The Captain’s Nest:
Romantic Harbour Cottage in Bunbeg, Donegal
Stay at The Captain’s Nest, a romantic self-catering cottage overlooking Bunbeg Harbour, Donegal. Perfect for couples, trad music weekends, and Wild Atlantic Way escapes.
A beautifully restored Irish stone cottage overlooking Bunbeg Harbour, offering romantic accommodation for couples and solo travellers along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The Captain’s Nest is a lovingly restored historic Irish stone cottage perched on a rock above Bunbeg Harbour in West Donegal, just steps from the sea and close to the Coast Guard Station. It boasts beautiful views across the water body where the River Clady flows past the cottage into the harbour and out into the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
As the most intimate of the three Cobblestone Cottage stays, this romantic Donegal cottage is custom-designed for couples and solo travellers seeking a cosy coastal escape, a traditional Irish music weekend, or a peaceful base from which to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Combining authentic character with modern luxury, The Captain’s Nest captures the unique charm of old Donegal while providing everything needed for a relaxing self-catering stay.
Inside, guests will find a fully fitted kitchen, a cosy sitting room centred around a traditional fireplace, antique details, and thoughtfully curated interiors inspired by the area’s rich maritime heritage. Deeply connected to West Donegal's famous music and arts scene, the living room features an acoustic guitar for guests to enjoy, while a selection of traditional Irish instruments— including a banjo, Irish drums (bodhrán), and a flute—can be gladly provided upon request. With stunning harbour views from every window, the cottage feels deeply connected to the sea, the local fishing community, and the surrounding wild landscape.
Outside, a private garden area with outdoor seating and a firepit provides the perfect setting for slow mornings, sunset drinks, and evenings beneath the stars. Bunbeg Harbour sits directly below, where ferries depart for the surrounding islands, while pristine beaches, coastal walks, stand-up paddling, kayaking and other water activities are all within easy reach.
Located in one of Donegal’s most culturally rich coastal regions, The Captain’s Nest is also ideally placed for traditional Irish music sessions, local pubs, seafood restaurants, island adventures, and some of the most spectacular scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way.
At A Glance
Everything you need to know for an unforgettable couple's retreat at The Captain's Nest. Here are the highlights of this historic harbourside escape:
Location: Bunbeg Harbour, West Donegal, overlooking the harbour and Atlantic coastline.
Capacity: Accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably.
Main Features: Historic Irish stone cottage, harbour views, Atlantic views, traditional fireplace, fully fitted kitchen, private garden, and outdoor firepit.
Best For: Couples, solo travellers, romantic getaways, traditional music weekends, writers, and slow travel.
Standout Highlights: Ocean views from every window, proximity to island ferries, nearby beaches, and easy access to West Donegal's authentic pub culture.
Key Features
Our boutique self-catering holiday home provides everything needed for a memorable couple's getaway, blending maritime history with contemporary coastal comfort.
Unbeatable Waterfront Location
A boutique cottage perched directly above Bunbeg Harbour.
Panoramic Views
Enjoy dramatic harbour and Atlantic scenery from every single window.
Romantic Open Hearth
A traditional fireplace perfect for cosy evenings indoors.
Private Garden Oasis
Features outdoor seating, dining space, a firepit, and beautiful harbour vistas.
Gaelic Culture & Music
Located within walking distance to traditional music and local pubs.
Modern Essentials
High-speed WiFi, a fully fitted kitchen, and dedicated laundry facilities.
Inclusions and Services
To ensure your harbour-side stay feels seamless, every booking at The Captain’s Nest includes our signature hospitality services.
- Welcome Hamper: A curated selection of local treats and essentials on arrival.
- Concierge Service: Personal recommendations and assistance with dining reservations, traditional music sessions, local activities, and tailored experiences. Food, wine, spirits, and special requests can be arranged in advance.
- Transportation Assistance: Airport transfers, island ferry bookings, and local transport support available upon request.
- Exclusive Access: Private use of the entire cottage, garden, outdoor grill, and firepit throughout your holiday.
- Outdoor Equipment: Complimentary access to selected outdoor gear, including paddleboards, kayaks, bikes, and dive equipment, subject to availability.
Rooms & Layout
The cottage is designed to feel like a private maritime sanctuary, with every corner offering a view of the water.
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Master Bedroom
A comfortable, romantic bedroom wrapped in premium luxury linens, creating acalm, intimate atmosphere for a restful stay.
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Living & Dining Areas
Living Area: Comfortable seating, a traditional fireplace, spectacular harbour views, and an elegantly rustic décor scheme featuring curated books, art supplies, and local recommendations.
Kitchen: Fully fitted kitchen with modern appliances, cookware, and dining essentials, including an integrated washer and dryer.
Bathroom: A bright, seaside-inspired bathroom featuring a walk-in shower, soft towels, and curated toiletries.
Policies
From Our Guests, With Love
9 September 2026
We had a wonderful stay at the Captain's Nest! Thanks for the nice welcome Frank, we felt right away at home!
Leany & Maren
4 September '26
Thank you so much for sharing your lovely space with me. It was just what I needed. I adored sitting by the fire on a rainy evening. Sorry I didn't meet you Diana. Frank, you were amazing. Thank you for the information you gave me & your flexibility. Loved visiting the wild west coast of Ireland ♡
Hope to return soon ♡
Laurie
25 August 2026
Thanks to Deana and Frank for crafting a wonderful & restorative stay in the Captain's Nest! After a couple tough years in Washington, DC, we were looking for a special place to celebrate our milestone birthdays. Bunbeg and County Donegal more than exceeded our expectations, and we loved touring Arranmore Island with Frank. The perfect sunny weather (what luck!), incredible views, warm hospitality, and deep historical and cultural wealth of this place will stay with us for a long time. We also saw an otter swimming and diving outside on our first morning – an auspicious sign for a fantastic holiday and hopefully a return in the near future!
