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An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Escape to peaceful surroundings where heritage meets tranquility. Enjoy lazy days by the fire or take in breathtaking views over Sheephaven Bay.

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Interior
Exterior
Exterior
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedroomsSleeps 5130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings

Teachín is a traditional stone wall Irish cottage located in Ballinacleava (Baile na tSleibhe) in the hills 2 miles outside of Downings and on the Wild Atlantic Way. The cottage is in a rural location (in a Gaeltacht area) and is perfect for somebody seeking relaxation through peace and quiet. The nearest neighbours are only occasionally at home and are located 200m away. When guests arrive, often the first comment is to reflect on how quiet the location is.

The cottage was fully renovated a few years ago in a style that brings its heritage value to the fore. The cottage has 2 double bedrooms and a bed deck with skylight to the rear that is suitable for age 10 and up. There is a living room with eating area, kitchen, shower room, a boot room for those wet days and muddy walks and a small utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer. As we wanted to keep the heritage of the house as much as possible we do not have central heating, instead we have a stove in the living room and energy efficient electric radiators in each bedroom and the shower room. The living room is a very cosy environment and perfect for lazy days and relaxing times together reading, playing games or watching TV together, while listening to the crackle of the fire in the stove.

The house has a parking area suitable for two cars and a large garden for relaxing in and reading or just sitting to take in the stunning view over Sheephaven Bay, the Ards forest park and Muckish mountain.

The house is ideal for photographers as we still have a relatively dark night sky to the rear (north) of our house. As the address of the house suggests we are situated on a small mountain and the cottage is a good base for hill walkers. Downings is a 35 minute walk away by road while Dooey (Dubaih), Tra na Rossan, the Singing pub and Melmore Head are all within a few hours walk away if you are prepared to walk over the mountain through moor and heather. For the more serious walker the Glenveagh mountains home to Errigal, Muckish and the poison Glen are just a 30 minute drive away. Glenveagh Castle and National Park are also well worth a visit. In the park there are mapped out trails and guided tours available.

For golfers the Rosapenna hotel and golf course is located just three miles away.

The Rosguill Peninsula also provides opportunities for water sports such as windsurfing, deep-sea diving, sea angling & boat charters. The Jaws Watersports shop located in Downings and Dunfanaghy also offers courses for children and adults. A day trip to Tory island can also be booked via the Tory Island ferry.

Letterkenny is just a 40 minute drive away and the walled City of Derry 60 minutes.

Here is a link to an aerial view of the cottage and surroundings, the video is hosted on YouTube https://youtu.be/0YCY1tW_JEY

Regarding pets, if you have a pet and are interested in staying in the cottage please send me an enquiry over the website and we can discuss the request.

Property manager

William Laverty

Languages

English, German, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Stereo
  • Games
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • In the mountains
  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Fishing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 1399 sq ft (130 sq m)

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
Note from host: Pet on request

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Cottage Nestled Hills Above
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above Downings
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Cottage Nestled Hills Above
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above Downings
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Cottage Nestled Hills Above
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above Downings
Irish Idyll Traditional Stonewall Nestled Hills Above

About the neighborhood

Map
Downings, Co. Donegal

What's nearby

  • Carrigart Riding Stables - 10 min drive
  • Carrigart Beach - 18 min drive
  • Ards Forest Park - 30 min drive
  • Horn Head - 39 min drive
  • Marble Hill Strand - 57 min drive

Getting around

  • Letterkenny (LTR-Letterkenny Airfield) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Harbour Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Shack - ‬28 min drive
  • ‪Singing Pub - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Patsy Dan's - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Goose And Gander - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?

Check-out is at 10:30 AM.

Where is An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings located?

Situated by the sea, this cottage is 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Sandy Hills Golf Course and 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Carrigart Beach. Carrigart Riding Stables and Ashtree Stables are also within 12 mi (20 km).

