Guests say
Guests are charmed by the Ferry House's idyllic location and cosy comfort, with its stunning views over Lough Swilly and characterful ambiance. The property's tranquillity and proximity to local attractions are highly praised, though some noted the bathrooms and certain facilities could benefit from updates. Overall, the house provides a peaceful and enjoyable stay.
The property is generally described as clean and well-maintained, with only a few mentions of cobwebs and spiders affecting the impression of hygiene for some guests. The majority of reviews do not raise cleanliness as an issue.
The location is consistently lauded for its breathtaking views and proximity to local amenities and attractions. The peaceful setting by the water and the convenience for exploring the area contribute to a high score.
Guests find the beds and living areas very comfortable, with cosy fires and homely touches. The comfort of the property is a highlight in the reviews, contributing to restful and enjoyable stays.
While the property is appreciated for its charm and character, several reviews suggest that the bathrooms and kitchen facilities could be updated. Issues with showers and the stove are mentioned, indicating room for improvement in this category.
There are no specific mentions of gifts or special touches provided by the hosts that would indicate thoughtfulness. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a score in this category.
About this property
This characterful, historic, stone built house sits on the water’s edge of Lough Swilly close to the heritage town of Ramelton, (2.9 miles away) in Co Donegal. It is a most spacious property of 2690 sq ft. With sea views from all the front windows, The Ferry House is well located for exploring the county, and provides a comfortable base to return to each evening, whether it be with family or friends. It has a bright and airy sitting room, complete with two comfortable sofas arranged in front of an open fireplace. The farmhouse style kitchen is appointed with plenty of worktop space, electric oven, hob and a Rayburn cooker which makes it cosy in the colder months. A scullery, off the kitchen, has the dishwasher, clothes washer, the sink and an extra fridge. The central hall works as the dining room with seating for 8 and has a wood burning stove. A games room, at the southern end of the house, has a table tennis table with bats and balls provided. There is also a rear entrance, where you can dry off your coats or dogs and a Belfast sink to wash muddy attire. Upstairs there are four well-presented bedrooms; a spacious king-size with en-suite bathroom, a second double room and 2 twin rooms. There is a second bathroom to serve these three bedrooms. To the exterior of The Ferry House there is an area of paving stones by the back door and a lawn. We provide an outdoor table and chairs in the summer. At the front of the house is a small area of lawn overlooking the lough and the private road to the Boathouse and cottage which are to the south of the Ferry House. Infrequently, a few cars will pass the house to access these neighbouring houses. There is a seawall between the house and the shore which it is hazardous to climb over. You can safely walk on to the shore just past the house by the old ferry. A few local people walk along the shore with their dogs. Ramelton, is less than a ten minute drive, and where you will find a couple of restaurants and pubs. There is a butcher, delicatessen, café, and post office, and on specific days each week, there is a vegetable stall, fish stand and indoor country market. There is an art gallery selling fine art and pottery.
Slightly further afield is the town of Letterkenny, with it's neo-gothic-cathedral designed by William Hague, a protege of Pugin, there is a museum and art gallery, as well as ample shops, bars and eateries. Just outside Letterkenny the attractive Castle Grove Hotel provides good food. Take a drive into the small seaside village of Rathmullan to explore the sandy beach and pier before a drink or meal in the renowned Rathmullan House Hotel. There are plenty of walks of a good variety of lengths including the 2 dominant hills, Mount Errigal and Muckish.Glenveagh National Park also offers great walking and cycling in a mountain setting with a castle and world class garden. Beautiful beaches abound in Donegal and watersports on offer include surfing and kayaking. There are also some of the finest links golf to be found anywhere, including Rosapenna and Ballyliffin. For bird lovers, Lough Swilly is an important wintering ground for waders and geese, and you can see these and other migratory birds near The Ferry House. Donegal offers above all wilderness, beaches, wildlife, and golf, and all are easily reached from the Ferry House – your spectacular base on the shores of Lough Swilly.
Ramelton is histroically one of Donegal’s most important ports, with ships arriving from the Carribbean in the 1800s to export linen made in the village. There is an abundance of welcoming shops and pubs in the village, and there opportunities for fishermen and golfers in the region. Nearby is the picturesque Fanad Head and the beaches at Rathmullan and Dunfanaghy.
