The Old Garda Station - Stylish, Historic Home
Entire home in Ireland
- 8 guests ·
- · 4 bedrooms ·
- · 4 beds ·
- · 1 bath
Hosted by Nicola
- 3 years hosting
Listing highlights
Self check-in
Check yourself in with the lockbox.
Beautiful area
This home is in a scenic location.
Garden view
Soak up the view during your stay.
A stylish former Police Barracks, The Old Garda Station is situated in the picturesque Gaeltacht village of Doochary in the heart of Co. Donegal. This unique holiday home has been sensitively renovated with period features and decorated with original artworks. Just a short drive from beautiful beaches and Glenveagh National Park, it is the perfect base for outdoor activities and exploring the Wild Atlantic Way while benefiting from the convenience of fast wifi, a pub and village shop next door.
The space
With 4 double bedrooms, The Old Garda Station, Doochary is an ideal holiday home for families, couples, groups of friends or anyone who loves the outdoors.
This unique period property is a rare find. Its stylish Georgian-style interior is full of character and old world charm. It features high ceilings, thick walls, chic cast iron radiators, solid wood panelled doors and well proportioned rooms decorated in period colours, while its tall windows let light flood in.
History
Formerly used as an RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) Barracks and Garda Station, its rich history is reflected in photographs and artefacts decorating the house. During the 1990s, the house and the pub next door were used as the setting for TG4's popular Gaeilge comedy series Gleann Ceo, which followed the antics of a local sergeant and constable in a fictional Donegal village.
Nearby Amenities:
Local shop - next door
Pub/Bar - next door
Gweebarra River Walk - steps from the house
Slí Dhún na nGall - passes the house
Petrol Station - Lettermacaward, 9km (10min drive)
Post Office - Lettermacaward, 9km (10min drive)
Supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Supervalu, The Cope) - Dungloe, 12km (11min drive)
Pharmacy - Dungloe, 12km (11min drive)
Restaurants - Dungloe, 13km (12min drive)
Glenveagh National Park - 7km (10min drive)
Bike Hire - Lettermacaward, 9km (10min drive)
Fintown Railway - 8km (9min drive)
Park Run - Dungloe, 12km (11min drive)
Dooey Beach & Sauna - 15km (21min drive)
Donegal Airport - 25km (27min drive)
City of Derry Airport - 84km (1hr17min drive)
Living Room
The open plan living room and kitchen maximises the space and light and provides an intimate social space. Relax and unwind on the soft leather sofas in front of the warm glow of the wood burning stove. Bespoke original artwork and historical photos and artefacts decorate the walls. Play your own music through the Bluetooth speaker or listen to digital radio on the retro style Roberts Revival.
The Kitchen
You will love cooking in the well-equipped kitchen with its Rangemaster oven, Smeg fridge freezer, glossy granite worktops and traditional Belfast sink. A farmhouse style table is at the heart of the home, providing a cosy dining area which is also the perfect place to enjoy conversations and board games. A wooden high chair is available for little ones.
The Snug
Antique furniture, floor length velvet curtains, forest green walls and original artworks give the snug an elegant feel. This cosy, additional living room is a great place to curl up with a glass of wine and watch a movie on the Samsung Smart TV with loved ones.
Bathroom
Take a luxurious soak in the deep double ended roll-top bath heated by the oil fired central heating system. The spacious downstairs bathroom also contains a walk in shower, toilet with traditional high level cistern, sink and storage space for your toiletries.
Utility / Laundry Room
You are welcome to use the washing machine in the utility/laundry room (old police cell). There is also an iron, ironing board and clothes airer available.
Private Enclosed Garden
The private, south-facing walled garden contains the remains of stone-built outhouses and a wooden table and benches, the perfect place to plan your adventures.
