Cuan Na Ri
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About
#1 of 1 resort in Donegal Town
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Looking for a place to stay in Donegal Town? Then look no further than Cuan na Ri, a charming resort that brings the best of Donegal Town to your doorstep.
Rooms at Cuan na Ri offer a kitchenette providing exceptional comfort and convenience.
An on-site restaurant will also help to make your stay even more special.
Should time allow, Donegal Castle is a popular castle that is relatively easy to get to.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Cuan na Ri as you experience everything Donegal Town has to offer.
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Property amenities
Kitchenette
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Italian
Location
Sheephaven Bay, Donegal Town Ireland
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 75 out of 100
75
21 Restaurants
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Detailed Reviews
amazing place when completion of this resort finished perfect safe housing complex with everything needed .the houses are fab and so well equipped .great location 5 mins drive to downings and carrigart .perfect for relaxing family break or for a golfing trip to rosapenna golf resort.George onsite was always on hand when needed .Enjoyed every minute of it.
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Date of stay: June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Here's the problem I have with posting a review of Donegal Boardwalk Resort (former Cuan na Ri), I don't want to share it!
Travelled with 3 generations of family and friends and it was a winner with everyone.
The complex has recently changed hands and is under new management, the houses are spacious and have been updated and in between our various stays here we notice little incremental improvements e.g. new drying racks for the clothes, patio furniture, etc. There is a deck area to the rear with plenty of green space.
Beds were very comfortable, medium to firm mattress, no complaints from anyone, plenty of pillows and George and the team are so obliging any extra bits just text them and its sorted.
On entering the resort, there is a complex of houses broken into 3 little horseshoes with a playground beside them. There is a fibre network here with very fast speeds, password supplied at house.
A 7 minute walk from the houses along a path through the resort will bring you directly to the sea front at Trá Mór beach. There is a bar/restaurant here with another new playground for young kids beside it. Alongside the playground is a new tennis court and basketball court. There is plenty of parking.
From the bar you can access the beach directly on to the sand but the sand here is quite soft until you walk around the headland. Alternatively, the boardwalk stretches for 1.2km from the bar across the sand dunes with benches and viewing platforms built in. The boardwalk runs right up to the firmer sand but there is a dip down that would not be wheelchair accessible.
There was a pitch n putt at the entry way which is no longer used but it would be good to see it in action again. I'd suggest bikes or scooters for younger kids as the walk from the house down to the beach is lengthy enough, great freedom for them on the bikes around here.
The restaurant is proving popular, plenty of local action and around meal times you need to book or you won't get a table. There are tables outside so if you don't mind a lovely view with a breeze, you'll be grand. Overall the food is tasty and the service was fine, bit hit and miss on both depending on the night that's in it. I'm putting it down to growing pains as sometimes it wasn't very busy and the food/service was slow/poor. Seafront setting is fantastic and the bar is great if you fancy a cool one while the kids play in the small playground adjoining the bar. It's also really convenient if particularly when self-catering, you just don't want to be cooking you can toddle down with the gang and get fed.
Trá Mór beach is a fine beach about 4 miles long and it is stunning with gorgeous fine sand, no lifeguard and caution necesssary if swimming - there are sandbanks and dips and the tide rolls in and out fast here. The smell of honeysuckle and meadowsweet permeates the air, it is absolute silence in the evening despite all the people around and the backdrop of the hills behind the houses is beautiful.
If you take the road to High Glen you will go over this hill and completely FOR FREE get the most incredibly stunning views of Sheephaven Bay - it's breathtaking in its splendour. If you are an artist, bring your paints because the light here has a beautiful quality.
There's a list of places to see on the Boardwalk website but others weren't included. Here's a few on our list:
* Muck n Muffins in Dunfanaghy do a kids art class two evenings a week so parents can have a drink or walk the beach. Book ahead, €10 per child, kids loved it and the lady who runs it was very pleasant. Pay in shop.