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An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 140 out of 155 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 155 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 155 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 155 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 155 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jillian R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage in Ireland
Very nice place to stay
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jörn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
idyllic cottage
perfect, calm and romantic
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay
A very private scenic home . A beautiful place for a quiet stay .
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Loved this little rustic cabin. It actually had three bedrooms!! Views were fantastic. Great spot to explore this part of the country.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Thomas S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely rural retreat
Wonderful week in a true Irish cottage with a few modern conveniences (microwave, washer & dryer). Plus stunning views!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage
We enjoyed our stay in the cottage
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Neville S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful quiet getaway
Yet another great stay in this quiet, peaceful and beautiful cottage. All you could wish for in rural Donegal with views of the wild Atlantic quite literally on your doorstep.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Willem & Lenneke B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
wonderful place!
It was difficult to reach the house, but once you had arrived you never wanted to leave: a dazzling view and no moment the same...the house itself had tasteful furnishings and colours and a good working stove. Also a good place to start walking (first to make a trip bij car to reach the starting point).
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A little haven.
I loved everything about this cottage, it’s remoteness, the peace, the view, how quiet it is, and how it sits in the landscape, a beautiful part of Donegal. I would have no hesitation in going back. Both the owner, William, and Maryann the property manager were friendly and eager to help.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Judith M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Teachin
We had a wonderful week in this beautiful part of Donegal, loved the cottage and so grateful to Michael for sharing his lovely cottage and to Maryanne for all her help.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denis S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it
Absolutely loved my stay. My wife, son, and my brother stayed for several days in February. The house was genuinely cozy--set a lovely fire in the parlor and electric heat in the bedrooms. Step out the door in the morning and you have a gorgeous view of Muckish and Sheephaven bay. We were also fortunate to have gorgeous weather and were treated to the Northern Lights.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay in a beautiful location
The cottage is exactly as listed on VRBO. It’s charming and absolutely lovely. The road to the cottage was easy to navigate in our small rental, even arriving at night. The fireplace easily heated the living room and made a very stormy night nice and cozy inside. Everything we needed for a self-cater vacation was provided in the cottage. The welcome book provided a lot of interesting information about the area. Communication with the host and housekeeper were excellent. Our stay at Teachín was a perfect winter vacation, we hope to be back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Remote retreat
The directions to the cottage were excellent, however the first time we drove there the road was a little daunting, especially when you went over a rise and had no idea what was on the other side. Loved the remote location, with cows for our only neighbors. The tree out front in the yard turned greener each day we were there as the leaves were opening up. Loved our stay. Explored the area around Downings, but still lots to explore.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything it promised ... and some
Driving up the road to the property was interesting to say the least - but the description did say "... nestled in the hills above Downings" - it certainly is. This lovely old stone cottage was perfect for out 4 night stay in Donegal. It's comfortable and well equipped - perfect for those wanting to self-cater. William, and his wonderful local property manager, Maryann, are very professional and take pride in ensuring their guests enjoy their stay. We definitely did. We have no hesitation in recommending the property to a couple or family and we would absolutely stay here again if ever we are back in the region.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grainne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The most perfect peaceful getaway
Have just returned from our 4 night stay in this quaint little cottage with my family. It was everything I had hoped it would be. A beautiful place to just take some time away from the treadmill of life. The cottage is cosy and was catered with everything we needed and the view from the front door is simply stunning. We walked to the Singing Pub (approx 2 miles away and the food is delicious). An extremely enjoyable walk, made even more so on the return to Treacin cottage because of the wonderful sunset views we experienced. All in all a special place where memories are made.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pauline M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tranquility and beauty
The cottage lived up to our expectations and more. We had a lovely few days here and only wished it was for longer. For anyone seeking peace and tranquility it is in an ideal location in a beautiful setting. The cottage has been beautifully renovated in keeping with the character of the property and everything you could possibly need during your stay has been provided by the owner. We liked everything about the cottage and especially loved the cosiness of the living area with the wood burning stove. Overall we had a short but wonderful stay in Teachin but would hope to return for a longer stay in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Stephen Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Great Escape!
Teachín cottage is both a step back in time and an oasis from the wider world. It is gorgeously situated with outstanding and ever-changing views pf Sheep Haven Bay, framed from each window of the cottage and from every vantage point along the road. Apart from the odd cuckoo, the cottage is incredibly quiet and tranquil. It is also very comfortable, especially once the stove is stoked and throws some heat. The electric radiators in the bedrooms and bathroom are a godsend! The cottage is very faithfully kept up to its original style and character, and the thick stone walls are a reminder of the constant fight against the elements. The walk in to Downings is beautiful, affording spectacular views in all directions, and the road in is considerably less stressful to walk along than to drive! In short, this is a great place to experience the heart and soul of the gorgeous Donegal landscape, in a space that embraces and reflects its character.
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laureen J., Northern Ireland

