History of Ardroe cottage
Set in an ‘olde’ world atmosphere the beauty and tranquillity of the cottage with its own sheltered gardens would be difficult to emulate. The aura from the fine old open hearth, with the kettle and pot hanging from the “crane” creates for the visitor the true atmosphere of our former way of rural life.
Built by Donal McElwee, Ardroe Cottage has been the home of this family for six generations. The present owner Michael, who himself grew up in the cottage, and his wife Margaret extend a warm welcome to you in true Irish fashion and will help in every way to make your holiday in Ardroe an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Originally built in the 1700’s by the great-great-grandfather of the present owner, this thatched cottage, now restored to its former charm and beauty, is situated in the townland of Aughadreena close to the famed Knockalla Coast Road and Ballymastoker beach Portsalon.
An Taisce (The Irish National Trust) has adopted the cottage as a model of craftsmanship in restoration and preservation of detail of ancient times. The specialised work of the stone mason, thatcher and traditional carpenter feature prominently throughout the cottage.
Filmed by B.B.C. television for the Holiday program and featured on Nationwide, R.T.E. television, the restoration of Ardroe Cottage has been the subject of much media interest including various magazine and press articles. It was used as the setting for the TG4 documentary "Ceart agus Coir".
Articles about Ardroe Cottage
The Derry People & Donegal News, December 1984
Buckinghamshire Echo – Issue 109
Enchanting Ardroe Cottage
STEEPED IN A HISTORY which spans over three centuries the charming Ardroe cottage in Portsalon, Co Donegal has been attracting interest for many years and has even been filmed by BBC Television for the Holiday programme as well as the subject of a variety of magazine and press coverage, and one look at the beautiful cottage will tell you why
Now owned by Michael McElwee, who lovingly restored this delightful Irish cottage twenty years ago, Ardroe cottage was originally built by his great great grandfather in the 1700’s and offers all the fine qualities we have grown to love about a traditional cottage.
Guests staying at the cottage will find an ‘olde’ world atmosphere greeting them at the door, and a combination of the beauty and tranquillity which emulates from the cottage and its grounds, and the absence of any TV or radio, guests could be forgiven for thinking they had stepped back in time to a far more peaceful, less complicated time.
With two bedrooms that can sleep up to four this beautiful cottage offers the perfect retreat to re-charge your batteries and get away from today’s hectic society, providing a wonderful home from home during your stay.
Despite its complete refurbishment the cottage has retained all of its original character and boasts a stone floor, open fires, coved ceilings and an arched doorway but now with a fully fitted kitchen and shower room, all with hot running water. The bedrooms are decorated to an equally high standard and fit in seamlessly with the cottage’s ambiance.
For those wishing to venture out of the cottage and sheltered garden the surrounding area boasts some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.
Contact us for more information on renting our self-catering thatched cottage