* Donegal is made for Watersports, we used Jaws and found them relaxed and focused on us enjoying our lessons but there are others dotted around in the villages. Doesn't matter if it rains though the sun does make it more enjoyable
* Beaches everywhere up here all totally unspoilt. Marble Hill is shallow and lifeguard; Portnablagh drive onto the beach, pier here too, small beach but perfect with younger kids; Tra Mor in Carrigart, sweeping beach for walking but there's also Ards Forest Park and many more dotted all over the place each with its own quality
* Bikes for hire on the way into Carrigart village - or bring your own scooters and bikes
* Visit Fanad Lighthouse but don't take the Harry Blaney bridge over - the drive is longer but spectacular if you go the long way (about 25 mins) over by Portsalon. Come back the Harry Blaney bridge and home in ten mins.
* Doon Mass Rock, Well and Doon Rock are worth a visit, quirky places of history and legend with beautiful views over the valleys
* For wet days: Kids play area in Downing Bay Hotel; Letterkenny has cinema, indoor play area and bowling alley
* Everywhere: doesn't matter where you go up here, it is all beautiful
Tips:
* Book restaurants at dinner time - everywhere in vicinity was booked at meal times. The pork burger at the beachfront bar was given the seal of approval by the teens and the adults alike
* Beach wheelchair available from Donegal County Council, mobile number was listed in The Galley pizzeria in Downings
* Doctor in Carrigart till 5pm, after that over to Milford or Letterkenny
* Milford road is a better one to Letterkenny, roadworks on road from Letterkenny to Creeslough caused long traffic jams
* Centra in Carrigart is small but has a good range of items: LIDL in Milford if you want a big shop
* Recycling not available at the house but recycling centres are opposite Carrigart Church and in Creeslough carpark on the bend
* Buy live chickens in Creeslough; fresh eggs and potatoes "farm to fork" all over the place
Note: There are plans to further develop this resort with additional houses, leisure facilities and hotel
Travelled with 3 generations of family and friends and it was a winner with everyone.
The complex has recently changed hands and is under new management, the houses are spacious and have been updated and in between our various stays here we notice little incremental improvements e.g. new drying racks for the clothes, patio furniture, etc. There is a deck area to the rear with plenty of green space.
Beds were very comfortable, medium to firm mattress, no complaints from anyone, plenty of pillows and George and the team are so obliging any extra bits just text them and its sorted.
On entering the resort, there is a complex of houses broken into 3 little horseshoes with a playground beside them. There is a fibre network here with very fast speeds, password supplied at house.
A 7 minute walk from the houses along a path through the resort will bring you directly to the sea front at Trá Mór beach. There is a bar/restaurant here with another new playground for young kids beside it. Alongside the playground is a new tennis court and basketball court. There is plenty of parking.
From the bar you can access the beach directly on to the sand but the sand here is quite soft until you walk around the headland. Alternatively, the boardwalk stretches for 1.2km from the bar across the sand dunes with benches and viewing platforms built in. The boardwalk runs right up to the firmer sand but there is a dip down that would not be wheelchair accessible.
There was a pitch n putt at the entry way which is no longer used but it would be good to see it in action again. I'd suggest bikes or scooters for younger kids as the walk from the house down to the beach is lengthy enough, great freedom for them on the bikes around here.
The restaurant is proving popular, plenty of local action and around meal times you need to book or you won't get a table. There are tables outside so if you don't mind a lovely view with a breeze, you'll be grand. Overall the food is tasty and the service was fine, bit hit and miss on both depending on the night that's in it. I'm putting it down to growing pains as sometimes it wasn't very busy and the food/service was slow/poor. Seafront setting is fantastic and the bar is great if you fancy a cool one while the kids play in the small playground adjoining the bar. It's also really convenient if particularly when self-catering, you just don't want to be cooking you can toddle down with the gang and get fed.
