Railway Crossing Cottage is an attractive cottage in a wooded setting, in a very good location on the outskirts of Donegal town. The property is beautifully maintained with a lovely traditional exterior and very tasteful touches of modernisation inside. From the moment you step into the garden and hear the birds singing there is a real sense of peace and tranquillity. It’s also a convenient location for exploring County Donegal. It is a real privilege to have access to a property like this, it really is one of a kind.
Railway Crossing Cottage
CottageCo. DonegalSleeps 21 bedroom1 bathroomfrom €326 / 2 nights2 dogs welcome
About
We think you’ll love
- Spend the afternoon reading in the beautiful garden.
- Exploring the mountains, lakes, rivers and beaches in Co. Donegal
Facilities
✓1 Double Bedroom ('Small double' 4-foot bed)
✓Suitable for adults only
✓Underfloor Electric Heating
✓Open Fire in living area
✓Electric Oven
✓Microwave
✓Under counter fridge
✓Towels and Linens Provided
✓Hair Dryer
✓Iron & Ironing Board
✓Cooking Utensils and Equipment
✓1 Bathroom - shower head over bath
✓Living Area
✓Large Garden
✓Garden Furniture
✓Radio
✓Car Parking
Itinerary
Seven Days in Donegal
An itinerary for a seven-day stay in Donegal, with a base at Railway Crossing Cottage.
Reviews
Reviews Beautiful Cottage
Thank you so much for having us at the Railway cottage. Our stay was superb. The cottage itself was beautiful, and the grounds were lovely. We had fantastic evenings in front of the fire and the underfloor heating was a welcome touch in the mornings and helped keep the cottage lovely and warm. The location was superb as well. 2 KM into Donegal's town centre, and an hour's drive to a host of Donegal's best attractions. We added on an extra night, as we were so delighted with our stay. Thank You.
A Lovely Cottage for Two
This a charming cottage for two with a fabulous and beautifully kept garden. It has everything two people might need and is in a quiet and secluded location though only 2 km from Donegal town with all its shops and restaurants. We would strongly recommend it to other couples looking for a quiet and attractive self-catering location.
History
The cottage was ‘Gate House No.9’ because it’s the ninth crossing cottage on the Killybegs branch of the County Donegal Railway when it was opened in 1893. Generically, these cottages are always called ‘railway-crossing cottages’, and in the literature are called “crossing cottages” or ‘gatehouses” or ‘crossings” or simply ‘gates’.
The cottage was originally constructed in c.1892/93 (the Killybegs branch of the County Donegal Railway opened in 1893) and through the years was inhabited by a succession of families up until the late 1970s, when it seems to have become abandoned.
Jack & Connie Denne purchased the cottage about 30 years ago. Connie’s grandmother was the wife of one of the ‘gate-keepers’. They restored it very carefully and authentically, while at the same time making it suitable for modern living.
The large gate in the front of the cottage is a replica of the original gate, but for convenience has been mounted differently. The original was hinged to the wall on the right side (facing the building) and swung across the road to block traffic as the train came through. Opposite, on the other side of the road, another gate would have swung open to block traffic coming from the other direction. That gate is long gone.
Six trains daily (three round trips) passed through these gates going to and from Killybegs.
Property FAQs
Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and beams, unexpected drops or changes in level, and by modern standards low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the fabric of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay. We ask you to appreciate and use the building with this understanding. If you have any queries about the property you are interested in and would like more clarification please contact Irish Landmark at bookings@irishlandmark.com.
Unless otherwise agreed with the House Manager the earliest time at which you can check in is 4.00pm. Guests may NOT take over the property any time later than 9.00pm. Guests are requested to vacate the property by 10.00am at the latest on the day of departure.
No, but there is a radio, board games, cards and plenty of books.
No, at our properties you have an opportunity to experience the best of a former way of life: beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a peaceful relaxed ambiance, without modern electronic distractions, where you decide the pace of your holiday.
Yes this property accepts up to 2 dogs. Please read the policy carefully and supervise your pets at all times.
Yes - there is an open fire. There is a limited amount of fuel left for the fire (where applicable) so guests may want to bring more for the duration of their stay. Please contact the local House Manager for more information on what type of fuel is used at your chosen property.
Yes.
When you complete your booking, you will receive an email giving you information about arranging access on your arrival date.
Only by special arrangement with the bookings office and agreement of the local House Manager. A charge is made if you are requesting a morning arrival, as this means we cannot take a booking for the night before your arrival date.
4pm / 9pm. Your actual arrival time MUST be agreed with the local House Manager prior to your holiday start date.
The property is located near Donegal town which is 6 minutes drive away.
Each of our properties contains a Green Book catered to that specific property. In this book, we have compiled all of the necessary information important local amenities such as medical centres and taxi services, including locations and phone numbers. You will also find tips for recommended restaurants, bars, and things to see and do for all ages.
We do not know of anyone who can go in to cook meals at this property.
This is a small property that only sleeps adults only.
As this property is all one on level, it should not cause trouble for those with mobility issues.
There are no facilities for disabled people. However as the property is all on one level it may suit.
No.
No
There is no train stations anywhere nearby.
Electric central heating.
Irish Landmark Trust have a 2 night stay minimum at all of our properties. Some Special Dates will have restrictions on arrival and departure date which will affect the minimum number of nights.
Yes. There is a large garden to the rear that was where the old railway line ran.
Yes there is parking for 1 car.
We supply teabags, coffee granules, sugar, salt & pepper, cooking oil, tin foil & kitchen roll, handwash, washing up liquid, dishwashing cloths, and dishwasher tablets if there is a dishwasher.
We do not supply any other cleaning products that contain chemicals, including laundry detergents – we suggest you bring your own.
Before you book
Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired.
At this property
Please note that Irish Landmark properties that welcome a pet may not have secure enclosures. It is vital that you supervise your dog at all times, and follow the Dog Policy carefully.
There is a fee of €30 per dog. You can add this at time of booking by selecting 'Taking a Dog', or contact us to arrange.
There is a bath with a shower attachment for washing hair, can not be used standing up and is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Irish Landmark believes that digital detox is good for the mind, body and soul. This is why Irish Landmark properties advocate the properties in our care as WiFi and television free zones. Reconnecting with our lives, nature, our surroundings, books, as well as family and friends, is vital for a happy life. This continues to make us very proud and happy to be a WiFi Free Zone.
Your House Manager
Gerard Boyle
Gerard Boyle is the House Manager at Railway Crossing Cottage. Gerard loves to welcome guests and tell them about the best things to do in the area.