Bedrooms
Upstairs, you will find 4 stunning double bedrooms, all with high ceilings, cast iron radiators, original wooden floors and tall windows. Bedrooms 1 and 4 at the front overlook the main street (it is generally very quiet during the night, but expect some traffic noise), while bedrooms 2 and 3 at the back are quieter and overlook the back garden and outhouses, with houses and hills beyond. Comfortable mattresses and cotton bed linen aid restful sleep. Towels, a hairdryer and a travel cot are provided for guests.
Reading Nook
Relax and enjoy the peace and quiet in the reading nook. The bookcase loaded with a carefully curated selection of local history books and fiction or check out the mini community book swap library just across the road.
Wifi
A 1GB fibre broadband connection is provided throughout the house and there is a desk with a comfortable chair for working in Bedroom 3.
Guest access
You will have the whole house and garden for your own personal use.
Other things to note
Please note that there is no microwave or dishwasher.
The space
With 4 double bedrooms, The Old Garda Station, Doochary is an ideal holiday home for families, couples, groups of friends or anyone who loves the outdoors.
This unique period property is a rare find. Its stylish Georgian-style interior is full of character and old world charm. It features high ceilings, thick walls, chic cast iron radiators, solid wood panelled doors and well proportioned rooms decorated in period colours, while its tall windows let light flood in.
History
Formerly used as an RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary) Barracks and Garda Station, its rich history is reflected in photographs and artefacts decorating the house. During the 1990s, the house and the pub next door were used as the setting for TG4's popular Gaeilge comedy series Gleann Ceo, which followed the antics of a local sergeant and constable in a fictional Donegal village.
Nearby Amenities:
Local shop - next door
Pub/Bar - next door
Gweebarra River Walk - steps from the house
Slí Dhún na nGall - passes the house
Petrol Station - Lettermacaward, 9km (10min drive)
Post Office - Lettermacaward, 9km (10min drive)
Supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Supervalu, The Cope) - Dungloe, 12km (11min drive)
Pharmacy - Dungloe, 12km (11min drive)
Restaurants - Dungloe, 13km (12min drive)
Glenveagh National Park - 7km (10min drive)
Bike Hire - Lettermacaward, 9km (10min drive)
Fintown Railway - 8km (9min drive)
Park Run - Dungloe, 12km (11min drive)
Dooey Beach & Sauna - 15km (21min drive)
Donegal Airport - 25km (27min drive)
City of Derry Airport - 84km (1hr17min drive)
Living Room
The open plan living room and kitchen maximises the space and light and provides an intimate social space. Relax and unwind on the soft leather sofas in front of the warm glow of the wood burning stove. Bespoke original artwork and historical photos and artefacts decorate the walls. Play your own music through the Bluetooth speaker or listen to digital radio on the retro style Roberts Revival.
The Kitchen
You will love cooking in the well-equipped kitchen with its Rangemaster oven, Smeg fridge freezer, glossy granite worktops and traditional Belfast sink. A farmhouse style table is at the heart of the home, providing a cosy dining area which is also the perfect place to enjoy conversations and board games. A wooden high chair is available for little ones.
The Snug
Antique furniture, floor length velvet curtains, forest green walls and original artworks give the snug an elegant feel. This cosy, additional living room is a great place to curl up with a glass of wine and watch a movie on the Samsung Smart TV with loved ones.
Bathroom
Take a luxurious soak in the deep double ended roll-top bath heated by the oil fired central heating system. The spacious downstairs bathroom also contains a walk in shower, toilet with traditional high level cistern, sink and storage space for your toiletries.
Utility / Laundry Room
You are welcome to use the washing machine in the utility/laundry room (old police cell). There is also an iron, ironing board and clothes airer available.
Private Enclosed Garden
The private, south-facing walled garden contains the remains of stone-built outhouses and a wooden table and benches, the perfect place to plan your adventures.
