Bumblebee Cottage is one of those gems I’m hesitant to review because I don’t want anyone else to find it - but everyone should stay here at least once. Up a windy mountain road full of bumps, past sprawling sheep pens and peat-burning chimneys hides a delightful historic cottage tucked into the Fintra mountainside, full of the amenities of a more expensive luxury stay - but there’s no Wifi and very little signal up this mountain so prepare to kick it oldschool style. The local farmer is nice and will let you walk by their sheep as we did - we recommend using the provided binoculars to view the bay as well - but no magnification needed to see the sweeping coastline below. It is cold in the rainy October season so be sure to turn the heat on as soon as you enter and throw the provided peat right onto the fire to get it warmed up - it takes a bit. The bed is sumptuously soft and the pillows lovely. The decor is also cute and themed - bees, of course, and historic and antique furniture that add to that modern-vintage vibe. It gives the delight of a regency era countryside manor and a rural cottage all at once - don’t understand how that works? Neither did I until I saw it in action. It’s quite charming. Tea and coffee and the basic spices are provided and a SuperValu down the road in the Killybegs makes this a great self-cater style stay to make your own food and stay IN for the night. Tracy made it extra special by leaving us chocolate and champagne for our honeymoon - a personal touch that speaks to her attentiveness as a host, and she responded to messages right away. The only “con” is hot water is a dear commodity here. There is an immersion switch if you need more - but we didn’t use it. That said, you can either take a bath, or do dishes, or take a medium length shower, but not all three, and definitely not within an hour of each other!! Careful planning though will allow you to fully enjoy the beautiful thatched gem that is “Bumblebee Cottage”, history and all! The price is expensive for some of the other less pricey area stays - but the ability to say you got to stay in a traditional thatched cottage makes this AirBnB priceless. We hope you all find it as lovely as we did - but maybe not *too* much so we can book it next time we travel here. - G&J
PS: we highly recommend reading spooky ghost stories by the fire late at night - it’s quite fun, and you feel very cozy and safe indoors.