Trá Mór beach is a fine beach about 4 miles long and it is stunning with gorgeous fine sand, no lifeguard and caution necesssary if swimming - there are sandbanks and dips and the tide rolls in and out fast here. The smell of honeysuckle and meadowsweet permeates the air, it is absolute silence in the evening despite all the people around and the backdrop of the hills behind the houses is beautiful.
If you take the road to High Glen you will go over this hill and completely FOR FREE get the most incredibly stunning views of Sheephaven Bay - it's breathtaking in its splendour. If you are an artist, bring your paints because the light here has a beautiful quality.
There's a list of places to see on the Boardwalk website but others weren't included. Here's a few on our list:
* Muck n Muffins in Dunfanaghy do a kids art class two evenings a week so parents can have a drink or walk the beach. Book ahead, €10 per child, kids loved it and the lady who runs it was very pleasant. Pay in shop.
* Donegal is made for Watersports, we used Jaws and found them relaxed and focused on us enjoying our lessons but there are others dotted around in the villages. Doesn't matter if it rains though the sun does make it more enjoyable
* Beaches everywhere up here all totally unspoilt. Marble Hill is shallow and lifeguard; Portnablagh drive onto the beach, pier here too, small beach but perfect with younger kids; Tra Mor in Carrigart, sweeping beach for walking but there's also Ards Forest Park and many more dotted all over the place each with its own quality
* Bikes for hire on the way into Carrigart village - or bring your own scooters and bikes
* Visit Fanad Lighthouse but don't take the Harry Blaney bridge over - the drive is longer but spectacular if you go the long way (about 25 mins) over by Portsalon. Come back the Harry Blaney bridge and home in ten mins.
* Doon Mass Rock, Well and Doon Rock are worth a visit, quirky places of history and legend with beautiful views over the valleys
* For wet days: Kids play area in Downing Bay Hotel; Letterkenny has cinema, indoor play area and bowling alley
* Everywhere: doesn't matter where you go up here, it is all beautiful
Tips:
* Book restaurants at dinner time - everywhere in vicinity was booked at meal times. The pork burger at the beachfront bar was given the seal of approval by the teens and the adults alike
* Beach wheelchair available from Donegal County Council, mobile number was listed in The Galley pizzeria in Downings
* Doctor in Carrigart till 5pm, after that over to Milford or Letterkenny
* Milford road is a better one to Letterkenny, roadworks on road from Letterkenny to Creeslough caused long traffic jams
* Centra in Carrigart is small but has a good range of items: LIDL in Milford if you want a big shop
* Recycling not available at the house but recycling centres are opposite Carrigart Church and in Creeslough carpark on the bend
* Buy live chickens in Creeslough; fresh eggs and potatoes "farm to fork" all over the place
Note: There are plans to further develop this resort with additional houses, leisure facilities and hotel
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Date of stay: July 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: There is no hotel here yet but there are plans to build one.
Book a table for dinner during...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our second visit to Cuan Na Ri - we went in June. The detached Vila is very comfortable especially for about 4/5 people. There are 2 bathrooms in these properties. The location is just stunning. A great place for the children if they have bikes. The beach at Tramore is beautiful. The restaurant on site is very good too and there is so much to to do and see in the local area. The houses are pretty much true to the pictures on the website, very clean and spacious. George the man on the ground is incredibly helpful. As with all rentals you do need to bring your own supplies of necessary items so as not to be caught out but there is a general store nearby which sells everything. Do bring some fold up garden chairs if you want to sit outside on the decking, weather permitting.
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Date of stay: June 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Booked two houses for a family wedding. Just needed a few days but had to book the full week at €950 per week for a semi detached house. They also charged £8 per day for electricity and heating. So €1006 per house per week. Two of the smallest double beds I've ever seen and a room with bunk beds. Sleeps six but only a three seater and two seater sofa. One guest presumably has to sit on a dining room seat?