Accommodation
Four bedrooms: 1 x king-size with en-suite bath ,with shower head attachment , basin, bidet and WC; there is one step down into the bathroom, 1 x double, 2 x twin.
Second bathroom with shower over bath, basin and WC.
Downstairs cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Hall dining room with woodburning stove.
Large sitting room with open fire.
Games room
Central heating.
Rayburn cooker, electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV, WiFi, games room table tennis.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Parking for three cars is under trees less than 50m from the house with short term parking available for loading and unloading right by your door.
Partly enclosed garden with lawn, stone paved area and table and chairs in the summer.
Two (well-behaved) dogs welcome, €35 charge per pet per week.
Sorry, no smoking on the premises.
Shop and pub 2.9 miles.
Note: No hen/stag or similar.
Note: this property has a good house keeping bond of €450.
There is a seawall between the house and the shore which is hazardous to climb over, you can safely walk on to the shore just past the house by the old ferry.
Note: There is one step down into the en-suite bathroom leading from the king-size bedroom.
Note: This property has a maximum occupancy of 8 people which also includes infants.
Reviews (23)
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Stephen
From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the picturesque setting and the tranquillity that enveloped the area. One of the highlights of our stay was the simple yet perfect pleasure of sitting at the kitchen table and looking out at the water of Lough Swilly. This daily ritual became a cherished part of our mornings, the ever-changing light and the movement of the water provided a backdrop that set the tone for the day ahead. The charming town of Ramelteon is just a short drive away from Ferry House, offering access to most amenities you'll need to enhance your stay. Ramelteon is a delightful town with a rich history and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can take leisurely strolls, explore local shops, and enjoy the friendly vibe of a close-knit community. The surrounding area also boasts a number of beautiful beaches, each with its own unique character. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a more active beach to enjoy water sports, there's something for everyone. Ferry House itself exudes warmth and comfort. The house was very cosy and comfortable, making it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One of our favourite features was the lovely Rayburn in the kitchen. Not only did it provide a cozy warmth, but it was also incredibly practical for drying wet dogs and raincoats after our beach outings. The kitchen is well appointed, with everything you need to cook full family meals. On the days we chose to dine in, we were able to prepare delicious meals for our group of seven adults with ease, then retire to the lounge to relax in front of the open fire to reminisce about the day over a glass or two of wine. Those who still had a bit of energy left can easily burn that off by battling each other in a game of table tennis :) For those nights when we wanted to treat ourselves to a meal out, we found a gem of a restaurant in Ranny. Ripples Restaurant, located just a 25-minute drive away, and is a firm favourite of ours. The food and service is superb, and to top it all off, the restaurant is dog-friendly. We visited Ripples in both January 2023 and January 2025, and despite the off-season, the quality of the food and service remained outstanding. We can only imagine how popular this place must be during the summer season. If you're planning to visit, we highly recommend giving them a call to reserve a table. You won't be disappointed! The bedrooms at Ferry House were equally impressive, with extremely comfortable and cozy beds that ensured we had a restful night's sleep. The attention to detail in the décor and the quality of the furnishings contributed to the overall sense of luxury and relaxation. After a day of exploring the beautiful surroundings, it was a pleasure to return to such a welcoming and comfortable space. Our dogs also thoroughly enjoyed their stay at Ferry House. The spacious outdoor area provided plenty of room for them to play and explore, and the proximity to the water meant they could enjoy refreshing swims. It's clear that Ferry House is a pet-friendly property, and we appreciated the thoughtful touches that made our furry friends feel right at home.
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Michael
We very much enjoyed our stay.
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Timothy
It is in a stunning location next to the Lough. The views in the morning were wonderful. Watching the Harvest moon shining on the water, the sunrise, all very beautiful. The Ferry House was clean and very well appointed, although a hair dryer and a cork screw would have been nice! The location is excellent for exploring North West Donegal, with the pretty little town of Ramelton nearby, yes we fell in love with the Blue Goat Deli. Letterkenny has all that you need. For dog owners the enclosed large rear garden is excellent. The bathrooms are a little tired and an update to the shower would be a bonus. But you need to understand that it is a very old property with a few foibles that go with the territory. Would I recommend The Ferry House? Absolutely 100%.