Rathmullan House

4 Star Country House & Restaurant

You couldn’t find a more idyllic location than this if you tried! Rathmullan House hovers high above the shores of Lough Swilly, nestled among a mature woodland, in wild and beautiful Co Donegal. The award-winning landscaped grounds are spectacular, and roll down to an almost tropical white gold sandy beach you just want to leave your footprints on. In keeping with its old country house traditions, you’ll find all the right notes here – log fires, comfy period sitting rooms, antiques, and that air of calm that pervades these lovely old residences.

Built in the 1800s, it was once the home of the Batt banking family, the house has been in Wheeler Family over forty-five years and is now run by brothers Mark and William Wheeler, with their wives Mary and Yvonne. Bedrooms are furnished in country house style, with large beds, patchwork quilts, and some with their own French doors onto small private terraces. Relaxation is the key here – with the gardens begging to be strolled before supper, and the nearby beach there for that morning jog or a romantic gallop on a four-legged friend. Rathmullan has it’s own tennis courts, swimming pool, and a resident masseuse who can rub all your muscle tension away.

After all that, the evenings here are for enjoying some fine cuisine at The Weeping Elm Restaurant. The house has it’s own walled garden growing a variety of soft fruits, herbs and vegetables. Head Chef Kelan McMichael brings a wealth of experience and is committed to supporting local producers by  sourcing his seasonal ingredients locally. A beachside location means lots of fresh fish and shellfish. For starters, there’s Donegal Bay Mackerel with Walled Garden Potatoes, Horseradish and Watercress. Mains include Seared Fillet of John Dory with Homemade Tagliatelle, Tomatoes and Herbs, and Grilled Donegal Bay Brill with Crab Veloute. Game lovers will find Finnebrogue Venison and superb Guinea Fowl given the Rathmullan treatment. Then try picking a dessert from the choice you’ll be faced with. Not easy, we can assure you. The wine list is a pleasure to browse, and again, is a cause for complete indecision as you ponder Old world classics alongside New World gems.

In the morning, be greeted by a generous breakfast buffet which features Marie’s Guinness and Wheaten breads, Ballycross Apple Juice, Donegal Baked Ham and Carrigeen Moss, a local mild tasting seaweed which when cooked takes on a smooth texture, and is served here with fruit compote. You can also indulge in Stoneground Oatmeal Porridge and Prunes. The House Full Irish Breakfast is a cornucopia of local produce – Moyallon Bacon, Mallon’s Sausages, Clonakilty Black & White Pudding, grilled tomato, flat mushrooms, potato bread and free range eggs. Or try Greencastle Smoked Salmon with scrambled eggs, or French toast with Moyallon Bacon and organic maple syrup. What to go for? You tell us - we couldn’t decide either! Of course it all comes with freshly made tea or coffee or a herbal infusion if you prefer. And we forgot to mention the homemade preserves, jams and of course Bob’ winter marmalade.

Whatever time of year you come, be it in the height of summer when beach life is at the hilt and surfers abound, or off season, in winter, when you can have that golden sand all to yourself, you’ll love Rathmullan. It spells comfort, elegance and grace, in a place beautiful and breathtaking. Enjoy your stay here. We most certainly did!

The Weeping Elm offers a choice of dinner menu each evening. Choose from the House Menu at €45 per person or the Classic Menu at €55 per person. Please note menus are subject to change as fresh produce arrives daily.

In 2009 Rathmullan House won the coveted Good Food Ireland Top Overall Member Award>>>

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Contact Details

To Contact a Member Directly, please click on the email or website below

Rathmullan
Lough Swilly
Co Donegal
+353 (0) 74 9158188
Email: info@rathmullanhouse.com
Web: www.rathmullanhouse.com

 

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