One shower between six people and that's in the en suite. Welcome pack was a packet of biscuits and a pint of milk. Three forks in the cupboard, four mugs and two beer glasses. Half a toilet roll in the bathrooms. Not a picture in the ground floor area but holes in the walls with pipes and wires sticking out. Deck outside but no seats. Fireplace but nothing to put coal into. Needed to change the linen in two bedrooms in each house as we had different people arriving... they had no one to change the linen so we did it ourselves, they then tried to charge us €30 for the extra sheets. Had to give a €200 deposit in cash on arrival.
We all left two days early. Dreadful experience and €2000 worse off.
Should be closed down.
One shower between six people and that's in the en suite. Welcome pack was a packet of biscuits and a pint of milk. Three forks in the cupboard, four mugs and two beer glasses. Half a toilet roll in the bathrooms. Not a picture in the ground floor area but holes in the walls with pipes and wires sticking out. Deck outside but no seats. Fireplace but nothing to put coal into. Needed to change the linen in two bedrooms in each house as we had different people arriving... they had no one to change the linen so we did it ourselves, they then tried to charge us €30 for the extra sheets. Had to give a €200 deposit in cash on arrival.
We all left two days early. Dreadful experience and €2000 worse off.
Should be closed down.
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a wonderful place to come to recharge your batteries and if you like going for long walks on a stunning beach. The beach is within walking distance along a fantastic boardwalk though it may be a bit of a walk for the very young or very old. The walk is well worth the spectacular beach at the end.
The Cuan Na Ri cottages are well laid out and very warm in the winter. This is an ideal break if you like being out and about in all weathers. There is a nice restaurant on site which has a good menu.
Thoroughly recommended.
The Cuan Na Ri cottages are well laid out and very warm in the winter. This is an ideal break if you like being out and about in all weathers. There is a nice restaurant on site which has a good menu.
Thoroughly recommended.
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Date of stay: December 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our week at the Donegal Boardwalk Resort (formally Cuan na Ri) was a very pleasant stay. We were told that the complex had a recent overhaul and it was evident. We (2 adults & a teen) stayed with our small dog, in a semidetatched cottage which was fresh and clean. The open plan living area had a two and a three seater sofa, single chair together with a small kitchen table and four chairs and a fully kitted kitchen. There is a seperate formal dining area and a downstairs WC. Upstairs has two decent sized doubles (one en-suite) and a 'snug' single with bunk beds. There is also a family bathroom with an electric shower over the bath. All home comforts are provided for. Outside has a decked area which unfortunately doesn't have outdoor furniture but as the weather was so great, we used the small kitchen table & chairs out there. It was a great base to travel around Donegal and further afield from and the boardwalk itself was a great amenity, together with the bar/restaurant, tennis and basketball courts. The one thing I would like to see there is a recycling area? If you recycle at home, why not when you are on holiday? The area by the 'Office' at the entrance would be an ideal spot! All in all, a very enjoyable stay and George, the Caretaker is a gentleman. We will certainly be visiting again!!!
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Date of stay: June 2018Trip type: Travelled with family
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have never rented a holiday home before but was pleasantly surprised Cuan na ri was lovely modern, comfortable houses. A bit of a walk to the beach though. Within a few miles of the nearest town or shop but nice never the less.
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Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed a week in August 2016 in a semi-detached cottage with my family. The cottages are located approx 5 - 10 min walk from the Cun Na Ri Ocean front Resort which has a small bar and nice restaurant and is located right beside the sea and small beach with spectacular views especially at sunset.
The variety of the menu was limited and in my opinion a little overpriced but the quality of the food was excellent and the views added a little something.
By means of a solid boardwalk a further 15 - 20 mins walk gets you to a long sandy beach with beautiful views. Both beaches are shallow and very safe for kids.
The cottage was of high standard and the utensils and appliances were spotless. All linen etc supplied and were also spotless.There was TV and a good selection of channels.
