Guests say
Joe's Cottage in Ardara offers stunning views, a cosy atmosphere, and a warm welcome from the hosts. Guests appreciate the well-equipped property, its cleanliness, and the thoughtful touches like tea and cake on arrival. The location is praised for its natural beauty and proximity to local attractions. While most reviews are glowing, a few mention minor issues with maintenance and comfort.
The cottage is consistently described as very clean and well maintained, with numerous guests noting the tidy and cosy environment. Only one review mentioned the property as tired, which suggests an isolated viewpoint.
The location is highly praised for its beautiful views, proximity to nature, and easy access to Ardara and local beaches. It is described as a perfect base for exploring Donegal.
Many guests find the cottage comfortable, with a cosy wood burner and a homely feel. However, one review mentioned an old and uncomfortable mattress, suggesting room for improvement in this area.
Facilities are generally regarded as excellent, with a well-equipped kitchen and additional amenities. Some guests experienced issues with Wi-Fi, TV, and door locks, indicating some aspects may require attention.
Guests frequently mention the thoughtful gestures from the hosts, such as tea and cake on arrival and helpful local information. While these gifts are warmly received, they are personal touches and may vary with each stay.
About this property
Offering captivating views across Loughros Bay, situated just a few miles away from the pretty town of Ardara, is this heart-warming retreat, Joe's Cottage. This all-ground-floor accommodation is ideally placed for a couple or a group of friends looking to explore the Wild Atlantic Way around majestic County Donegal, carved by a rugged coastline, wild landscapes and an interesting history. After soaking up the views of the Atlantic inlet, be welcomed into the spacious sitting room, where two sofas rest in front of a warming wood-burning stove, offering you and your loved ones comfort during those winter months. If you are seeking an hour away from the rest of the group, retreat into the smaller snug, where you can curl up with a good book whilst the open-fire gently fills the room with warmth. Step into the kitchen, where you will be delighted to find all the essentials you could possibly need to cater for your own delicious meal that can be enjoyed at the dining table, where you and your family can plan the days ahead. As the evening draws to a close, look forward to retiring to one of the well-presented double bedrooms, each designed with a refreshing colour palette, ample storage and space and complete with delightful views of your surroundings. Step outside to spend a moment or two within the large garden where you can enjoy the views further and make the most of the large lawn area where you are free to roam during a summers afternoon. If you don't feel like cooking one evening, venture to the nearby town of Ardara, which was voted Best Village to live in, in Ireland 2012 Irish Times. Ardara is considered one of the most attractive towns in Donegal, where you will find a selection of traditional Irish pubs, Irish Music and craic. There is a choice of shops and craft shops for picking up handmade tweeds, knitwear, ceramics and local and regional artists work, ideal for gifts and essentials. For those more energetic, bike rental is also
available in Ardara town. The local Catholic Church of the Irish family has an original Evie Hone stained glass window which was inserted in 1953 is well worth a viewing. Only 5 minutes drive to the local beach at Loughros Point beach (Durling Stones beach) and 15 minutes drive to the fabulous Blue Flag beach at Narin/ Portnoo and the Portnoo links Golf Course. Alternatively, venture slightly further afield to the larger town of Donegal, where you will find a superb selection of amenities and attractions including the medieval castle and the ruins of Franciscan Abbey, or head North west over the Glengesh mountain pass to the traditional thatched village in Glencolmcille, and the famous 2000 ft Slieve League Cliffs which Lonely Planet recommends as a must-see. Attractions within close reach of the cottage includes the scenic drive to
the harbour of Killybegs, where you will find superb fishing opportunities, or venture the glorious beach at Portnoo, or for those feeling active there is the Blue Stack Mountains to explore, or book in to the annual Adara hill-walking festival. Joe's Cottage is an outstanding base for exploring this wonderful location with your loved ones.
Ardara was nominated as one of the 'best villages to live in' in 2012, in Donegal, resting within the valley where the Owentocher River enters Loughros More Bay. Within the town you will find a selection of shops and a choice of traditional Irish pubs. Attractions within the area includes walking the Glengesh Pass with views over the Atlantic from Loughros Point.
Accommodation
All ground floor.
Two bedrooms: 2 x double.
Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC.
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room with woodburning stove.
Snug with open fire.
Oil central heating with woodburning stove and open fire.
Dishwasher, washing machine, fridge/freezer, microwave, electric oven and hob, 2 x TVs, wifi.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Fuel, power and starter pack for fire included in rent.
Off-road parking.
Enclosed garden with gravelled area and lawn area.
Sorry, no smoking or pets allowed.
Sorry, no hen or stag parties allowed.
Pub and Shop within 2.5 miles.
Safety Caution Note: The stair-ladder to access the mezzanine floor above the sitting room is strictly out of bounds.
Safety Caution Note: When lit the stove or fire becomes a hot surface/flammable surface.
Safety Caution Note: When using either the stove or open fire the protective spark guard screen/cover must be used at all times to prevent burns or sparks escaping from hot surfaces.
Reviews (26)
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Michael
Working out hot water, heating and light switches interesting. Place felt comfortable and homely.
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Marie
Shame we arrived late because of ferry and didn't get to meet John. But he was very responsive via WhatsApp.
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Alan
Generally the facilities were adequate. However the cottage generally was tired and in need of improvement. The outside was not attractive and littered with odd bits and pieces and a broken fence at the front. The mattress was old and uncomfortable and in need of replacement. The door locks were difficult to operate as stated in a previous review. The Wi-Fi connection was intermittent and we could only get one tv to work. Although post it notes were helpful it would have been better to have had a short brochure giving details of how things worked and what was expected of us. There was no information for example with regard disposal of rubbish. Generally a little disappointing.