Location: Donegal, County Donegal, Ireland, Europe (Near the Village of Ballintra, 7 Miles South of Donegal Town)
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (Sleeps 10)
Accommodations: The Hilltown is an old traditional farmhouse plus additions, stable and farm buildings on 50 acres of actively farmed land - four bedrooms, two 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.
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.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed (4)
- Bunk Bed (4)
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio: Outdoor table and chairs in garden immediately in front of the house.
- View/Location
- Water View
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Sailing
- Boating
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
May thru Sep $1,500/wk, $5,000/mo | Oct thru Apr $1,200/wk, $4,000/mo
Min stay - 5 days. Rental rates include all utilities plus local telephone service
(074 area). Local maid service available. No smoking in or
around house. Security deposit of $1,000 must accompany signed rental
agreement by return mail. Rental check must be received 30 days
before commencement of term. Security Deposit will be returned within one month
30 days following departure subject to satisfactory house inspection.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- a view of the house from the stable - Donegal, Ireland Vacation Rental
- the kitchen - Donegal, Ireland Vacation Rental
- the master bedroom - Donegal, Ireland Vacation Rental
- the dining room
- View of Donegal Bay from above the house
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #131249
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Date last modified - October 07, 2009


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