National Geographic gives seal of approval to boutique Donegal B&B and ‘rockin’ pub

National Geographic Traveller has given high praise to two tourism gems in Donegal.

The UK travel magazine, which once named Donegal ‘The Coolest Place on the Planet’, is placing a special focus on Ireland once more this month.

The latest edition of the influential magazine has a series of features highlighting how Ireland is ’embracing its future while at the same time celebrating its history and heritage’.

Two Donegal businesses get a mention in the ‘New Ireland’ features by journalist Pól Ó Conghaile.

The luxury Breac House in Dunfanaghy was named as one of the four top ‘Wild Weekend Boltholes’ in the country.

Breac House, opened in 2017 by former Dublin accountants Cathrine Burke and Niall Campbell, offers an exclusive retreat among the wilderness of the Hord Head Peninsula.

In praise of the boutique B&B, Ó Conghaile wrote: “This sleek hideaway on the remote Horn Head peninsula blurs the boundary between inside and out. Expect locally crafted furniture, native Irish materials like Donegal tweed, a wood-fired garden sauna, craft cocktails served at 5pm and locally-sourced breakfasts to boot.”

Gweedore bar Teach Hiúdaí Beag was named as one of Ireland’s Top 4 live music pubs.

The Rockin’ Pubs list described the Bunbeg bar as the place to “combine good music and Gaeilge.”

Ó Conghaile wrote: “Set in Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht area, the northwest pub features the best of local trad in Monday night seisiúns, with up to a dozen musicians of the go at times. More good news: it’s also a B&B.”