If you are looking for a quiet place with beatiful views, with no noices, and far away from the city (9km), this is your place in Donegal. We have booked the Rhu-Gorse because we have seen good references and after our visit we totally agree with them. Rhu Gorse is located just in front of the Lough Eske you can see it from the windows. Gráinne, is the owner, and she is very nice, she prepares one of the best Irish breakfast we have tasted. We will totally recomend you stay at the Rhu-Gorse.

Rhu Gorse is located on a wooded slope about 400 feet above Lough Eske, about 10 miles from the town of Donegal. It’s a modern house in a rural setting, with lovely views of the lake. Extraordinarily quiet. We took all three rooms. The rooms are large and clean, the beds are a bit too firm for my taste, and the bathrooms are large and modern with beautiful tile. One room has a shower/bath combo, another has a shower “ensuite,” and the last has a bathroom with shower just outside the door. When we arrived proprietor Graine (pronounced Grahn-ya) McGettigan provided tea and cookies, pound cake, and homemade scones. The B&B is great for animal lovers, as there are 3 horses, 3 cats and Mac the Red Setter. Being in the country, the midges can be a problem outdoors, and beware of ticks if you wander through the grass in the area.

Though appearing somewhat nervous, Graine was very helpful in her recommendations for sightseeing and for restaurants and pubs. However, we did have an unpleasant experience on our second day, when we mentioned at breakfast that we’d be going out for the day, but our daughter and her boyfriend would be staying home (they were tired of driving and needed a day of rest). Graine’s reaction was inappropriate and unexpected – she said, “Oh, I don’t like that. I’m going out and I don’t like anyone staying here when I’m away.” My daughter felt pressured to leave, but really didn’t want to accompany us on another 3 or 4 hour excursion on small, winding roads. I insisted she remain at Rhu Gorse. Graine stayed until my daughter and her boyfriend announced they were going for a walk, at which point Graine said she’d be going out and would be back in an hour and a half. Granted that this B&B is a family home, but if the proprietor is understaffed or distrustful of the guests, then he or she should not be in business. And if the guest is required to leave during the day, that should be made plain at the time of booking, and a discount should be provided for the hours spent away from the B&B. It was altogether unprofessional and ruined the stay for me, despite it’s high recommendations by Trip Advisor and Georgina Campbell’s Ireland guide.

If you go to Donegal stay at the Rhu Gorse. It is out in the countryside by Lough Eske. Beautiful setting and your hostess will make you feel very special. The views of the lake and mountains are wonderful. The walking trails are great. The City of Donegal was very interesting. We had a great time. You can go west from there and drive the coastline and it is awesome.

Roy and Judy Fitzsimmons

My husband and I stayed at Rhu-Gorse for two nights end of september 2006.

It is an extraordinary B&B - well hidden, but absolutly worth finding it !

The panoramic views outside the big window-front of our room was breathtaking : Loch Eske and the encircling mountains !!

The accommodation was superb :
our room was very clean and compfortable , the atmosphere peaceful and calm.

We enjoyed a delicious breakfast overlooking the Loch Eske.

For us, it wa a wonderful stay and we appreciated an excellent hospitality !