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The Whins - Traditional Irish Cottage

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Exterior
Living room
Living room
Living room
View

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 280 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Fanad, Donegal (county)
  • Fanad Head
  • Sandy Hills Golf Course
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Portsalon Beach
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Londonderry (LDY-City of Derry)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Shower room 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

The Whins - Traditional Irish Cottage

Cosy cottage retaining original features. The cottage is situated in a rural peaceful area with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Surrounding the cottage is rough uncultivated land of rocks, whin bushes, bog land and marsh therefore more suited to adults as there is no play area. Two bedroom cottage sleeps 3/4 people. Cosy sitting room with large open fireplace. The kitchen provides everything you need for home cooking with dining table. White bed linen, white towels (fresh towels supplied mid-week)central heating and fuel for open fire supplied without charge. Electricity is metered (2 euro coins). Baby cot and high chair available. The cottage is certified by Failte Ireland "Irish Tourist Board"
We have two cottages on the site, each with their own private laneway and patio: see advert 623913 to view the other cottage.

Property manager

Margaret & Michael McElwee

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Europe

Map
Fanad, Donegal (county)

What's nearby

  • Carrigart Riding Stables - 11 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Sandy Hills Golf Course - 15 min drive - 10.9 km
  • Fanad - 17 min drive - 14.1 km
  • Portsalon Beach - 24 min drive - 18.3 km
  • Marble Hill Strand - 34 min drive - 31.5 km

Getting around

  • Letterkenny (LTR-Letterkenny Airfield) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Harbour Bar - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Singing Pub - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Loagues Of Cranford - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Goose And Gander - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Gallery - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Whins - Traditional Irish Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Whins - Traditional Irish Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Whins - Traditional Irish Cottage?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Whins - Traditional Irish Cottage located?

Situated in the mountains, this cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Carrigart Riding Stables, Sandy Hills Golf Course and Carrigart Beach. Fanad and Fanad Head are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Hospitality

Great location for exploring the northern donegal peninsulas, especially beach walks. Host & her daughter extremely warm, helpful & welcoming. Great craic!
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

We spent two lovely weeks in Margarets wonderful and quiet cottage. We enjoyed it very much!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Klaus W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing time

We enjoyed our stay. The furnishing of the Holiday Home was good. The heating should start earlier at 6 PM and last until 9 PM. Even so we liked it there, we found it too expensive.Nevertheless we can recommend the place.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Johannes H E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Nice owner

Prima cottage Leuk contact met de eigenaresse. Ze vertelt veel over Ierland en wat er allemaal te zien is
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

J M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Donegal

Had wonderful few days in authentic irish cottage. Located near nice beaches for walks, glenveigh national park and fanad lighthouse all easily close by. The small town of carrigart and rosepenna made getting lunch or dinner easy as well. The cottage though was well stocked to never leave during your stay if that is your wish also. If your interested in the history of donegal and the area set aside some time to talk to the hosts they know the history well! Highly recommend and would book again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Meike B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super schönes cottage haben die ruhe genossen

Alles super geklappt
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Christian P.

Gemütliches Häuschen in traumhafter Natur!

Wir haben unseren Urlaub in Fanad sehr genossen. Das Haus ist sauber, hübsch und mit allem ausgestattet was man benötigt. Gelegen in der wildromantischen Natur im Norden Irlands, sah man rundherum nichts außer sattgrüner Weiden, Hügel und ein paar Schafe und Kühe. Es war der perfekte Ausgangspunkt für Ausflüge. Irland hat dort soviel zu bieten. Traumhafte Strände, wilde Klippen und unberührte Natur. Unsere Gastgeberin Margaret war so aufmerksam, liebenswürdig und hilfsbereit. Wir wurden mit frischem Gemüse und leckeren Scones begrüßt und selbst für unsere Tochter wurden auf die Schnelle noch ein paar Spiele und Bücher organisiert. Wir können unsere nächste Reise an diesen Ort kaum erwarten und werden dann sehr gern wieder Gast bei Margaret und Michael sein!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dirk B., Magdeburg

Absolut empfehlenswert!

Ein uriges Cottage, in dem es an nichts fehlt. Die Lage ist beeindruckend und lässt einen gut zur Ruhe kommen. Sehr liebenswerte Gastgeber empfingen uns freundlich und standen auch die ganze Zeit über für Informationen zur Verfügung. Interessante Ziele im Norden Donegals und in Nordirland sind problemlos in Tagestouren erreichbar. Absolutes Muss: Besichtigung von Michaels über 400 Jahre altem Familiencottage, zu dem er uns gerne einlud. Danke!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful Traditional Cottage and Peaceful Location

The area and the cottage were fantastic. The cottage was very authentic and the area very picturesque. We really enjoyed relaxing in front of the open fire. Micheal and Margaret were great hosts and provided us with fire and towel supplies throughout the week. The local beaches are beautiful and quiet, pefect for a scenic walk. We definitely recommend for a relaxing break in the countryside and will be back next year!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael U.

