“A charming boutique hotel surrounded by mature trees, with lawns rolling down to the shores of the Lough Swilly. Rooms are decorated in traditional-style with high ceilings, period furniture, fireplaces and elegant interiors. With a choice of two restaurants, a bar and a pool.”

Hotel review

I liked Rathmullan House immensely. Built in the Georgian style in the 1760s, it is now an informal take on a coastal Irish country house. With just 34 bedrooms, the staff were extremely attentive: mine was particularly inviting, with a perfectly appointed sofa positioned for putting your feet up and taking in the glittering sea through a trio of large bay windows. There was oodles of character throughout: quirky, contemporary wallpaper by extravagant cornices, plus the comfort of big beds and freestanding baths.

The ground floor is given over almost entirely to a series of living rooms, each filled with old books, curious antiques and ornate stained-glass windows. Breakfast is something of a sacred affair, with a hearty Irish spread of potato bread, kippers and scrambled eggs, and granola served with carrageen. Beyond the windows, the beautiful garden slopes gently down towards Rathmullan beach, while the village itself is an easy stroll away. The perfect way to experience the beauty of Donegal.

Recommended for

  • Back to Nature

    • In the beautiful Glenveagh National Park, with lush greenery rolling down to Lough Swilly and the blue hills of Inishowen.
  • Hideaway

    • An elegant and chic country retreat with splendid grounds, swimming pool and fantastic food.
  • Close to nightlife

    • Start your night with a drink at the bar, and then head out to explore the many local pubs and restaurants.
  • Riding

    • Explore the coast line on horseback, the most romantic way to see this stunning countryside.
  • On the beach

    • Rathmullan beach is one of the finest in Donegal and can be access directly from the garden!
  • Golf

    • Golfers will be pleased to find world-class golfing facilities in the local area.
  • Watersports

    • Indulge in various watersports at the beach just at the end of the garden.
  • Great walks

    • Take a hike into the mountains or walk along the beach.
  • Romantic

  • Views

  • Owner managed

  • Quiet

  • Full of character

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Luxury

  • Charming

  • Contemporary

  • Traditional

  • Wellbeing

  • Disabled access

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Child friendly

  • Antiques

  • Chic

  • Historic

  • Artworks

  • Restaurant

  • Hills & mountains

Facilities

  • Rooms

    34 rooms in this hotel
  • Swimming Pool

    A heated pool for guests
  • Parking

    Free parking on site
  • Fireplace

  • Bath robes

  • Bar

  • Meeting Room

  • No pets

  • Library

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Restaurant

  • Garden

  • Child friendly

  • Wifi

  • Disabled access

Activities

  • Close to nightlife

    • Start your night with a drink at the bar, and then head out to explore the many local pubs and restaurants.
  • Riding

    • Explore the coast line on horseback, the most romantic way to see this stunning countryside.
  • Golf

    • Golfers will be pleased to find world-class golfing facilities in the local area.
  • Watersports

    • Indulge in various watersports at the beach just at the end of the garden.
  • Great walks

    • Take a hike into the mountains or walk along the beach.

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? People love coming to the hotel for the relaxed slow pace and for the 2-mile sandy beach which is at the bottom of our gardens.
 
What is there to do in the area? In the area is Fanad Lighthouse, Glenveagh National Park, Derek Hill Glebe House & Gallery, Golfing at Portsalon Golf Club, Rosapenna Golf Club, Ferry runs during the summer months to Buncrana which makes Ballyliffin Golf Club very accessible
 
What kind of breakfast do you offer? Breakfast is all locally sourced and made in house.
 
Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Cook & Gardener restaurant open all year when hotel is open. Cellar bar which serves stone baked pizzas is open during Summer months and at weekends throughout the year. Recommend The Olde Glen Bar & Restaurant.
 
Which are your most popular room types, and why? Most popular rooms are our superior rooms which have views of the gardens.
 
What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? Indoor heated swimming pool for children we have 4 interconnecting family rooms - no we can't fit extra beds into the rooms.
 
What message would you like to give The Hotel Guru readers? A country house suitable for every season.

Other reviews

View reviews of Rathmullan House in other publications:

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

The Hotel Guru is a curated hotel recommendation platform that delivers expert-selected luxury and boutique properties straight to your inbox. No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.