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful cottage with breathtaking views.
We’ve just returned from a 3 night stay in what can only be described as an idyllic cottage. Everything you could expect from an old Irish cottage with the added bonus of a few modern extras to make it even more comfortable. We were very lucky with the weather so breakfast and supper in the garden was a must taking in the surrounding breathtaking scenery. Far enough away from the main town of Downings to enjoy pure tranquility but still close enough if needed. We visited 7 different beaches within the area, each one more stunning than the next. Murder Hole being our favourite and Dunfanaghy and Ballymastocker close second. This cottage is definitely worth a visit if you wish to escape from it all. Would definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alison O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Christmas getaway
Everything was perfect about our stay at Teachín. On arrival we found a lit Christmas tree waiting for us as well as a lit fire, which was a very warm welcome. The instructions for getting to the cottage were perfect and we navigated the windy road with ease. By the end of the trip we were experts in going along the track! The location is remote and with few neighbours, we never saw nay other cars or people whilst near the cottage. It is only a short drive in to civilisation, if that is what you require. We managed to explore the coastline nearby and went on many lovely walks. It was all simply stunning and we will definitely be coming back. The cottage had everything we needed for our stay, we just had to bring food. There was a well stocked kitchen with plenty of utensils and pans to rustle up any dishes you want, we managed to make a full Christmas dinner on the big day! There was fuel for the fire left and you can also purchase more from the housekeeper, it's left at the back of the house and you can leave them cash in the honesty jar. All very convenient. We didn't require any help whilst there, but I got the impression that if we had needed it, we would have been sorted straight away. If you are wondering if you should stay here, then I would wholeheartedly tell you to. Don't expect mod cons, there are other places you can stay for that. This was a simple cottage set in a beautiful location, absolutely perfect for mine and my girlfriends first Christmas together. Thanks
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Frank R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastische Lage
Aufgrund der fantastischen Lage, der Ruhe und des wunderschönen Ausblicks ist die Unterkunft auf jeden Fall zu empfehlen. Check-In und Anreise waren perfekt organisiert.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Earth hath not anything to show more fair
Dull would (s)he be who could not appreciate this lovely cottage and its breathtaking setting. Not for dullards! Bring your books and your boots, a little raingear and your favourite companion and take it all in, from before sunrise to the advent of the Milky Way (and the occasional falling star) at night. In dhort: fabulous!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Common P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
September 2024
Loved the charm of the place. It is relatively remote, but the views are astounding, and all needs were met by the host and a near-by housekeeper.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rene B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ursprüngliches Cottage in traumhafter Natur
Alles super gelaufen im Haus ist alles vorhanden. Sehr abgelegen dadurch super entspannt und ruhig gelegen mit Atemberaubenden Blick zum Meer. Auto ist unbedingt erforderlich.
Stayed 17 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Johan T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mooi en ruim oud huis met het idee dat je aan het einde van de wereld zit.
We hebben een heerlijke week daar gehad en vele mooie plekken gezien zoals
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Claire C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Short break
Had the most relaxing few days at this beautiful cottage.Fantastic panoramic views. Cottage was well equipped, lovely fire and very comfortable all round. Everything you need for a relaxing break and a 5 -10 minute drive into Downings. William the owner was very helpful and made the booking process very easy. Would highly recommend and will definitely return☺️
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024