The minute I take the exit off the busy M50 motorway and onto the road to Donegal, my shoulders relax and my body immediately slows down. I visit Donegal as much as I can and if my tweens will come along. When they were younger, I went to Donegal several times a year and would fill up the car with whatever I needed to keep my twins entertained, fed and not asking too often, ‘Are we there Yet?’ When you leave Dublin, the roads become quieter, the scenery wilder and greener and before long you’re wondering why you don’t visit more often.
This time I was going to a friend’s birthday party and staying close to her home at An Grianán Hotel in a town called Burt. The hotel is situated a few minutes from the historic Grianán of Aileach stone fort. Shaped like a giant fairy ring, it is said to have been built around the 6th or 7th century and served as the royal seat of the Kings of Aileach, rulers of the Northern Uí Néill dynasty, one of Ireland’s most powerful Gaelic kingdoms. The location is breathtaking; on a clear day the views stretch across Lough Swilly, Lough Foyle and all of Inishowen. The hotel is also close to Letterkenny and Derry.
When you drive into the hotel, the exterior is dome-shaped. The reception interior immediately beckons you to sit down, put your feet up and have a cuppa or a pint of the black stuff, even before you have checked in. There is something nice about a lounge area right inside the doors, particularly after a long drive. An Grianán is a family-run hotel; Pearse Callaghan and his family are from Burt and I immediately felt that; you just know the family-run hotels, it’s that instant cosy feeling you get.
It’s very popular for local weddings and also people come from afar to have their weddings here. Wedding Coordinator, Deirdre Hamill, showed me their unique wedding ballroom. They have weddings booked right through to 2029 – I can see why. The room is enchanting, with standout trimmings – such as their recent purchase of 400 plush Dior wedding guest chairs and it is the only circular ballroom with a dome ceiling in the county. The gardens outside are so picturesque for wedding photos; there is a waterfall, a well and plenty of unique wedding photography spots. There is a particularly special bride and groom suite; anyone looking for a wedding venue, be sure to visit here.
The bedrooms are spacious and comfortable for three of us, with everything you need for a short break. I loved the open wardrobe area as you could fit the cases in as well and it kept everything tidy (this can be a challenge with twins). The comfortable beds, plenty of space and all the modern amenities made it an easy place to settle into.
One of the things I always notice when travelling around Ireland is whether a hotel feels like it belongs to the community or simply exists within it. An Grianán definitely falls into the first category. Throughout our stay, there was a lovely mix of families celebrating christenings, birthdays, couples out for dinner, business guests and locals dropping in for lunch, dinner or meeting friends for a cuppa or a pint.
Food plays a big part in any Irish getaway and the hotel didn’t disappoint. The menu offers a good balance of traditional favourites and good portion sizes. Whether you’re looking for a hearty evening meal after a day on the road or a light lunch, there’s something to suit every appetite. The most unique experience here for me was the breakfast. It is served in the old church restaurant and is the quirkiest place I have ever had breakfast. Sipping my tea, gazing around at the memorabilia, which included chalices, Viking clothing and historical notices for you to read on the walls. There are three floors in the church and make sure to go up to the other floors. It is like a museum and if you love history, this is breakfast with a splash of history thrown in. You will find information on Burt Castle, the Old Distillery, St. Aengus Church, the Bell of St Patrick, Druids & Christians history facts and make sure to look in at Dagda’s Kitchen on the second floor.
Guests can enjoy fresh fruit, cereals, pastries and a great full Irish breakfast, ensuring nobody leaves hungry. We certainly wouldn’t need anything until dinner and we were set up to go exploring – and there’s certainly plenty to see.
One of the hotel’s biggest strengths is its location. It’s perfectly placed for visitors who want to experience both Donegal and neighbouring Derry. A short drive brings you into Derry City, one of Ireland’s most historic destinations. You can walk the city’s famous walls, explore the Guildhall, visit the Peace Bridge, go shopping or just enjoy the buzz of Derry; it’s a great day out.
Back in Donegal, Letterkenny offers shopping, restaurants and lively pubs, while those with more time can continue north towards Fanad Head Lighthouse, Malin Head or some of the county’s spectacular beaches, so don’t forget your swimsuit.
For anyone travelling the Wild Atlantic Way, An Grianán Hotel also makes an excellent base. Instead of changing accommodation every night, visitors can comfortably explore both Inishowen and north-west Donegal before returning each evening.
Families will love the generous room sizes and relaxed atmosphere, while couples looking for a quiet escape will find plenty of opportunities for scenic walks, cosy evenings and leisurely drives through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes.
What impressed me most wasn’t necessarily any one standout feature, but rather how relaxed and easy the entire stay felt. Sometimes the best hotels aren’t the ones with rooftop bars, infinity pools or top-class spa facilities. They are the places where the simple things are all you need, along with our renowned authentic Irish hospitality. The welcome is genuine, the staff are attentive without being intrusive, the food is great, and you leave feeling looked after. You don’t always need a passport to experience great hospitality, history and spectacular scenery – just get in your car and drive.
Travel Facts
Double rooms start from €120 for B&B
See more here: www.angriananhotel.com
Published in the Irish Daily Mail Weekend Travel Section