Super

Parfait.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Brigitte N.

beste Unterkunft die wir je hatten

Das ist einfach Irische Lebensart in Perfektion. Das Cottage liegt absolut ruhig die Vermiter kümmern sich um alles, man bekommt wertvoll tips und vor allem haben wir in den 10 tagen selbst angebautes gemüse und Obst erhalten. was will man mehr. jederzeit wieder ein Aufenthalt hioer in Fanad. Vielen Dank
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

benoit w.

Fanad - tranquille et authentique

Très jolie maison dans un cadre idyllique. La route toute proche est très tranquille et ne nuit en rien à la tranquillité du site. Le nouveau pont tout proche permet de rejoindre rapidement la péninsule voisine. Accueil très chaleureux par les propriétaires toujours disponibles et dont les confitures et les légumes sont délicieux. Mer avec plages de sable fin et côtes rocheuses toute proche, promenades et nombreux sites à visiter. Le Donegal est une superbe région qui n'a rien à envier au Connemara, mais avec beaucoup moins de touristes. Une région à ne pas manquer. Nous y avons passé de très agréables vacances.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marie-Laure B.

Holidays in Donegal

"We really enjoyed our stay at Margaret and Mickael''s cottage. They have been helpful and willing to give sound advice to make the most of our stay. Indeed, the fire in the evening made us feel comfortable and cosy.We highly rcommand the visits to Glenveagh Castle and National Park, and also Malin Head and the beautiful beach at Port Salon( even though we did''nt manage to swim...... Ideal for people who love quiet and genuine places"
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fanad - eine wundervolle ...

Fanad - eine wundervolle Landschaft. Im Haus fehlte nichts und war ideal für uns. Wer sieht schon um 5 Uhr morgens den Sonnenaufgang vom Bett aus. Der Besitzer erklärte uns das Heizen mit Torf im Cheminée, hatte gute Tipps, brachte Kuchen, Brote, selbstgemachte Rhabarberkonfiture und liess es uns an nichts fehlen. Ein romantischer Ort für alle Naturliebhaber.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Eric L.

un mot : excellent

Que dire de plus, tout n'était que bonheur : le site, la maison, l'équipement, la propreté.... et pour couronner l'ensemble Margharet et Mickael qui sont la gentillesse personnifiée. Que du bonheur, ils n'ont de cesse de savoir si tout va bien, si rien ne manque.... Adresse et propriétaires remarquable. Merci encore pour cette semaine merveilleuse.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

"Charmant cottage Irlanda...

"Charmant cottage Irlandais dans un environnement exceptionnel et très calme. Les propriétaires sont très attentionnés et se sont assurés que notre séjour se passait pour le mieux. Légumes du jardin bio apportés dans la semaine, recharge de combustibles pour la cheminée (tourbe, typiquement irlandais!). Concernant l''électricité, pas d''inquiétude à avoir, le tarif est très raisonnable. Il y a également une machine à laver, (buanderie) et de quoi faire un barbecue, vaisselle, draps et serviettes fournis. Etat de propreté irréprochable. Pour les courses, le village est à quelques minutes en voiture. De belles ballades sont à faire autour du cottage, une sélection est proposée par les propriétaires. Très bel endroit que nous conseillons à ceux qui cherchent un lieu authentique! "
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

"Accueil très chaleureux ...

"Accueil très chaleureux et adaptation aux besoins d''un très jeune enfant (3 ans). Très bon accueil."
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

yvan B.

"Très bonne prestation, c...

"Très bonne prestation, cottage en tous points conforme à notre attente. Environnement calme, très typique. Propriétaires très serviables. Nous avons passé une semaine excellente.Nous y retournerons"
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

"C'est une maison très jo...

"C'est une maison très jolie au milieu d'un paysage merveilleux et intact. Les propriétaires Margaret et Michael sont des gens très très sympa et ils font tout possible pour ses hôtes! c'etait le sejour meilleur de tout notre voyage en irlande. merci pour votre hospitalité!"
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lian S.

"Het huisje ziet er net z...

"Het huisje ziet er net zo uit als op de internetsite. Heel huiselijk ingericht en van alle gemakken voorzien. De eigenaren doen alles voor je om het naar je zin te maken. Niets is hun teveel. Rustige omgeving, goed uitgangspunt voor het maken van mooie tochten of wandelroutes. Er staat nog een ander huisje naast maar hier zijn ze nog mee bezig om het om te knappen. Voor herhaling vatbaar. We hadden totaal nog geen zin om naar ons eigen huis terug te keren."
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

"Un maison très sympatiqu...

"Un maison très sympatique, à l''abri d''une colline. La propriétaire, Margaret se laisse volontiers entrainer du 16°s à nos jours pour faire un point historique. Et même si la température ne l''imposait pas, un petit feu de tourbe devant une peau de bête ... . Bon spot de surf à proximité et une fabrique de cosmétiques/parfums artisanaux en plus des nombreux chateaux. Le musée Cusak vaut le détour. Le paradis de la pêche à pied pour ceux que cela tente : des bigorneaux hors du commun. Sinon, demandez à rencontrer un pêcheur de homard : au tarif local, il ne faut pas se priver."

About the host

Hosted by Margaret & Michael McElwee

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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