenny. Exhibition in visitor's centre. Guided tours available.

The Workhouse, Dunfanaghy 074-9136540
Part of the original workhouse during the time of the Great Famine in 1845 and exhibition recalling life inside and outside during this time. Audio-visual presentation, coffee shop.

Lifford Courthouse Visitors Centre, Lifford 074-9141733
Original Courthouse and Jail restored with fascinating displays, audio-visuals etc.
Ballydaheen Gardens, Portsalon
A six acre private garden opened to the public with access to the Seven Arches - a set of interconnecting caves formed by erosion of waves on limestone rocks.

Flight of the Earls Centre, Rathmullen
Exhibition of the Flight of the Earls O'Donnell and O'Neill in 1607, two of Ireland's most famous chieftains.

 

Getting There

Fly to Derry airport with Ryanair or Knock Airport. Car hire available at airport.
Ferry available to Larne.

Nearest Travel Links

• Airport: Derry (100 km)
• Ferry: Larne (170 km)
• Railway: Derry (90 km)

 

Suitable types of Holiday Rathmullan

• Fishing
• Golf course is on site or within 15mins walk
• Golf Course
• Horse riding
• Watersports
• Sailing
• Mountain Biking
• Diving
• Swimming
• Walking
• Surfing
• Waterskiing
• Windsurfing

 

Exterior Facilities in Coís Farraige, Donegal Cottage

• BBQ
• Parking space
• Private garden
• Secure parking
• Children's playground

 

Rental Details

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

- bed linen supplied free of charge
- electricity included
- oil fired central heating included

Please note that if you are travelling from abroad we will supply towels to you.

 

Facilities in Coís Farraige, Donegal Cottage

• CD player
• Central heating
• Cooker
• Dish washer
• DVD player
• Freezer
• Fridge
• Highchair
• Iron
• Kettle
• Linen provided
• Log fire
• Microwave
• Television
• Toaster
• Washing machine

4 double bedrooms to sleep 8 - master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. All upstairs bedrooms have beamed ceilings.
Ground floor - entrance hall, living and kitchen areas, double bedroom, bathroom and conservatory.
Main living area has open fireplace with fireguard.
Patio area with patio furniture and barbeque.
Open fireplace in living room.
Oil fired central heating throughout.
24" tv with dvd
Fully fitted shaker style kitchen
Electric hob and oven
Microwave, large fridge/freezer, dishwasher
Washing machine, iron and ironing board
Outside clothes line
Wooden floors throughout the cottage
10 yards to lovely sandy beach
7 min walk to shops, pub etc
spacious conservatory
Bed linen provided free of charge
Travel cot and highchair available
Quiet and peaceful location
Ample parking for 2 cars
Sorry, no pets

 

Bedrooms / Bathrooms

• Bedrooms (4)
• Bathrooms (2)
• Ensuite (1)
• Showers (1)
• WCs (2)

 

Sleeps a Maximum of 8 people:

• Double Beds (4)
• Cots (1)

 

Furniture

• Dining Seats (8)

 

Guest Book

Fantastic house and as Mark remarked “its home away from home, only better”. Your housekeeper met us at the door and had hot tea and scones waiting for us inside -after our journey it was just what we needed. It is often really sincere acts like this that can make a holiday. The facilities in the house were first rate and we will certainly be recommending Cois Farraige to our friends. We will definitely be back. Thank you again.
The Brady Family, Lisburn

The beach is literally on the doorstep and to get up each morning, have breakfast in the sun-room then take a stroll on that gorgeous beach….life just doesn’t get much better. Thank you for allowing us to stay. It is one of the nicest houses and locations we have ever stayed. We would certainly love to return.
The McDougall Family, Edinburgh.

The standard of Cois Farraige was first class. The maritime theme throughout the house was so tasteful and gave the house and our stay an added feeling of relaxation. It is an ideal location to tour Donegal and to come at the end of the evening to that beach was magic. Very many thanks for a fabulous holiday.
The Killian Family, Dublin

The welcome we got was second to none - the fire was burning and the tea was waiting for us as soon as we had our foot in the door. Beautiful Cottage, set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery we have seen. The cottage itself is a pleasure to stay in, spotlessly clean and had every facility required for a relaxing family holiday.
The Logan Family, Cambridge

Just a note to say that we had a lovely time in Rathmullen. The cottage was everything you said and more and the beach was beautiful.
Ambrose Family, London.