Crisp autumn leaves and a fresh lough shore breeze welcome guests to this most inviting of Irish country houses.  Built in 1820, this year marks the County Donegal residence’s half century as a hotel. And as soon as you arrive, Rathmullan House’s beautifully landscaped lawns and elegant cream façade envelop you in an aura of luxurious familiarity. And by that we mean head-turning antiques and paintings blend seamlessly with the informal atmosphere. 

Maybe it’s something in the Fanad Peninsula air. Or perhaps the Lough Swilly beach at the foot of its grounds underpins the happy holiday vibe. Stepping back inside, sofa-filled lounges lined with well-stocked book shelves positively beckon you to sit back and peruse their bounty. While the turf fires and those sweeping garden vistas demand gentle contemplation as you look forward to dinner and plan the day ahead.

Ah, the dinner… named after the garden’s arboreal star, The Weeping Elm Restaurant is swathed in a light-strewn tented ceiling that evokes a romantic night sky. The estate’s Victorian Walled Garden delivers the finest fruit, herbs and vegetables to your table. While the main menu brims with local produce, from Rathmullan Lamb and Greencastle landed monkfish to Glenvar honey pannacotta and a fine selection of Irish cheeses. This refined retreat has earned a deserved reputation as one of Ireland’s most popular dining destinations.

And so to bed… each of the 34 rooms is individually decorated with yet more antiques and period features enhancing the house’s 19th century origins. Families are as welcome as couples, with interconnecting rooms available for extra space. A 15m indoor heated swimming pool and two all-weather tennis courts keep everyone energised. And there’s even a dog friendly bedroom so Fido can join in the fun. 

If you can tear yourself away from your abode, Rathmullan village and its surroundings are imminently explorable by foot and car. The area was the setting for the 1607 Flight of the Earls, when the country’s noble elite fled to France in search of support to overthrow the English. They failed in their mission and never returned. This pivotal chapter in Ireland’s history inspired Rathmullan’s Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre. 

Further inland, Glenveagh National Park is a perfect daytrip to see natural woodland, landscaped gardens and the stunning lakeshore setting for 19th century Glenveagh Castle. Dramatic coastal roads and picture postcard beaches shore up north Donegal’s breathtaking scenery. Take a drive and lose yourself in this dramatic wonderland.

Opened in 2009, Harry Blaney Bridge connects the Fanad and Rosguill Peninsulas, extending your Atlantic Drive to windswept Horn Head and onwards to the surf chic town of Dunfanaghy. And getting to Rathmullan from Belfast is seamless... simply head to Derry, then onwards via Letterkenny. In the summer season a car ferry also makes regular daily crossings between Buncrana and Rathmullan.

Whether you choose to make Rathmullan House your starting point for exploring Donegal or remain within its restful environs, this charming base makes an ideal autumnal overnight.