Bedrooms
Upstairs, you will find 4 stunning double bedrooms, all with high ceilings, cast iron radiators, original wooden floors and tall windows. Bedrooms 1 and 4 at the front overlook the main street (it is generally very quiet during the night, but expect some traffic noise), while bedrooms 2 and 3 at the back are quieter and overlook the back garden and outhouses, with houses and hills beyond. Comfortable mattresses and cotton bed linen aid restful sleep. Towels, a hairdryer and a travel cot are provided for guests.
Reading Nook
Relax and enjoy the peace and quiet in the reading nook. The bookcase loaded with a carefully curated selection of local history books and fiction or check out the mini community book swap library just across the road.
Wifi
A 1GB fibre broadband connection is provided throughout the house and there is a desk with a comfortable chair for working in Bedroom 3.
Guest access
You will have the whole house and garden for your own personal use.
Other things to note
Please note that there is no microwave or dishwasher.
Where you’ll sleep
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What this place offers
Garden view
Kitchen
Fast wifi – 325 Mbps
Dedicated workspace
Free street parking
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Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 12 reviews.5.0
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Overall rating
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Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Cleanliness
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Accuracy
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in
Check-in
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication
Communication
5.0
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for location
Location
4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value
Value
4.8
Where you’ll be
County Donegal, Ireland
The Old Garda Station is located in the tiny Gaeltacht village of Doochary in the heart of County Donegal. Step back in time and experience the 'real' Donegal in this historical village surrounded by breath-taking scenery and home to warm and friendly (English speaking) locals. Listed by Lonely Planet as the fourth-best region in the world to visit in 2024, Donegal really does have it all! A short drive from outstanding beaches on the rugged Wild Atlantic Way, Doochary is conveniently positioned as the gateway to the spectacular Glenveagh National Park, which is listed as one of the top attractions in Donegal on Tripadvisor. The Slí Na Rossan section of the Slí Dhún Na nGall walking trail passes right in front of the house and dramatic scenery can be reached on foot from the house.
Doochary (An Dúchoraidh) was built around Doochary Bridge, the first bridge over the Gweebarra Estuary, dating from 1786. Grab a coffee from the shop and wander over the bridge and along the Gweebarra River Walk where there are benches to enjoy the view of the river, herons, otters and abundant wildflowers. Daily or weekly fishing permits can be purchased online for the wild salmon and sea trout season.
On one side of the house is the Corkscrew Bar which regularly hosts live music and events. On the other side of the house is a small village shop which serves hot drinks and was recently used as a filming location for the Pierce Brosnan movie 'Four Letters of Love'. This wasn't the first time the village has found fame on screen - The Old Garda Station was also the setting for TG4's police comedy series Gleann Ceo in the 1990s.
Just around the corner from The Old Garda Station, you can explore the Ice House - a unique Victorian stone structure, originally built in around 1850 to store ice to preserve salmon from the river. A short walk up the road towards Glenveagh is St Sarah's Holy Well where the water is reputed to cure skin conditions.
You will also find some beautiful public artworks dotted around the village. Renowned local artist Andrea Redmond has transformed some of the local residencies with her stunning murals illustrating the historical characters of Doochary and talented artist John Gillespie has created striking metal sculptures depicting the local wildlife.
Things To Do
Guests can enjoy a broad range of active outdoor activities nearby including surfing, sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, cycling, park runs, rock climbing, sightseeing boat tours, wild swimming, fishing and angling, hiking, horse trekking, wildlife spotting and experiencing the Northern Lights.
Donegal is famous for its stunning beaches and there are so many choices within a 30 minute drive from the house that you could stay for a week and enjoy a different beautiful beach every day. You might even spot seals and wild dolphins! Wild Atlantic Sauna is available for private and public sessions at Dooey Beach.
You will be spoilt for dramatic scenery in Donegal. Lough Barra and the Bridle Path walk to Glenveagh Castle are a short drive away, and perfect for some peace and solitude and spotting red deer and golden eagles.
