It's hard to know what deserves higher praise – Karen's wonderful stone cottage overlooking Lough Melvin or Karen herself, our amazing and incomparable host during our stay in County Leitrim/Donegal. Both house and host exceeded expectations, Karen from our very first communication. She was always quick to reply and respond, took the initiative in offering suggestions to improve our stay in Ballyshannon, offered to help us with grocery shopping (!), and exuded enormous personal warmth, energy, and enthusiasm. She was never impatient, and our interactions were 100% positive and enjoyable.
The house is truly spectacular, a traditional stone cottage lovingly restored and augmented with modern facilities, lovely kitchen, a spacious addition, and two (2!) bathrooms. Karen has put inspired attention to detail and a refined, whimsical aesthetic into every aspect of the décor and the many thoughtful amenities for her guests. Families will enjoy this house with kids' bedroom, toys, and video library. It is unsurprising that she has devoted return visitors. The comfort and pleasure of the stay could easily become habit-forming.
Location on a rustic rural lane with a crooked stone bridge and views of the lake and Benbulben mountain range is ideal and only a short distance from Ballyshannon (10 minutes on a fairly direct route) and from Donegal town. Both towns have shopping, pubs, and restaurants, and the house provides a terrific home base for exploring the region. We had easy day trips to Omagh and the Ulster American Folk Village (excellent), the Donegal coastline and Slieve League cliffs, and the Glenveagh Castle and National Park (spectacular grounds and gardens). Knowing we are vegetarian, Karen directed us to a terrific natural foods store in Donegal Town called Simple Simon's, the first place we found tofu for sale in Ireland!
Airbnb certainly offers its users the chance to stay outside the tourist mainstream, and this is an excellent example. For the price of a moderate hotel (or less), the stone cottage offers comfort, space, and privacy for its fortunate guests.
My highest recommendations!