In a nutshell

Nestled in Ireland’s wild northwest, the Coolmore Manor House provides a mix of starkly breathtaking vistas and sumptuously eclectic décor.

The Logistics

• The Coolmore Manor consists of the Manor House itself, with three double-bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a living room, study, kitchen, dining room, and conservatory, and a separate apartment (part of the refurbished Coach House), featuring a double bedroom, kitchen, and en-suite bathroom.

• The Manor House is situated in Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, Ireland.

The Experience

While Ireland may be known for its verdant pastures, the Northwest of the Emerald Isle is more Brontë than bucolic with its windswept cliffs offering a wild beauty unlike anywhere else in the country. Visitors seeking luxury amid rugged surroundings will be in luck, as the Coolmore Manor House offers a combination of modern amenities and Georgian splendor set against a beautiful backdrop of untamed moors and roiling seascapes.
While it is by no means impossible to reach via public transportation, Donegal’s wild and wide-open spaces practically demand use of a car—many of the county’s more rugged attractions only open themselves up to similarly-adventurous travelers. Those who are willing to brave the Irish Northwest will find an enchanting storybook setting: friendly horses, ancient villages, and life-affirmingly fresh seafood.
An entrant in the Relaxation Retreat category, The Coolmore Manor House’s commitment to relaxation cannot be overstated. The Manor House offers a variety of ways for any visitor to unwind.
More adventurous travelers can take a leisurely hike for miles along the seaside cliffs dotting Rossnowlagh, as well as the numerous verdant paths within the Coolmore estate. If the weather is too wet, one can always curl up by the fire with a cup of tea or glass of whiskey. Coolmore Manor House’s dedication to relaxation does not end at home comforts, however: Daniela, the proprietor, is a licensed physiotherapist. In addition to the Manor House’s spa facilities, she offers an impressive array of massages and wellness therapies. Whether you are visiting for stress relief or in search of professional-grade treatment, you are in excellent hands.

Top Secret

The Coolmore Manor House is up-front about its self-catering policy. However, the proprietor has very recently begun offering a “B&B Option” to guests who request it, with day-to-day housekeeping and cooking services available for an additional charge—visitors may also request a dinner of locally-sourced scallops and lobster during their stay.

Highlights

• One cannot recommend Donegal’s seafood enough; you are practically guaranteed to be eating something caught that very day.
• The Coolmore Manor House’s proprietor raises Siraxta Horses—if you ask, she can set up a show-jumping arena for your viewing pleasure.
• A trained physiotherapist, she also provides expert massage services and can even offer use of the horses as a therapy aid for visitors.

The Story

Built in 1820, the Coolmore Manor House boasts a long and storied history as a hotel, with guests such as Margaret Mitchell, writer of Gone with the Wind—who, the story goes, modeled the novel’s house of Tara after Coolmore Manor. The current proprietor conserved the materials of both exterior and interior while collecting an array of furniture from both neighbors and far-flung relatives, resulting in a delightfully heterogeneous gathering of influences, all beautifully arrayed.

Address & travel info

Coolmore Manor House
Rossnowlagh
County Donegal
F94K7W7
Ireland

The Manor House can be found on Rossnowlagh Road (R231), North of Rossnowlagh. There is an express bus from the Dublin Airport that will take you to the neighboring town of Ballyshannon in just over three hours, and the Manor House can arrange pick-ups from there.
If you prefer to live your life at a faster pace than that offered by bus or car travel, the Coolmore Manor House also offers a space on which to land your helicopter.

Boutique Hotel Awards extra

If you mention that you found out about Coolmore through the WBHA, you can get a complementary aperitif upon your arrival.

Key features

Bar | Spa | Beach | Car Parking | No Children | Helipad | Stunning Views

Coolmore Manor House