Visit some of Donegal's first class heritage sites including Grianan of Aileach, a stone hillfort dating back to 1700BC, take a guided tour of the 1820s regency style Glebe House and Gallery or take in views of Lough Finn from Fintown Railway, a restored railway carriage.
Take a walking tour of the historic city of Derry or enjoy Letterkenny's great indoor entertainment and leisure facilities including Century Cinema, Aura Leisure Centre, An Grianán Theatre, Tropical World and Arena 7 Family Entertainment Complex.
Find out all about Donegal's rich history in whiskey production at Croithlí Distillery or take a tour of Kinnegar Craft Beer Brewery and enjoy a draught beer in the Taproom.
Savour an evening meal in one of the many restaurants in nearby Dungloe or simply soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a pint of cold Guinness and some traditional Irish music and craic in a Donegal pub.
Doochary (An Dúchoraidh) was built around Doochary Bridge, the first bridge over the Gweebarra Estuary, dating from 1786. Grab a coffee from the shop and wander over the bridge and along the Gweebarra River Walk where there are benches to enjoy the view of the river, herons, otters and abundant wildflowers. Daily or weekly fishing permits can be purchased online for the wild salmon and sea trout season.
On one side of the house is the Corkscrew Bar which regularly hosts live music and events. On the other side of the house is a small village shop which serves hot drinks and was recently used as a filming location for the Pierce Brosnan movie 'Four Letters of Love'. This wasn't the first time the village has found fame on screen - The Old Garda Station was also the setting for TG4's police comedy series Gleann Ceo in the 1990s.
Just around the corner from The Old Garda Station, you can explore the Ice House - a unique Victorian stone structure, originally built in around 1850 to store ice to preserve salmon from the river. A short walk up the road towards Glenveagh is St Sarah's Holy Well where the water is reputed to cure skin conditions.
You will also find some beautiful public artworks dotted around the village. Renowned local artist Andrea Redmond has transformed some of the local residencies with her stunning murals illustrating the historical characters of Doochary and talented artist John Gillespie has created striking metal sculptures depicting the local wildlife.
Things To Do
Guests can enjoy a broad range of active outdoor activities nearby including surfing, sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, cycling, park runs, rock climbing, sightseeing boat tours, wild swimming, fishing and angling, hiking, horse trekking, wildlife spotting and experiencing the Northern Lights.
Donegal is famous for its stunning beaches and there are so many choices within a 30 minute drive from the house that you could stay for a week and enjoy a different beautiful beach every day. You might even spot seals and wild dolphins! Wild Atlantic Sauna is available for private and public sessions at Dooey Beach.
You will be spoilt for dramatic scenery in Donegal. Lough Barra and the Bridle Path walk to Glenveagh Castle are a short drive away, and perfect for some peace and solitude and spotting red deer and golden eagles.
Visit some of Donegal's first class heritage sites including Grianan of Aileach, a stone hillfort dating back to 1700BC, take a guided tour of the 1820s regency style Glebe House and Gallery or take in views of Lough Finn from Fintown Railway, a restored railway carriage.
Take a walking tour of the historic city of Derry or enjoy Letterkenny's great indoor entertainment and leisure facilities including Century Cinema, Aura Leisure Centre, An Grianán Theatre, Tropical World and Arena 7 Family Entertainment Complex.
Find out all about Donegal's rich history in whiskey production at Croithlí Distillery or take a tour of Kinnegar Craft Beer Brewery and enjoy a draught beer in the Taproom.
Savour an evening meal in one of the many restaurants in nearby Dungloe or simply soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a pint of cold Guinness and some traditional Irish music and craic in a Donegal pub.
Meet your hosts
My work: Visual Artist
Speaks English
Hello. I am your host, Nicola, a visual artist and creative practitioner. I am so happy to share our beautiful house in Doochary with visitors to Donegal and offer you a stylish, relaxing, and comfortable stay.
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Things to know
House rules
Check-in after 5:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
8 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm