Formerly a rectory, Frewin is a fine Victorian house in mature, wooded grounds on the outskirts of Ramelton, skillfully restored and modernised by its current owners, Thomas and Regina Coyle. Both are natural hosts and their warm, genuine welcome makes their guests instantly at home. At the top of Lough Swilly, Ramelton is a charming heritage town on the River Lennon and a historic early port, with many important buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland with wonderful empty beaches, rivers, lakes, a spectacularly rugged coastline and the mountains of the Glenveagh National Park.
Ramelton is a charming heritage town at the mouth of the river Lennon, once prosperous as a centre of the linen industry and a port, and still largely unspoilt today. There is an early church and the many merchants' houses, one of which currently houses the Donegal Genealogy Centre, are fine examples of 17th century and Georgian architecture, and there are a number of large stone warehouses along the quaysides.
At the head of Lough Swilly, a deep inlet of the sea reaching right into the heart of County Donegal, Frewin is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the county. The area is surrounded by high mountains, yet is within a short drive of wonderful, almost-deserted beaches, the spectacular coastline of Lough Swilly, Mulroy Bay and Sheephaven, small rivers, lakes and wild open countryside, all bathed in the brilliantly clear Donegal light. Nearby is the Glenveagh National Park, centred on the Victorian-baronial Glenveagh Castle with its specacular gardens, and Derek Hill's Glebe House and Gallery at Church Hill.
Letterkenny is just seven miles off while the new summer ferry service across Lough Swilly, to Inishowen and the Foyle estuary makes day trips to the Walls of Derry, the Giant's Causeway and the North Antrim coast even more accessible. With many fine golf courses and restaurants in the area, Frewin is a splendid base for touring Ireland's North West.
Directions:
From Letterkenny, travel north on the R245 for 7 miles and turn right on reaching the speed limit signs at Ramelton. Frewin is on the right after 400 yards.
Sat Nav: 55.032129, -7.647171