Peadar’s place is a great base for exploring his corner of Donegal. The apartment was just as expected. Spacious and well equipped - except for the minimalist kitchen which is as described. There is spacious car parking by the Airbnb entry door.
Duck under the clothes line and through the gate and you are into Ards Forest Park. A 20min walk downhill will take you to the forest’s main car park, the Coffee Tree snack shop and the start of the wonderful shore walk. In a county well endowed with some stunning beaches, this one at Ards more than holds its own. Strung out over a distance of 3 miles are about 6 or 7 sandy coves. Even on a good day (and my visit was on a very good summer Sunday) some of the coves farther from the car park were occupied by just one person or one family. At times the linking path climbs up above the shore amongst waist height ferns with glorious views over Sheephaven. And all the while there were loads of butterflies wafting along on the breeze. After the last cove walk on past the Ards Friary and then along the edge of the forest back to the Airbnb. If you get a good weather day during your visit then don’t miss this walk. But be warned for some of this walk you’ll need a decent map of the forest.
One other place I’d recommend is the Glebe Gallery and its garden on Lough Gartan. It’s about a 25min drive. It’s the former home of English (and honorary Irish) painter Derek Hill. The beautiful garden surrounds the modest but attractive late Georgian house. The €5 charge for the house tour is well worth the fee. Entry to the gardens is free.