These 150-Year-Old Thatched Cottages Sit Beneath the Urris Hills in Donegal

Around 150 years ago, these little thatched cottages on the Inishowen Peninsula were people’s homes. Today, you can spend a few nights in them.

Mamore Cottages is a collection of five original Donegal-style cottages in Urrismanagh, surrounded by the Urris Hills and some of the finest scenery in this corner of Donegal.

They’ve been carefully restored rather than completely modernised, so you’ll still find turf fires, stone floors, old pine furniture and traditional thatched roofs inside.

You will, thankfully, also find heating and a proper kitchen.

Welcome to Mamore Cottages

There are five cottages here, each named after the last person who lived in it: Mary’s, Kate’s, Mickey’s, Seoirse’s and Willie Dan’s.

All are similar in appearance, but the size and sleeping arrangements differ, so which one you choose will largely depend on who’s coming with you.

The location is hard to beat, too. The cottages sit beneath the Urris Hills near Mamore Gap, with Lennan Bay around 2km away and Tullagh Bay also nearby. Clonmany is about 5km from the cottages. For exploring this part of Inishowen, you’ve got a very good base.

Cosy, carefully restored and packed with character

Kate’s Cottage gives you a good idea of what to expect. The pet-friendly cottage has a bog oak roof, open turf fire, flagged stone floor and antique pine furniture, while still being fully heated and equipped with modern conveniences.

The main living space combines the kitchen, dining and sitting areas around the fireplace, with old-style benches and furniture adding to the traditional feel.

This isn’t a modern cottage that’s had a few old bits added for effect. The aim here is very much to preserve what made these homes distinctive in the first place.

A fine place to plonk yourself

Kate’s Cottage can sleep up to 7 people across two bedrooms and three beds, with an additional traditional Settle Bed beside the fireplace.

The kitchen has a gas cooker, fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster, so you’ve everything needed for a few days of self-catering.

There’s also a private entrance, parking, a garden behind the cottage and even a turf shed for keeping fuel for the fire.

Come back after a day around Inishowen, get the turf fire going and put the feet up. See more on their website.

Things to do near Mamore Cottages

Mamore Gap is right on your doorstep, but there’s plenty more to keep you occupied around this part of Donegal.

Lennan Bay is just 2km away, while the Urris Hills offer some excellent walking. Glenevin Waterfall is nearby, and driving south over Mamore Gap will eventually bring you towards Dunree and Fort Dunree overlooking Lough Swilly.

Ballyliffin Golf Club is around a 15-minute drive away, while the Doagh Famine Village is another handy option if the Donegal weather decides that the beach can wait.

Discover more unique places to stay in Ireland

The stays above are just a handful of the wonderfully weird places you can spend a night around Ireland.

You’ll find plenty more in my guide to the most unique stays in Ireland, along with everything from treehouses and cabins to bell tents in my guide to the best places to go glamping in Ireland.