I first came across Mamore Cottages when I was looking for a place to stay on the Inishowen Peninsula.
They were booked out at the time but I lodged them away in the to-shleep-there-at-some-stage file at the back of my head.
In a nutshell, these gorgeous traditional cottages are one, old-school and cosy and two, located at the heart of some of the most spectacular scenery in Donegal.
The icing on the cake is that they’re insanely good value (especially if a few of you are visiting). G’wan – scroll on down to check them out!
Welcome to Mamore Cottages
Photo used with permission of Mamore Cottages
You’ll find the postcard-perfect Mamore Cottages in Urris on the Inishowen Peninsula, one of the most scenic and often-missed corners of our little island.
A stone’s throw from the magnificent Mamore Gap, Five Finger Strand, Lough Swilly and Fanad Head, these cottages are a quirky little base for exploring the county.
They’re also ridiculously good value if you visit with a few friends. But more on that in a moment. There are five different cottages available to stay in here:
Cosy, finely restored and at the heart of endless scenery
Photo used with permission of Mamore Cottages
The Mamore Cottages look like something from a land that time forgot, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Although the cottages were lovingly restored to their former glory and are traditional in every sense of the word, they have added mods and cons for comfort, like heating.
Mickey’s cottage (above), is the pick of the bunch, in my opinion; it’s pet-friendly and it boasts a gorgeous bog oak roof, a cosy open turf fire, a flagged stone floor and antique pine furniture.
The cottage sleeps three and comes equipped with an open kitchen and living room area. You’ll find benches and chairs, a dresser, a fireplace, and comfortable ‘lounge’ chairs and couches.
A fine place to plonk yourself
Photo used with permission of Mamore Cottages
Imagine coming back here on a cold winters evening after a long day out walking or hiking in Donegal. Feet up, a cold bottle of beer and a roaring fire. Magic.
The cottages have everything you need for a very pocket-friendly weekend away. The price per night (listed below) is reasonable and the kitchen’s full decked-out with:
- A gas cooker
- A fridge
- A microwave
- A kettle
- A toaster
The bedrooms
Photo used with permission of Mamore Cottages
Now, keep in mind that the bedrooms will differ slightly depending on which one of the five cottages you spend the night in.
The bedroom in Kate’s, for example, comes with a large double iron-railed poster bed. There’s also what’s known as a ‘Settle Bed’ beside the fireplace in the living space.
Kate’s cottage also comes with a shower room with a separate shower (electric) along with a basin and a toilet.
How much a night will set you back
Photo used with permission of Mamore Cottages
A night in one of the Mamore Cottages is insanely reasonably, especially considering how unique an experience staying here will be and where the cottages are located (more on this in a second).
So, I’ve whacked in a Friday and a Saturday night in March 2021 for 3 people in Mickey’s Cottage (note: there are no guarantee things will be back to normal then). Here’s how much it worked out at:
- Total cost for two nights: €176
- Cost per person: €58.66
- If you use the link above we’ll make a tiny commission that goes towards the running of this website and you won’t pay anything extra (cheers if you do – it’s appreciated!)
Things to do near the cottages
Photo by shawnwil23/shutterstock.com
If you nip into our guide to the best things to do in Donegal, you’ll know that the Inishowen Peninsula, where Mamore Cottages are located, is home to endless things to see and do.
Here’s a handful of suggestions:
- Drive the Inishowen 100
- Grab a bike and head for a long aul cycle up to Mamore Gap
- Visit Leenan Beach (or Fiver Finger Strand, Tullagh Strand, Lisfannon or Dunree Bay)
- Kick back with live music at the Persian Bar in Carndonagh
Love unique accommodation? Check these out!
If you’re a fan of unique and quirky places to stay, hop into our where to stay hub. It’s wedged (literally) with funky accommodation!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.