The Perfect Holiday Home on the Spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland

Beach
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
Combined shower/tub, hair dryer, towels, soap
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
4 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi

About this house rental

Located in Donegal City, this attractive house for $277 per night is a fantastic option for your next break. 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 / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly

Map of Donegal City

Reviews

5.0/5.0
Outstanding(52 Reviews)
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!
5.0
May 2023
Beautiful property located in the country side, very peaceful and relaxing. 15 minutes to town made it handy for groceries and restaurants. Beach near by is a bit of a walk but a quick drive. Lots of great sites to see in the surrounding areas. Was one of our top family vacations. Would highly recommend this property.
5.0
Jan 2023
We were delighted when we arrived and saw that they had put up a Christmas tree and lights. A great touch. We had a large group of 10 and it was terrific. A short drive from Donegal Town and many other places are easily accessible. The house having some basics when you arrive is excellent. The pantry has lots of spices and odds and ends so that you can easily make a meal. Most nights we cozied up in the living room and playing games altogether. Jennifer the caretaker was amazing and helped us being sure we had firewood and turf and knew how to work the oven. (Timer must be on…who knew?) Just an amazing experience for us all! Thank you!!
5.0
Dec 2022
We were delighted when we arrived and saw that they had put up a Christmas tree and lights. A great touch. We had a large group of 10 and it was terrific. A short drive from Donegal Town and many other places are easily accessible. The house having some basics when you arrive is excellent. The pantry has lots of spices and odds and ends so that you can easily make a meal. Most nights we cozied up in the living room and playing games altogether. Jennifer the caretaker was amazing and helped us being sure we had firewood and turf and knew how to work the oven. (Timer must be on…who knew?) Just an amazing experience for us all! Thank you!!

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 / kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, parking, and laundry.

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