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Elnan Cottage - A quiet escape

Photo gallery for Elnan Cottage - A quiet escape

Property grounds
A neatly made bed with two pillows, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, a wooden dresser, and a chair.
Bathroom
Bathroom
Room

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Unmatched views, unforgettable moments
    Guests like the location for the scenic views.
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Deck or patio
  • Internet access
  • Balcony or patio

Explore the area

View map
Ballyliffin, County Donegal
  • Place, Ballyliffin Golf Course
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Doagh Famine Village
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Place, Carrickbrackey Castle
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Airport, Letterkenny (LTR-Letterkenny Airfield)
    ‪70 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Elnan Cottage - A quiet escape

This early 20th century 3-bedroom house has been extensively refurbished and modernized. It sleeps 6 with two double bedrooms and one twin bedded room. There are two bathrooms, (one en suite), a sitting room/dining area and separate kitchen.
The house is set back from the road, nestling at the foot of a mountain. A large grassed area at the front of the house provides space for children to play, (but due to a shallow stream on the boundary, young children should be supervised).
The village of Ballyliffin is a short distance away with a shop, petrol station, fast food shop and four large hotels. The world renowned Ballyliffin Links Golf Course is visible from the house and less than a mile away by road.
The nearest beach, Pollen Bay is a short drive away and is just one of the many picturesque beaches within easy reach of the house.
Situated on the Inishowen Peninsula this house is in one of Ireland's most beautiful areas. Opportunities for walking, cycling , golf, surfing and horse riding are all close at hand, as well as places of historical interest.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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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

Property # 8379364
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Ballyliffin

Located in Ballyliffin, this holiday home is in a rural area and by the sea. Doagh Famine Village and Carrickbrackey Castle are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Glenevin Waterfall and Five Fingers Strand. Discover the area's water adventures with surfing/body boarding and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and cycling.
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Map
Ballyliffin, County Donegal

What's nearby

  • Ballyliffin Golf Course - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Doagh Famine Village - 13 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Carrickbrackey Castle - 19 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Fort Dunree - 24 min drive - 24.6 km
  • Vintage Car and Carriage Museum - 25 min drive - 23.5 km

Getting around

  • Londonderry (LDY-City of Derry) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Nancy's Barn - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Caffe Banba - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Butterbean Restaurant & B&B - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Market House Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪north pole - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Elnan Cottage - A quiet escape pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Elnan Cottage - A quiet escape?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Elnan Cottage - A quiet escape?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Elnan Cottage - A quiet escape?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Elnan Cottage - A quiet escape located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from Ballyliffin Golf Course and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Glenevin Waterfall. Doagh Famine Village and Carrickbrackey Castle are also within 6 miles (10 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. 37 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stephen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My wife and I rented this property in order to explore my family history in the region. The location, facilities, and the host were all wonderful. We will be back.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2026
We are very pleased that you enjoyed your stay, and that the house met your needs for the purpose of your visit. Hopefully we can welcome you back in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Neil M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful setting and short drive to a beautiful, wild beach. Cottage was really comfortable, clean and cosy.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nancy S.

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

Fantastic location and property

We loved our stay at the cottage. The location was fantastic, the cottage was well set up and spacious. We already booked it for our holiday next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Eric W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It is a lovely property. We would definitely go back to this property and/or recommend it to others. The location was great, the host was helpful and very nice, the property was clean, but I have to remember its not the same weather, humidity, etc. there will be a little mildew, etc. the sheets, dishes, towels and everything else were all perfect and the house smelled good.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 July 2026
We are glad you enjoyed your stay Eric. Thank you for your comments, we value feedback from guests.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Roisin M.

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

Beautiful cottage

Enjoyed a wonderful week staying in this beautiful cottage. Great host , made us feel very welcome.. Will be back for sure 👍🍀
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 September 2023
Glad that you enjoyed your stay, and that the cottage met your needs. Look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sherry A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely accommodations. Perfect. For three of us. Susan was very welcoming and warm. Loved having the sheep in the front yard. We ventured to Malin Head , the Famine Village Dunluce Castle and the Giants Causeway. Thank You for sharing your home highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2026
So glad that you enjoyed your stay and the house met your needs. Susan and Philip do a brilliant job looking after the place for us. Thank you for your comments. Hope we can welcome you back in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nancy S.

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

Amazing Cottage - Perfect for any holiday

We loved our stay! It is perfect for any holiday. This is our second year staying at the cottage. We look forward to staying at the home next year.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect. The house is a great location and immaculate. Philip was available if we needed anything and we enjoyed our stay. Thanks uou for renting to us.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bob W.

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

Lenan Cottage is the Best!!

This my second stay at the cottage and won’t be the last. It is in a great location, perfect size, and the modern amenities are top notch. Pat and Barb are great hosts.
Stayed 11 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2023
So glad you enjoyed your stay, and that the cottage met your needs so well. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Anne k.

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

Comfortable and beautiful cottage

We really enjoyed our stay there. It's in a lovely peaceful area and close to amenities and some lovely beaches and interesting areas to visit. I loved being able to just switch off as we all did. The cottage is very comfortable, cozy and well maintained
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 July 2023
So glad that you enjoyed your stay and that the house and facilities met your needs, and gave you the opportunity to relax.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bob W.

