Woodhill House

Surrounded by beautiful tranquil countryside and well-kept gardens, this charming family-run country house offers comfortable accommodation, tasty fresh food and a traditional Irish welcome.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the very heart of Ardara, overlooking the beautiful Donegal Highlands, Woodhill House is surrounded by its own attractive grounds and has its own old walled garden. The house is just half a mile (0.8 km) from the sea and a quarter of a mile (0.4 km) from the centre of the coastal town of Ardara.

This coastal manor house has a long and rich history, with some parts of the original building dating back to the 17th century. Today the hotel offers peace and quiet in a wonderful tranquil location, as well as a small bar with a real open fireplace and a good restaurant in the old house.

Rooms: 14
Rate: 80 - 130 EUR

Woodhill House was once the family home of the Nesbitts, local landlords and Ireland's last commercial whaling family of the 19th century. The house was also once the home of the 6th century religious relic, St. Conal's Bell, until the bell was mysteriously stolen in 1845.

The hotel has a 3-star rating from Bord Fáilte, the National Tourism Development Authority of the Republic of Ireland.

The house offers unusual and interesting accommodation with private bathrooms/showers. Each room is individually decorated, with its own unique charm and character.

The hotel has a fully licensed lounge bar, which hosts occasional music sessions for tourists and locals alike.

The restaurant’s menu offers French-style cuisine, with dishes made using locally sourced produce. Seafood dishes are a speciality and are made with fresh seafood brought from nearby Killybegs, Ireland's leading fishing port.

The hotel is surrounded by lush, beautiful Irish countryside. The Ardara area is a great base for exploring the wild and beautiful scenery of County Donegal, whatever the season or time of year.

There is plenty to see and do in the area. The region is famous for its Donegal tweeds and woollen goods and the local factory shops offer exceptional bargains. The Owenea River provides excellent salmon and trout fishing and is regarded as one of the best in the country. Pony trekking along the beaches is also popular. The breathtaking links golf courses at Murvagh, Donegal town and Portnoo/Narin are all within a short drive of the hotel. Boating and surfing can also be enjoyed nearby, with some of the best Blue Flag beaches within easy reach. Cycle hire is also available.

There are also many archaeological sites in the region surrounding the hotel, such as the ancient Doon Fort and the Dolmen at Kilclooney, again only a short drive away. Ireland's second largest wild life reserve, Sheskinmore, is just a few miles north of Ardara. The reserve is a fascinating place to visit at all times of the year. The truly spectacular Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, are only 20 minutes away and are also close to Glencolmcille, an archaeologically rich pagan and Christian centre, with its fascinating folk village. A scenic 45-minute drive to the north is Glenveagh National Park, with the most romantic castle perched on the side of the majestic Lough Veagh. Apart from some of the most unspoiled scenery in Europe, you can also enjoy hearing traditional music in most of Ardara's 12 unique bars.