Teach Mhicí' - Mickey's Cottage - Under the Thatch

Priced for 2 staying, sleeps 4. Restored by Under the Thatch, and in the most remarkable beachfront location!

"We walked outside to a scene that electrified the senses: the distinctive smell of seaweed drying in the inlet below; a wondrous vista out to a long bay that looked like it was lit from within. The only sound was a distant tractor on the single-track lane. It’s for elemental experiences like these that people venture to this part of Ireland." The Guardian

"If you were asked to describe the most idyllic seaside holiday home you could imagine, you might come up with something close to Teach Mhicí. Glittering turquoise water, private beach with pristine white sand, Scandi-inspired cottage with turf-woodburner and sea views from every window; it’s a little slice of Irish paradise." The Irish Times, No 2 in their list of 'Amazing Places to Stay in Ireland' (we also had the No.1 position).

Note we let two properties at this location - Mickey's Cottage (trad cottage with red roof) and Cro na Tra (a contemporary conversion) - both share the beach access.

A traditional Irish vernacular cottage sitting on the shore of the Atlantic with access to our private, sandy beach. Teach Mhicí (Irish for Mickey's Cottage) has one (Kingsize) bedroom and a very low mezzanine loft with a double bed open to the main living space.

We've added a large comfortable bathroom, and insulated everywhere before we lined it in wood from the local forest. It's a simple, but wonderful place. If you require more space we also advertise the larger cottage just up the slope behind.

You can arrange for private paddle-board tuition directly from our own shoreline in front of the cottage (with SurfsUp Ireland), or surf lessons and private sauna rental on Dooey beach (walkable).

Features

Accessibility

Ground floor bedroom
Ground floor bathroom

Family Friendly

Young children welcome
High chair
Travel cot

General

Washing machine

Heating

Open fire / woodburner

Location

Beach (within walking distance)
Farm or rural location
Coastal location - within 5 miles of the sea

Media & Technology

Wifi broadband internet
Smart TV

Bed Layout

Double bed
Kingsize bed

In Detail

The cottage is centrally heated throughout and has a large turf-woodburner (first basket of fuel included). Every window (apart from bathroom) has a sea view. WIFI

Note that although well-behaved pets are welcome (fee applies) the garden is not enclosed.
Travel cot kept at the property (no need to request) - but bring own bedding for cot.
High chair kept at the cottage, baby bath available on request

Ground Floor:

Living Room/ Dining/ Kitchen - open plan. Turf/log burner, two sofas. TV with Netflix connected (no terrestrial).
Kitchen - with oven, hob, microwave, fridge (note only a small icebox), toaster, kettle, airfryer. Dolce Gusto coffee maker + cafetiere. Radio.
Bedroom - Kingsize bed with firm mattress
Shower-room with large walk-in wetroom type shower, 'rainfall' shower head. Heated towel rail (towels provided).
Washing Machine and drying lines in covered stone shed to rear

Mezzanine Loft:
With double bed (note restricted headroom - this is a very low loft, probably not suitable for toddlers, open to the main living space below)

Outdoors:

Access over 7 acres of hill and shore
Parking
A picnic bench and another bench
Gated access down to our private sandy beach or 2 minute walk to adjacent large sandy beach

Good to know

Check in at : 15:30
Check out by: 10:00
Up to 4
7 nights from £907 (based on 2 staying)
Pets - Welcome (maximum: 2 dogs)
Location
Restored from a ruin by Under the Thatch, at Dooey beach, West Donegal, Ireland
Nearby
You're right on one of the most beautiful shorelines in the world. Most people spend their day... Read more
Infants - Welcome + Cot & high chair available
Children - Welcome
Note that although well-behaved pets are welcome (fee applies) the garden is not enclosed.
Travel cot kept at the property (no need to request) - but bring own bedding for cot.
High chair kept in the house (no need to request). Baby bath available (on request).
Note there is one kingsize bedroom of a good size to the ground floor, and one double bed on an open mezzanine loft over the main living space that has limited headroom.

Bed Layout

Double bed
Kingsize bed

You're right on one of the most beautiful shorelines in the world. Most people spend their days discovering the many beaches (there are hundreds, literally), the great local food and welcome in the pubs, and walking across wilderness landscapes.

Mickey's Beach - on your doorstep - it's yours!
White Strand Beach - 2 minutes walk - great bathing, turquoise waters
Dooey Beach - 3km of sandy beach (also walking distance, one mile by foot or car) - known for surfing (arrange lessons/ join summer surf 'camps' via SurfsUp Ireland).
Lettermacaward - 5 minute drive - your village with 2 shops, petrol, hairdressers, pubs (one serves good food 7 days a week to 9pm)
Dungloe town - 15 minute drive - 'Capital of the Rosses' with supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Supervalu, The Cope), pubs (10)
Portnoo Beach - horse-riding on the beach - 20 mins. drive
Sliabh Liag - Europe's highest sea cliffs (amazing) - 45 mins. drive
Horse Riding at Dunlewey - 40 mins.
Glenveagh National Park/ National Park - 45 mins
Belfast city - 2hr 45 mins.
Ardara 'Heritage Town' (cafes, pubs, tweed/weaving) - 20 mins.
Local angling, boat trips & local walking (video)
Glencolmcille Folk Village & beach & pubs - 55 mins.
Ulster Folk Park - one of best open air museums in Europe - 1hr 20 mins.
Derry ('Londonderry') - fascinating UK City of Culture 2013 - 1 hr. 20 mins.
Giant's Causeway - 2 hr 10 mins - or also see Derry on the way

Reviews

Gill C,

2026

Lovely cottage with wonderful views and brilliant swimming opportunities on the doorstep. With patience and binoculars/telescope it is possible to see otters and seals - we found morning low tide to be a good time - but perseverance is essential! We also regularly saw a red throated diver. Only thing I would suggest is a check of kitchen equipment- we had also rented Cro Na Tra but couldn't find weighing scales our an electric whisk in either cottage - making rainy day baking a bit of a guessing game - but this wouldn't stop me booking again!

Alice H,

2026

Thank you so much for hosting us in your gorgeous cottage! We had an amazing time and so did our two dogs, Penny & Pip. The location is like something from a film set - perfect for swimming, paddle boarding and walks on the local beaches. Dooey beach was otherworldly! Also having the small beach within walking distance was brilliant for early morning dog walks. Thank you!

Elaine T,

2025

We had a very peaceful and comfortable break here. The location is sublime, incredibly quiet. And the cottage is warm and very practically kitted out. We would love to come back and stay again. Thank you

Declan B,

2025

We loved our stay! Great views and perfect amenities in the house for a cosy, comfortable stay. Very short trip to the beach for walks with the dog. Would love to stay again! D&O

Fiona R,

2025

Fabulous holiday - helped by amazing (unexpected!) sunny weather. Lovely cottage in a stunning location. Very peaceful. Dooey beach is only 20 minutes away and absolute paradise. Cottage very well equipped. Perfect! Many thanks UTT!

Annabel P,

2025

We spent an unforgettable 3 days in Mikey’s Cottage in Donegal. The cottage is so thoughtfully and tastefully decorated and equipped and located in the most peaceful spot we ever had the opportunity to stay. Right on the seafront with a private rocky and sandy beach. We enjoyed walking along the shore, snorkeling and surfing and just enjoying the amazing view (incl sunsets). Don’t hesitate and book !

Emma C,

2025

Ba bhreá linn fanacht i dTeach Mhicí! The location is unmatched and we loved starting and ending our days on the beach with our dogs. Although it’s clearly advertised, a 10am check-out is far too early and would be a consideration if booking again.

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