Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Set against ocean views, this cottage accommodates 5 guests across 2 bedrooms. Enjoy activities like surfing, hiking, and birdwatching nearby. The outdoor patio offers a relaxing space. This pet-friendly retreat is located in the mountains near Carrigart Beach and Sandy Hills Golf Course.
Highlights
Sweeping ocean views
Enjoy top-rated ocean views from dawn to dusk right from your stay.
Private garden
A rare find — relax in the peaceful, private garden space.
Your private hideaway
Guests love the secluded location for peace and quiet.
2 bedroomsSleeps 5
Popular amenities
Dog-friendly
Dryer
Onsite parking available
Patio
Toys
Internet
Explore the area
Downings, Co. Donegal
Sandy Hills Golf Course
Place, Sandy Hills Golf Course
10 min drive
Carrigart Beach
Place, Carrigart Beach
10 min drive
Carrigart Riding Stables
Place, Carrigart Riding Stables
11 min drive
Donegal (CFN)
Airport, Donegal (CFN)
71 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Bed
Bedroom 3
2 Single Beds
Bathroom 1
Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
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 highly rated St Patrick's Links course is just a 15 minute drive.
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.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Pet on request
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property # 6707053
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Downings
Located in Downings, this cottage is in a rural area and by the sea. Sandy Hills Golf Course and Dunfanaghy Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Carrigart Riding Stables and Gartan Outdoor Adventure Centre. Scuba diving and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with horse riding and mountain biking nearby.
Letterkenny (LTR-Letterkenny Airfield) - 53 min drive
Restaurants
Patsy Dan's - 29 min drive
The Rusty Oven - 25 min drive
The Olde Glen Bar - 14 min drive
The Singing Pub - 6 min drive
Starfish Cafe - 29 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 9 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?
As of 5 Sept, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings on 27 Sept, 2026 start from S$753, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at An Irish Idyll - traditional stonewall cottage nestled in hills above Downings?
On-site parking is available at the property.
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?
Checkout 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 is 4.2 mi (6.7 km) away.
About the host
Hosted by William Laverty
What makes this property unique
Rural, excellent views and very quiet. If you want to hear the wind in the trees, the birds cheeping, the hum of a bumblebee or the sound of the sea then this is the place for you.
Languages:
English, German, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests