Guests say
The Mermaid cottage in County Donegal is highly praised for its cleanliness, comfortable beds, and beautiful location near the beach. Guests appreciate the well-kept garden, the property's dog-friendliness, and the availability of local amenities. The steep stairs are noted, but the charm of the cottage and the helpfulness of the caretaker, Breda, contribute to a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
Guests consistently mention the spotless condition of the cottage, indicating a high standard of cleanliness that contributes to the comfort and enjoyment of their stay.
The cottage's location is frequently described as lovely, with proximity to the beach, pub, and local amenities. The scenic views and peaceful surroundings are appreciated, although the suggestion for a mirror at the driveway exit indicates a minor concern for safety when leaving the property.
The comfort of the beds and living spaces is often highlighted, though the steep stairs are a recurring point of concern, particularly for guests with mobility issues or small children.
Facilities such as a well-equipped kitchen, washing line, and appliances are well-received. However, the steep stairs and the need for a gate to prevent pets and children from accessing the road are noted as areas for improvement.
While the reviews reflect a positive experience with the caretaker and the provision of useful local information, there is no mention of gifts or special touches that would fall under the category of thoughtfulness. Therefore, a score cannot be provided.
About this property
Enjoying captivating views of Maghery Lough, the Atlantic Ocean and Arranmore Island on the outskirts of the bustling town of Dungloe is this old country house, The Mermaid. This spacious accommodation has been designed with large groups in mind, perfect for a number of couples, friends and families seeking to explore Ireland’s rugged coastline and wild landscapes. Look forward to hosting sociable evenings within the large kitchen/diner with surrounding windows filling the room with natural light and offering picturesque views of your surroundings. The property is charming with a maritime theme throughout. Fulfilling your culinary needs is the brightly decorated kitchen, where the designated chef of the group can rustle up a delicious evening meal that the entire family can enjoy together at the formal dining space. The charm of this room is brought to life by the woodburning stove which rests next to a working piano, promising hours of entertainment during one winter’s evening. Beyond here is the sitting room where an open fire awaits you and a TV for tuning into to unwind before heading to bed. If you fancy an hour’s peace and quiet away from the rest of the group, head into the snug with a good book in hand or plan the next day’s adventure. As the evening draws to a close, retire to the night’s embrace to one of the well-presented bedrooms each boasting plush double beds, ample storage for your belongings and a refreshing ambiance to wake up to each morning. Look forward to enjoying morning coffee upon the decked area with furniture, where you can soak up the captivating views of the Lough and Ocean. If you can tear yourself away from this wonderful base, head into Dungloe where a superb selection of amenities awaits you, with many pubs offering traditional Irish music to admire one evening. From the property you are a short walk away from the beach which is safe for swimming and enjoys picturesque scenery. Maghery village boasts a pub, a community centre, a sports field and a children’s play park, all within 5 minutes’ walk from the house. Stunning cliff walks are available around Crohy Head above the village of Maghery. For those feeling more adventurous, hop onto a boat from Burtonport harbour and travel to Arranmore and Rutland Island, or travel further afield to the Glenveagh National Park where a majestic landscape has reintroduced golden eagles into the skies. The Mermaid is an outstanding base for a group gathering to this part of Ireland.
The town of Dungloe in Donegal rests just 7.5 miles away from Arranmore Island and 32 miles away from Letterkenny. Within the town you will find a superb selection of amenities including a selection of shops, bars and eating places playing traditional Irish music. Throughout the year the town plays host to a number of events including the 'Mary from Dungloe' festival.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite bath, shower over, WC and basin, 3 x double.
1 x double sofa bed in snug (linen not provided, guests can use at their own discretion).
Ground-floor bathroom with bath, separate walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner with woodburning stove.
Utility.
Sitting room with open fire.
Snug.
Oil central heating with 1 x open fire, 1 woodburning stove (fire in the snug cannot be used).
Washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, dishwasher, electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, TV and WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for 2 cars.
Decked garden with furniture and fire pit.
One well-behaved pet welcome.
Sorry, no smoking allowed.
Note: No Stag/Hen parties or similar.
Pub within 0.5 miles, shop within 3.6 miles.
Please note: Stairs are steep and may not be suitable for persons with limited mobility
Reviews (18)
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Annette
Loved everything about it: stunning views, bright and spacious living area, beautiful furnishings and details, the wild garden, the piano (!) and the beautiful mermaid theme throughout. There were 8 of us (family of 6 + 2 friends) and it never felt cramped, quite the opposite. The house felt like a haven after a day of touring beautiful Donegal! Caretaker Breda was also beyond lovely to deal with. The only minor thing below par was the main shower. Everything else far exceeded our expectations.
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Julie
Our dog came with us on both occasions and we love the space it provides. I guess the only small issue is the steep wooden stairs but we are in our late fiftys have managed fine on them to date. No doubt we will be back in the future as we love the Dungloe area and coastline.
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Maria
Overall we had a fabulous holiday in the Mermaid Cottage & Breeda was excellent to deal with.