~ Paula & Paul
Thank you so much Deana & Frank for hosting us - what an absolutely beautiful corner of the world! We've had a lovely relaxing time reading and pottering around Gweedore. So much lovely local food & drink; Seán Óg chowder, coffee & chai latte at Aran, and a stunning millionaire's slice at the new cafe Mains.
Highlight: waking up and watching a pair of otters playing outside the bedroom window in the harbour - fantastic for our honeymoon!
Matt & Louise
Thank-you Deana & Frank for a lovely stay at Captain's Nest. It was a good base for us & we enjoyed resting with the lovely view of the harbour.
5 - 12.08.26
From Bunbeg harbour, wind and rain,
to cliffs and beaches, again and again.
We drove the coast, wherever it led,
and loved the wild view straight from our bed.
Frank showed us Arranmore, rugged and bright,
with Atlantic waves and Donegal light.
From 'Wild Ireland' and creatures to see,
to Donegal tweed and its history.
We learned that Irish weather does what it may –
and a peat fire keeps the cold away.
There was wonderful food, 0.0 cider too,
and even the bathroom gave us something new!
Thank you for the lovely skincare recommendation –
seaweed oil is now coming home from our vacation!
Thank you for giving us such a
beautiful base
to explore this wild and wonderful place.
With ♡ from Austria,
Carmen & Philipp
31st July ➔ 3rd August 26
Hi Deana
Fae here, I absolutely loved the bath products and will certainly be purchasing the face oil, thank you so much for this magical experience in your beautiful space.
31st July ➔ 3rd August 26
Dear Deana & Frank
We had a fantastic long weekend in the cottage, so peaceful & serene. We really relaxed & took full advantage of all the amazing little touches provided.
You have created such a beautiful little home from this cottage.
We enjoyed travelling around Nth Donegal & taking in all the sites.
Big Love
Paddy & Fae
9th – 12th July 2026
We had a lovely time in this beautiful cottage! The location is stunning and very tranquil—perfect for a relaxing few days. Thank you to Frank for a very informative check-in experience. We hope to see you again!
Barbara (Dublin)
July 5, 2026
Deana,
We had a lovely stay at the little cottage! Perfect cozy spot for my wife and I to enjoy a couple rainy days in Donegal!
Thanks for everything and until next time,
Sheila & Jake
Washington DC
We had a fabulous stay in the Captain's Nest.
We didn't spend much time inside this cosy cottage because we've always been at Teach Hiúdaí Beag for the sessions during the Scoil Gheimhridh.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh agus slán go fóill!
Love from Stefano and Lorenzo from Italy
We had a fabulous stay in the captains nest. We had some really cozy nights by the fire light.
The captains nest is one very special place.
Lots of love from Limerick + pakistan Vani + Humza 🙂
The Captain’s Nest is more than a place to stay, it is a place to feel. You can sense the history in the morning mist and old wooden ships in the harbor. We felt connected not only to this home, but to the generations of Donegalese who’ve filled it with warmth, character, and county pride.
Thank you Deana, for restoring such a wonderful home and sharing it with us. We are grateful to have been part of it’s story, if only for a few days. We wish we could have stayed longer.
"We have in our veins the exact same percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and, therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came." JFK 1962
With love + gratitude — Katie + Bryan Becker July 2025
We had a fabulous stay at the Captains Nest - the views, the peace and quiet, the fire and a complete "switch off" 🙂
We will highly recommend your gorgeous piece of paradise to anyone travelling to Bunbeg and surrounds.
With love and thanks,
Jacqui and Mark Hannon from Melbourne, Australia xxxx.
We've really enjoyed our stay in The Captain's Nest. Cosy, charming and compact, but just right for two!
Beautiful views and wonderfully quiet; a great place to unwind.
Love from
Noleen + Matthew
from London. xx
Captain's Nest Cottage in Bunbeg Harbour is pure storybook charm. My wife and I had a magical three-day stay, waking to harbour views, peat fire warmth, and evenings watching the Atlantic sky fade. A true Donegal gem where time slows and every view feels like art.
"Go raibh mile maith agaibh"
19-27 June 2026
A wonderful and welcoming retreat! Staying here while attending an chursa Gaeilge gave me just the rest I needed when my brain hurt — is an teanga deachair ach is an teanga álainn freisin.
Even in a wild and very loud storm the wee cabin was cosy!
Thank you Sal (Aberdeen, Scotland)
This is the most beautiful place yet. Thank you for everything ♡ Nell
Dear Deana,
We had a relaxing stay in your lovely cottage – we really appreciated all the little details... wood for fire, candles, bath salts...
It was blustery and cold outside but warm inside. It was good to simply chill out after a few weeks of travelling the WAW.
Kim and Michael, Kingston, Surrey
P.S. Glenveagh Castle and National Park worth a visit.
Thank you so much for the most wonderful stay. We loved your home and the close proximity to everything locally. We have had the best holiday with our family and will definitely book again on our next summer trip home from Sydney.
Thank you to the wonderful Rita and Deana for looking after us so well.
Adam, Maeve, Fearghal & Éimhear xx
And of course Aodhán ♥