The Perfect Holiday Home on the Spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland

Beach
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior detail
Food and drink
Exterior
5.0
Outstanding(60 Reviews)

House in Donegal City

12 guests · 4 bedrooms · 3 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this house rental

Accommodations: The Hilltown is a historic, recently renovated, traditional farmhouse plus additions, stable and farm buildings on 50 acres of actively farmed land - four bedrooms, three baths - sleeps up to ten.

Description: William McKinley, born in 1882 in a thatched cottage a mile from the Hilltown, emigrated to the US, and then returned to purchase the Hilltown in 1928. His reason? He wanted his expanding American family to learn of their roots. His parents and some of his siblings are buried in the Drumhome Churchyard on the hill directly opposite the house. Three of his grandchildren, the current owners, have rehabilitated and modernized the house from top to bottom while striving to retain the charm and feel of the traditional Irish farmhouse which they experienced as children. The house is located on a hillside with panoramic views of long, green, drumlin hills at the head of the Donegal Bay. These hills in turn are framed by the Blue Stack Mountains some 15 miles distant.

In mid-summer, when all is in darkness around the house, the tops of the Blue Stacks are often bathed in the sun’s last orange rays. Murvagh Beach, a three-mile strand on the South side of the bay, where the tide recedes for up to one quarter of a mile, is minutes from the front door. Donegal Golf Club, locally known as Murvagh Golf Club, is a superb links course described as the Muirfield of Ireland and is located about one mile away. Several pubs are also within a mile. What else does one need?

The Hilltown has proven to be the perfect setting for Irish-style decompression. It has been the romantic location of choice for many honeymoons, and a cozy nest from which three generations of McKinley heirs and many of their friends have launched excursions throughout the northwest of Ireland.

Amenities: Working fireplaces located in kitchen, dining room and sitting room with turf and wood provided. Full kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooking utensils provided. Mudroom has large-sized washer and dryer. Dining room oak table seats eight. Two bedrooms have queen-sized beds, a third one has two queen-sized beds, and a bunk-room (with a half bath) can accommodate four kids. Linens provided. Two bathrooms, one with shower and the other with tub. Satellite TV and CD/DVD player in Sitting Room. WiFi signal is available.

Activities: Extensive hiking and mountain climbing opportunities including Slieve League, the highest edge-of-the-Atlantic mountain on the west coast of Europe, world-class golf courses within a days drive, cycling (mountain bikes can be rented in Donegal Town), beautiful beaches, horseback riding, ocean, lake and river fishing, exploration of ancient round forts, stone cairns, abbeys, castles and remains of great houses, trips to off-shore islands, shopping in Donegal Town, Ardara and Glencolumbkille for native tweeds and sweaters, boating, swimming, sailing, picnicking, and on and on.

Keywords: House

Amenities

Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly

Map of Donegal City

Reviews

5.0
Outstanding(60 Reviews)
5.0
Jun 2024
Absolutely charming house and location. Plenty of places to walk - beach was a favorite for our family. Loads of charm, room to spread out and comfortable beds. Jennifer the house agent is incredibly friendly and great with communication.
5.0
May 2024
Beautiful, spacious, comfortable, well-equipped house in a rural location. Our group of 8 had plenty of space & options for sleeping. We were lucky to have great weather during our stay so took full advantage of the outside patio area. The scenery is out of this world. Bedrooms were lovely and comfy, the kitchen and big dining room perfect for a group to cook at home. A short drive into Donegal Town was a small surprise based on the description of the property where it states walking distances to nearby attractions. This should be more accurate but wasn't a big deal. Communication with the property manager was excellent. The morning cow parade past the property was a special treat that everyone enjoyed.
5.0
Apr 2024
This was one of my family's favorite adventures that we've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. Hilltown was an amazing house and an amazing property. Both the house and the surrounding area are absolutely beautiful. The house had everything that our family of five needed, and it would certainly accommodate at least two families. We hiked all over the property, drove (5 minutes) to the beach, visited the resident horses and sheep, and explored Donegal Town Centre which was 15 minutes away. We were able to drive 1.5 hours to Malin Head, 2 hours to Giant's Causeway / Bushmills, and 2 hours to Belfast. The owners and property managers (located nearby) were exceptionally helpful before and during our stay. I would highly recommend this house for a relaxing family adventure with plenty nearby for fun. We look forward to visiting again soon! Thank you for having us, we loved our time here.
5.0
Sep 2023
Our family had the best time in this gorgeous house. The location is off the beaten path, the views are spectacular, the locals couldn't have been more friendly. Hilltown gave us the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the company of all under one cozy roof. We had our walks in the woods, visits by the ocean, trips into Donegal town, Glenveagh National Park, Slieve League, fresh fish in Killybegs, or just sitting on the hill and enjoying the view. Our caretaker Jennifer and host Michael were always just a phone call away. Thank you Hilltown for giving us the happiest vacation our family could ever have imagined.
5.0
Aug 2023
what a wonderful location and beautiful house so well equipped and maintained! The property manager was very helpful and lived near by. you can’t go wrong if you rent this property.
5.0
Jul 2023
Wonderful house and location
5.0
Jul 2023
We all thoroughly our week at the Hilltown, even the two days we were forced to ‘stay in’ due to constant rain our seven grandchildren ages ranging from 2 to 13 had great fun playing in this very spacious house. (Only niggle there were little spiders making their webs in the corners which freaked out one of the girls)!! The Hilltown is an historic family home and I really enjoyed reading some of the history of the area. It is a lovely home to relax in and even though we’d rain most days we also got to see quite a bit of the surrounding area. Glenveigh National park is a must visit and also the beautiful local beach(Murvagh). We also took the kids for a day to Castletown Farm and activity park- this was a great hit with the kids. We had planned on a day trip to Bundoran but weather did not permit. Everything you need and more to self cater is provided for and all the instructions and info that was emailed before we arrived Ll was of great help. Many thanks for our great holiday in your historic family home, Michael, and we will hopefully return again.
5.0
Jun 2023
I found this property listed on VRBO several years ago, and wistfully planned and replanned how we might visit the Northwest of Ireland again and stay there. And this year, we made a 10 day stay happen! The house is wonderful..:comfortable, with plenty of space, nice kitchen, baths and beds. We had fantasy-like weather, so walks outside and coffee/wine on the patio were a huge bonus to our stay. Michael sent a lot of helpful material about the house and the area ahead of time. Once there, Jennifer and Geoffrey were terrific property managers who helped with recommendations and any quick questions. When you want to go to dinner and/or listen to music in town, a taxi service (we used Michael Gallagher who was superb) will ease any worries of a drive in the evening after a Guinness. It was an amazing stay due to such an amazing property and the good people who make you welcome. I’d go back in a heartbeat, even without the incredible patio weather! Thank you Michael, Jennifer and Geoffrey!

FAQs

How much does this house cost compared to others in Donegal City?

The average price for a rental in Donegal City is $94 per night. This rental is $183 above the average.

Is parking included with this house?

Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at The Perfect Holiday Home on the Spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is The Perfect Holiday Home on the Spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at The Perfect Holiday Home on the Spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland?

We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, parking, and laundry.

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