Location

County Donegal, located on the northwestern tip of Ireland, is celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, rich heritage, and unspoilt natural beauty. The region is defined by towering sea cliffs, rolling green hills, and pristine beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Bumblebee Cottage is situated on the southwest coast of Donegal, just west of Killybegs, Ireland's largest fishing port, at Eircode F94 HY43. The cottage enjoys an elevated position above Fintra Beach (1.5 km), a Blue Flag sandy beach nestled in a sheltered bay, popular with swimmers, walkers, and families.

The surrounding area offers a wide range of outdoor activities including sea angling, kayaking, diving, and coastal hiking. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate Narin & Portnoo Links (30 km), a scenic seaside course, and Donegal Golf Club (46 km), one of Europe's longest championship courses at 7,452 yards.

Killybegs provides essential amenities, while Donegal Town, 30 km distant, and Letterkenny (76 km) offer broader amenities and services including retail dining, and education.

Nearby attractions include the Slieve League Cliffs, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and numerous walking trails and viewpoints showcasing the rugged beauty of southwest Donegal. The Wild Atlantic Way passes directly through the area, offering one of Ireland's most scenic driving routes.

For travel and connectivity, the N56 road links Killybegs to Donegal Town and beyond. Donegal Airport, located about 62 kilometres away, offers regional flights within Ireland and to Scotland. City of Derry Airport, approximately 121 kilometres from the property, provides regular connections to the UK and further afield.

Description

Bumblebee Cottage is a charming thatched cottage, dating from about 1860, set on an elevated site overlooking Fintra Beach near Killybegs. From its elevated position on the side of the hill, the cottage enjoys uninterrupted panoramic views across Donegal Bay, extending to the Sligo coastline with Ben Bulben visible in the distance.

Approached via a quiet country lane, the property sits within a gravel forecourt and driveway. Bumblebee Cottage represents a rare surviving example of Donegal's vernacular heritage, combining architectural authenticity with modern usability in a truly scenic setting.

The property retains much of its original character and form, with a roped scallop-thatched roof reworked in 2017 and further reinforced in 2023 for longevity.

Internally, the home has been tastefully renovated to balance heritage and comfort. Reclaimed timber flooring and a handcrafted sandstone fireplace anchor the open-plan living and kitchen area, which features bespoke cabinetry, a Belfast sink, and vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. There is an extension to the side of the cottage with a utility /goods storage room.

Accommodation includes two bedrooms, one currently set up as an office, and one bathroom, all thoughtfully arranged to maximise space and natural light. There is also scope to extend the cottage to the rear and to the side (subject to the necessary planning permission) with indicative plans available on request from the selling agents.


The total internal area extends to approximately 475 sq ft (44 sq m), as shown in the accompanying floorplans.

Gardens & Grounds

The property sits on private grounds, offering a sheltered setting with mature planting and space for outdoor living. A gravel driveway provides access and parking, while the land to the rear frames the cottage beautifully, creating a tranquil retreat with panoramic views. In addition, the area below the cottage presents an opportunity for further landscaping or other uses (subject to the necessary planning permission).


In all the grounds extend to about 0.5 acre / 0.21 hectare.

General Remarks

Viewing
Strictly by private appointment with the sole selling agents Savills Country.

Eircode
F94 HY43

Fixtures & Fittings
All fixtures and fittings are excluded from the sale including garden statuary, light fittings, and other removable fittings, although some items may be available by separate negotiation.

Services
Oil Fired Central Heating (tank installed in 2023), mains water, mains electricity (electrical safety certificate issued in 2024), septic tank, internet connectivity currently via Starlink.

Please be advised that the selling agents have not checked the services and any purchaser should satisfy themselves with the availability and adequacy of all services.

Entry & Possession
Entry is by agreement with vacant possession.

Offers
Offers may be submitted to the sole selling agents Savills Country.

Best Offers Date
A date for best offers may be fixed and prospective purchasers are asked to register their interest with the sole selling agents following inspection. The sellers reserve the right to exchange a Contract for the sale of any part of the subjects of sale ahead of a notified closing date and will not be obliged to accept the highest or any offer.

Financial Guarantee
All offers (regardless of the country of residence of the offering party) must be accompanied by a guarantee or suitable form of reference from a bank, which gives the sellers satisfaction that the purchaser has access to the funds required to complete the purchase at the offered price.

Wayleaves and Rights of Access
The property will be sold with the benefit of all existing wayleave rights, including rights of access and rights of way, whether public or private. The purchaser will be held to have satisfied themselves as to the nature of all such rights and others.

Generally
Should there be any discrepancy between these particulars, the General Remarks and Information, Stipulations and the Contract of Sale, the latter shall prevail.

Directions

The Eircode is F94 HY43.