Johnny Martin’s Old House is a cosy, comfortable, traditional farmhouse, situated on the spectacular Fanad Peninsula in North Donegal. The property is ideally placed approximately 4 miles north of Portsalon village with views over beautiful Lough Swilly and is a perfect location for a romantic retreat or a family holiday providing plenty of room to suit up to 2 families.
Accommodation comprises:
Large open-plan Kitchen/Dining area.
Living Room.
Shower Room.
Bathroom.
3 Bedrooms (2 double bedrooms and bunk room with 2 sets of bunkbeds – 1 full length and 1 ‘shorty’ bunk).
Large enclosed sheltered garden perfect for kids, complete with treehouse, 10ft trampoline, tyre swing and Toddler’s swing.
Within walking distance of the house are the Pollet Great Arch, the largest natural arch in Ireland, the sandy beach at Illanaghtagh, most notable for the sea cave at the furthest end which you can walk through depending on the tide, and the local shop and filling station. Other beaches within minutes of the cottage include the spectacular Drumnacraig Strand, the blue flag Ballymastocker Strand at Portsalon and Ballyhiernan Strand on the northern tip of Fanad Head, popular with surfers and home of the local surf school, Adventure One. A few miles north of the cottage is the spectacular Fanad Head where you’ll find Fanad Lighthouse and the Lighthouse pub, a great spot to quench your thirst.
Other caves and natural arches can be found by exploring the dramatic coastline without straying too far from the house – including a large cave at Drumnacraig Beach and the dramatic “Seven Arches”.
Maps and information including a Visitors book of local information are available in the house for anyone wanting to explore the less obvious local attractions.
Enjoy a day out exploring the wide range of local activities including surfing, golf, hill walking, horse riding, fishing, angling, boating and diving or just sampling the local Guinness then relax back at the house in front of the wood burning stove.
The recently constructed Harry Blaney Bridge links Fanad Head with Carrigart and the numerous attractions beyond including Downings, Glen, Glenveagh Castle, Ards Forest Park, Dunfanaghy and Doe Castle and the historic walled City of Derry all within an hour’s drive and offering a host of things to see and do. Also within easy reach are the local towns of Ramelton, Rathmullan, Kerrykeel, and Milford offering a range of restaurants, bars and attractions including children’s playgrounds, beaches, museums, etc.
Local Activities:
Portsalon Golf Club - extensively redesigned in the last few years Portsalon Gold Course is now one of the finest links courses in Donegal.
Adventure One Surf School - North Donegal's leading ISA approved surf school.
Donegal International Rally – once every year the Final Stage of the Donegal International Rally passes the end of the lane – perfect viewing position within 5 mins walk of house!
Meadows Trout Fishery - rainbow trout fishery to suit all anglers but specialising in families and younger groups.
Walking/Hillwalking - rugged, hillside landscape provides a perfect atmosphere to relax and unwind with a wide variety of walks to suit everyone, both experienced and less experienced. Maps available in the house.
Mevagh Diving Centre, Carrigart - offers Diving for experienced divers and beginners and an Indoor Swimming Pool.
Sea angling and boat charters - available at both Portsalon and Rathmullan.
Crossroads Indoor Play Centre - Soft play area with ball pool and 2 tier climbing frame, children’s interactive toys, Pool Table, Table Tennis, Air Hockey and basket ball.
Swell Water Sports Centre at the Pier, Portsalon - offers various watersports and activities including banana boat rides and kayaking and hire of boogie boards and wet suits.
Horse-riding – explore the beautiful scenery on horseback at the Golden Sands Equestrian Centre, Rathmullan, Ashtree Riding Stables, Milford or the Carrigart Wood Stables Carrigart.
Restaurants and Pubs:
The Lighthouse Pub, Fanad for local craic 10mins drive or 50min trek across the Headland from house, (shorter on the way back after a few cold ones :-)).
The Stores Bar and Sarah’s Restaurant, the Pier, Portsalon for good quality food to eat in or take away in comfortable surroundings with spectacular views over Lough Swilly (6Kms/8mins from house).
Ripples Restaurant, Kerrykeel.
Rathmullan House – beautiful gardens and indoor and outdoor dining/cellar bar at this luxury 4* hotel.
The Bridge Bar, Ramelton – local seafood in traditional surroundings.
The Olde Glen Bar, Glen – great food in lovely surroundings.
The Beachcomber, Rathmullan – great bar and restaurant with beer garden overlooking Lough Swilly.