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

Simply the Best

This is my third stay. The cottage is lovely. It is clean and the perfect size and location. I will continue to return.
Stayed 11 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John M.

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

Donegal times

Superb location. House brilliantly equipped. Squeaky clean on arrival.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

susan d.

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

Perfect spot in Inishowen

My sisters and I had a great stay at Elnan Cottage, a wonderful place to explore all that the Inishowen Peninsula has to offer. One evening, we walked to Nancy's Barn for traditional Irish music and drinks and had a fabulous lunch there the next day. In the morning, we walked on the stunning nearby beach. The cottage is well-equipped and super comfortable. I'm looking forward to returning!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Pat O.

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

Elnan Cottage, a treasure

This is a lovely cottage, beautifully restored. There was everything you could need for your stay. The double bed was a little low for me and the television was pretty high on the wall, but otherwise it was a great place. Susan met us when we arrived and she gave us lots of suggestions for places to visit and also for pubs/restaurants - most of which we went to.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sean B.

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

Hidden Gem!

Beautiful location. And the picture of he cottage don't do it justice. The cottage is several hundred years old, but they've done a fabulous job with the remodel. It was warm & comfortable. The kitchen had everything you could hope for and the internet was good too.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 October 2022
Thank you for your comments, so glad you had a comfortable stay and the cottage met your needs. We have plans to update the photos, thank you for pointing that out.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ivan W.

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

ELNAN COTTAGE

Beautiful location for a lovely cottage. Views were brilliant of the Atlantic Ocean, country fields and nearby hills. My friend and I played the Glashedy Links and the Old Course on the superb Ballyliffin Golf Course. You can see the club's golf course from the front door of the cottage. The weather was amazing for the time of year 13th to the 16th of November. Our wives enjoyed driving around viewing the area and the great scenery. We all had a great time and looking forward to staying there next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 November 2022
So glad that you enjoyed your stay and that the house and surrounding area met your needs for a fantastic stay. Return visits are always welcome.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patricia Hanna K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unkompliziertes Einchecken und sehr nette Kommunikation mit dem Ansprechpartner vor Ort. Schöne Umgebung.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Annette J.

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

Eine wirklich empfehlenswerte Unterkunft

Wir waren eine gute Woche in Elnan Cottage und haben die Zeit sehr genossen. Das Cottage ist genau so wie im Internet beschrieben, gemütlich und voll ausgestattet. Es hat an nichts gefehlt. Die Lage ist ebenfalls prima, nah am Strand und dem nächst gelegenen Ort Ballyliffin aber trotzdem wunderbar ruhig. Die Inishowen Peninsula rund um das Cottage ist sehr schön, wirklich eine Reise wert. Auch die Betreuung von Susan und Phil war prima. Wir würden auf jeden Fall wiederkommen.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 June 2023
We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay at Elnan Cottage, and that it met your needs in terms of location and facilities. We look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bob W.

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

Amazing Cottage

Our stay was perfect. Pat and Barb took care of everything. The location and cleanliness of the cottage was perfect. I can’t wait to come back!!!! Bob W.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

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

Lovely family stay in the Elnan Cottage - Ballyliffin

Fantastic cottage with loads of space to relax as a base for a visit to the area for a wedding. Comfortable home with lots of space and plenty of extras in the cottage. We had great weather so did not use the heating but this was all explained upon arrival but having WiFi definitely helped for the kids to get connected. There was also lots of games, books, dvds etc for you to make use of. Great check-in and check-out process and we would definitely stay again to visit the surrounding area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

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

Schöner Ort der Entschleunigung

Schönes, geschmackvoll eingerichtetes Cottage mit sehr netten Gastgebern. Jederzeit wieder ein Besuch wert!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie L.

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

Schöne Zeit auf Inishowen

Es hat uns sehr gut gefallen. Das Haus war sehr gut ausgestattet und die Sofas superbequem. Sehr nette Begrüßung, gute Tipps (Essen bei Simpsons! Toll!), richtig bequeme Betten und Kuscheldecken. Wir haben uns sehr wohlgefühlt.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Caroline S.

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

Cottage was spotless clean all you needed for 4 nights stay was therd for 4 nights stay was there .

Lovely property close to all a.enities beach restraunts etc. Spotless clean nice atmosphere in cottage enjoyed by all Thsnk you Warm Regardd Caroline Swann
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Martin M.

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

Lovely house, great stay

House was as described, everything you could need for a stay, thanks
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael P.

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

Elnan Cottage

Stayed for 1 week and it was a lovely location. Had all mod cons but still had character. Short drives to many scenic areas. Near restaurants, shops and takeaways. Thanks to Susan, Phillip. Looking forward to staying again in the near future.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Pat & Barbara

Host profile image
This was my parents house, and where my mother was born. I have been going to this house since I was six months old, and when I inherited the house and surrounding fields, I couldn't bear to part with it. One day I hope to retire here and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area.

What makes this property unique

This house was built early in the 20th centuary, and I remember the big open turf fire where all the cooking was done, along with going out to the small stream that runs beside the property to get the drinking water. It has now been brought into the 21st centuary, but you can still see signs of the old building layout.

Languages:

English
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