The Perfect Holiday Home on the Spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland
Home
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2 
Bathrooms: 1
Description
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 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
Essentials- Hair dryer
- Iron and board
- Air conditioning
- Clothes dryer
- Toilet paper
- Wireless internet
- Microwave
- Coffee maker
- Oven
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Blender
- Coffee grinder
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Grill
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Dishes and utensils
- Dishes and utensils
- Lobster pot
- Kitchen
- Kitchenette
- Dining
- Television(Tv)
- Satellite / Cable
- Outdoor Grill
- No Smoking
- Internet
- Paper towels
- Heater
- Children Welcome
Rates
| Season | Nightly | Weekly | Weekend | Monthly | Min Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate -- |
£277 | - | - | - | 3 |
Terry R
Better than all my already high expectations!
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!
Jennifer G.
Family trip to Ireland
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.
Jill T.
Wonderful cozy spot for a Christmas Get away
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!!
kevin m.
Donegal Farmhouse
Lovely Property in Donegal near horse, cows, sheep and a cemetery 10 minutes car to town
Sue S.
Perfect! All the comforts of home!!!
Absolutely love this beautiful old stone farm house. Fabulous location close enough to walk to the beach. Great place from which to stage a touring of County Donegal. Extremely well equipped. Having a washer and dryer made it possible for all of us to go with carryon luggage for a 2 week stay. All of the bedrooms
Terry R
Better than all my already high expectations!
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!
Jennifer G.
Family trip to Ireland
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.
Jill T.
Wonderful cozy spot for a Christmas Get away
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!!
kevin m.
Donegal Farmhouse
Lovely Property in Donegal near horse, cows, sheep and a cemetery 10 minutes car to town
Sue S.
Perfect! All the comforts of home!!!
Absolutely love this beautiful old stone farm house. Fabulous location close enough to walk to the beach. Great place from which to stage a touring of County Donegal. Extremely well equipped. Having a washer and dryer made it possible for all of us to go with carryon luggage for a 2 week stay. All of the bedrooms