We had a lovely stay in the lodge at Bruckless, it made a great base for exploring South-west Donegal. Our children enjoyed the leafy setting with access to the pier and inlet for beach-combing. Jane made us very welcome and we felt very much at home in the cottage. Bruckless is only 10 minutes from Killybegs, a really charming port town with lots to offer. I’d recommend the Fleet Inn & Anderson’s The Boathouse for dinner and the Seafood Shack for tasty fish takeaways. We loved Mrs. B’s Coffee-house for breakfast, gorgeous food and really friendly service. Go before 10.30am if you can as it gets busy. Ahoy cafe is good too for breakfast & lunch as is Milis for icecream, crepes and nice coffee. We bought lovely fresh fish from the nicest fishmonger in Ireland, at The Fish Shop at the top of the town. SuperValu in KB only 10 mins away for groceries and a handy service station/shop near the lodge also.
The Blue Flag Fintra Beach (with lifeguard & toilets) was our ‘go-to’ beach, gorgeous and safe, only a few kms from Killybegs. We also went further afield to a stunning beach (despite 170 steps down to it) called Silver Strand at Malinbeg. This gives Akeem beach in Achill a run for its money as Ireland’s most picturesque beach. Very safe but no lifeguard. Toilets & coffee truck above the beach. You can explore the beautiful Glencolumcille area afterwards. We also visited the awesome Sliabh Liag sea cliffs, beach and caves at Maghery & nearby Assaranca waterfall, and Portnoo/Narin beach all from our base in Bruckless. Pretty Donegal town with castle and waterbus tour of the bay, and Ardara town both worthy of a visit. Friendliness of locals in Donegal would do your heart good. You will not be disappointed in choosing Bruckless Lodge as your base.