Okay, first of all, this was hands down my favorite AirBnB I’ve ever been in! The place itself is well-equipped (fridge, microwave, kettle, bathroom, WiFi, local recommendations/maps, etc), clean, comfortable, and short walk from Kinlough (with a restaurant or two, a takeout place, and a grocery store that are all easily walkable). It is also ideally situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, with easy access (car and bus) to Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Donegal, Sligo, and the west coast of Ireland. It is about a five minute drive to beautiful coasts, lakes, rivers, and beautiful hikes!
Phil and Pat are amazing hosts, and made me feel at home as soon as I arrived. I am a nineteen year old, traveling alone through Europe for my gap year, so security was really important to me. Phil and Pat were truly amazing and welcoming, and I couldn’t hope for better hosts. I felt totally safe there, and I would go back in a heartbeat (I would honestly use this AirBnB as an excuse to plan another trip to Ireland, not that I need one)!
Since I am traveling alone (and under 25), I have been taking public transportation everywhere. I was initially worried that a lot of places wouldn’t be accessible to me because of that. I still recommend using a car/bike for easier access, but there were plenty of bus options up and down the coast. The local link buses operate frequently (and stop at Kinlough, a five minute walk from the apartment). Other good buses to use are the 983 and the 982 (the X64 will also take you farther afield). Just double check when the return services are, because sometimes they don’t come through in the middle of the day (for obvious reasons). There are also taxis available (I just asked at a local pub and they gave me some numbers). Everyone is very, very friendly.
Mullaghmore beach is an amazing place to visit (and accessible by bus), as are the beaches near Bundoran. The lakes nearby are also a must-see. There are a lot of surfing shops/rentals/classes nearby, which is another great opportunity (unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to try that (another excuse to go back!)).
I honestly cannot recommend d this place enough! It is perfect for someone traveling alone, people looking to hike, surf, swim, explore the wild Atlantic trail, or anything else!
Thank you so much Phil and Pat. This is one of my favorite memories, not only of Ireland, but of my whole trip!