Christian Holiday House, Donegal — Near Mulroy Bay and the Rosguill Coast
Alyntanic sits above Mulroy Bay in Cranford, one of the quieter corners of the Donegal coastline that so many Christian holidaymakers come to love. This part of north Donegal, between the Fanad and Rosguill peninsulas, is often overlooked in favour of the county’s better-known beauty spots further west, which makes it a genuinely peaceful base for a family holiday or a group of friends looking to properly switch off together.
Donegal holds a particular significance for Christian visitors, being the birthplace of St Colmcille, also known as St Columba, one of Ireland’s three national patron saints alongside St Patrick and St Brigid. Colmcille was born around the year 521 AD at Gartan, near the village of Church Hill on the edge of Glenveagh National Park, roughly under an hour’s drive from Cranford by way of Letterkenny. He was baptised nearby at Templedouglas and educated locally at Kilmacrennan before going on to found monasteries across Ireland and, later, the great abbey on the Scottish island of Iona, from where he became one of the most influential figures in bringing Christianity to Scotland and the north of England.
The Colmcille Heritage Centre at Church Hill tells the story of his life and legacy in more depth, alongside the Gartan monastic site itself, where a holy well, stone crosses and the traditional site of his birth can still be visited today. Pilgrims continue to walk the Gartan turas, a traditional barefoot pilgrimage route, between his feast day on 9th June and mid-August each year — a moving reminder that this rugged, beautiful county has been drawing people seeking quiet and renewal for close to fifteen centuries, long before the modern idea of a “holiday” ever existed. The same corner of the county, around Church Hill, is also home to Glenveagh National Park, with its own castle and gardens, so a day trip out that way can easily combine a step into Donegal’s Christian history with some of its grandest scenery.
Closer to home, Cranford itself takes its name from the Irish for “field of wild garlic,” and sits quietly on the western shore of Mulroy Bay, roughly midway between Milford and Carrigart. Mulroy Bay itself is one of the most distinctive stretches of water in Ireland — a long, winding sea lough whose Irish name, Cuan na Maoil Ruaidh, translates as the “Bay of the Red Current,” a nod to the strong tides that race through its narrow channels. It opens out into the calmer, island-studded Broad Water further south, and the whole inlet is often described as one of the most striking pieces of coastal scenery in the country. It is exactly the kind of unhurried village setting that makes the wilder landscapes nearby — the beaches, the mountains, the Atlantic Drive — feel all the more restorative once you head out to explore them.
Alyntanic itself makes a comfortable, spacious base for taking all of this in, whether that means a lazy week on the local beaches or a proper day out following in Colmcille’s footsteps further along the county’s Christian heritage trail. With three double bedrooms, a twin room and a playroom under one roof, it suits families and small groups happy to settle in for a proper week or two away from screens and schedules alike. For those exploring further, HolyHols lists further Christian holiday accommodation across the Republic of Ireland.
Perfect for:
- Families wanting space to spread out, with three double bedrooms and a playroom
- Groups drawn to Donegal’s beaches, mountains and dramatic coastline
- Christian travellers interested in exploring Ireland’s early monastic heritage
- Anyone happy to disconnect properly, in a genuinely WiFi-free home
- Those planning a longer two-week stay, with a discount built in
Location
Alyntanic, Cranford, Co Donegal, Republic of Ireland (Eircode F9A585)
How to get there:
Accessible by flying into Belfast International Airport or Belfast City Airport and hiring a car. It’s approximately 2.5 hours drive. Or you can drive to Cairnryan or Liverpool and catch the ferry across to Larne or Belfast. You can also catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin.
Nearest Town:
Milford and Carrigart are 10 minutes drive away. Letterkenny is a much larger town about 30 mins drive away.
Local Area
During the summer months there are numerous cafes open with various options for coffee, cakes and a quick snack. There are also restaurants in Downings (15 minutes drive), Letterkenny (30 minutes drive).
Groceries. There are local convenience shops about 10 minutes drive away in Milford and Carrigart. There is also a Lidl in Milford for a larger shop.
There are lots of beautiful beaches within 15 minutes drive of the property. If you are willing to drive further you can see more of the stunning landscape.
Golf, Pitch and Putt and Footgolf are available between Carrigart and Downings. There is another golf course at Dunfanaghy.
Donegal is a popular surf spot as the waves are so good. There is a great surf school based in Dunfanaghy. Ballyhearnin Beach is beautiful and is a 25 minute drive away.
Mount Muckish and Mount Errigal are well worth climbing – though not for the faint hearted as they are steep – but some beautiful views.
There are numerous coastal walks and a scenic drive called the Atlantic Drive.
Facilities
The property is a perfect holiday home with spacious kitchen diner, lounge and sun room.
The property has 3 double bedrooms (two ensuite) and a twin room downstairs. There is also a large playroom upstairs which can sleep 2 on a futon.
There is a TV with DVD player but this is a WiFi free house (most people value disconnecting – but those guests who need internet access tend to use mobile phones to hotspot)
There is plenty of car parking available.
There is a washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher and a well equipped kitchen.
Additional Photos
Click to enlarge:
Costs
£650 per week in Summer months (June, July, August) If 2 weeks booked then £100 deducted from total.
At other times £500 per week
Energy Provision:
Energy costs are included in above charges. However if you want to make use of the open fire with coal or wood – please buy this yourself from local garages.
Availability
Available all year round but summer months are more popular.
Arrival and Departure times: To be negotiated – normally check in at 4.00 pm – Check out at 11.00 am.
Booking arrangements: These are flexible please contact accommodation provider. We would prefer a Saturday start.
Pets: I’m sorry – no pets allowed.
Contact the Owner
If you are interested in making a booking, or you would like further information, please get in touch using the following contact details:
Name: John and Lynda Blakeley
Phone Number: 07722 713450
Email Address: alyntanic@yahoo.com
Facebook page: Alyntanic