I found a couple of issues that let it down slightly - 1) none of the toilet extractor fans were working and the cooker extractor fan was also not working 2) Although there is a separate bathroom, the only shower is located in the en suite bedroom which means anyone wanting a shower has to do so via one of the bedrooms - this might not suit everyone 3) No wifi 4) There was a flat fee of €8 per day for electricity and I felt that in Summer this was excessive , I would rather have paid on a meter reading as I definitely did not use that amount during my stay.
Overall though the cottage was very clean and well equipped and the location is very safe for kids to play with a shallow sloping beach ideal for younger kids.
The variety of the menu was limited and in my opinion a little overpriced but the quality of the food was excellent and the views added a little something.
By means of a solid boardwalk a further 15 - 20 mins walk gets you to a long sandy beach with beautiful views. Both beaches are shallow and very safe for kids.
The cottage was of high standard and the utensils and appliances were spotless. All linen etc supplied and were also spotless.There was TV and a good selection of channels.
I found a couple of issues that let it down slightly - 1) none of the toilet extractor fans were working and the cooker extractor fan was also not working 2) Although there is a separate bathroom, the only shower is located in the en suite bedroom which means anyone wanting a shower has to do so via one of the bedrooms - this might not suit everyone 3) No wifi 4) There was a flat fee of €8 per day for electricity and I felt that in Summer this was excessive , I would rather have paid on a meter reading as I definitely did not use that amount during my stay.
Overall though the cottage was very clean and well equipped and the location is very safe for kids to play with a shallow sloping beach ideal for younger kids.
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Date of stay: August 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: N/A - cottage review
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Had late lunch here and glad to get table inside as temperatures were 26degrees out on the balcony.Looking out was like being on the continent with guests in their sun hats enjoying their prosecos and glasses of wine looking out on the lovely views.
Food was very good,lovely Caribbean curry with lots of side dishes,fish and chips and nice chicken jerk wraps...Service excellent and with a smile.
Called again the following Tuesday for lunch on a very wet day....
The restaurant was very busy with an unexpected bus load,but this was explained to us so we had our drinks in the bar while waiting for a table.
Food excellent again and as we had child with us we got a children's menu and crayons to colour in the menu.
Hope to return when back in Donegal.
Food was very good,lovely Caribbean curry with lots of side dishes,fish and chips and nice chicken jerk wraps...Service excellent and with a smile.
Called again the following Tuesday for lunch on a very wet day....
The restaurant was very busy with an unexpected bus load,but this was explained to us so we had our drinks in the bar while waiting for a table.
Food excellent again and as we had child with us we got a children's menu and crayons to colour in the menu.
Hope to return when back in Donegal.
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Date of stay: July 2016Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dined here this evening as my husband and I fancied some beer and burgers. We both went for the burger he had chunky fries and I had sweet potato fries. The presentation was impeccable and the burgers one of the best we have every had. There was so much on the plate it was a feast for the eyes. I must admit I did struggle at finishing mine thank god I had not had a starter or there is no way I would have finished the dish. I always go for a pudding but today there was no way I could fit one in. Staff again helpful and attentive as the last visit. This place I feel is going to be a regular on our list of places to go eat.
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Date of stay: July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"There is no hotel here yet but there are plans to build one. Book a table for dinner during summer or you might find you can't get one!"Read full review
LOCATION
IrelandCounty DonegalDonegal Town
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cuan Na Ri
Which popular attractions are close to Cuan Na Ri?
Nearby attractions include Bundoran Adventure Park (0.3 km), The Kickin Donkey & George's Bar (0.3 km), and Eclipse Cinemas Bundoran (0.4 km).
What food & drink options are available at Cuan Na Ri?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Cuan Na Ri?
Conveniently located restaurants include Taj Mahal, Spice Waves, and Caroline's Cafe.
Are pets allowed at Cuan Na Ri?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Cuan Na Ri?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Italian.
Are there any historical sites close to Cuan Na Ri?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Killaghtee Old Church (0.00 km).