My husband and I stayed at Shaun and Edna’s thatched cottage for the second half of our Ireland tour and we found it absolutely charming! We wanted a home that felt truly Irish, and that was what we got! The hosts have done an excellent job of maintaining the cottage’s authenticity. As others have said, it really did feel like stepping back in time! We so enjoyed the lovely rustic feel of the cottage and cozying up by the wood stove each night. The kitchen was well stocked for the couple of meals we cooked at home during our stay. The hosts were also extremely quick to respond when we had trouble turning on the oven our first night (it was just a switch that we had missed). The wood stove and backup water heater are extremely effective. The hosts have also kindly provided electric heaters in the bedroom and living room to make your stay more comfortable. We were pleasantly surprised to find a handheld shower in the bathroom. Because of the rustic nature of the home, we did share the space with some spiders. This didn’t bother us at all—we even saw one catch a fly for us—but just something to be aware of. The location is absolutely stunning! The views of the Donegal countryside as you drive in to and away from the house are breathtaking and Portsalon Beach was the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen! The cottage was also a great home base for some day trips. From there, we took a trip out to Northern Ireland to see a few sights. More locally, we visited Horn Head, which we would HIGHLY recommend—a bit of a walk out but the most incredible views!! We also did horseback riding at nearby Carrigart, visited Doe Castle for some interesting history, and enjoyed exploring the lovely town of Dunfanaghy (you must go to the Rusty Oven for some delicious pizza if you’re up this way). For a delicious, hearty meal, check out the Singing Pub in Mevagh, just a short drive from the house.
Overall, our hosts were great, the cottage was absolutely lovely, and we would definitely come back if given the opportunity! If you are looking for an authentic and cozy stay in Donegal, this thatched cottage is a must!