BALLYLAWN LODGE BED AND BREAKFAST

This is a beautiful B&B located in a quiet spot with spectacular scenery. We came to Ireland from Canada and stayed for two weeks. Having travelled throughout the country and stayed in many accommodations, I was impressed by both the house and the host. I suggest that all visitors to the area make a stop at Ballylawn Lodge:) It is a bit hard to find, off the beaten track, which adds to the charm, but I recommend connecting with the host in advance for directions. Chris is wonderful host who is very communicative and highly engaged. He greeted us each morning with huge smile and a full breakfast. He was also very responsive to any requests we made, to help us accommodate our child. Among the many things to see in the area is the dramatic scenery of Donegal as well as the picturesque city of Derry, Dunluce Castle, and Giant's Causeway in the north. I would highly recommend this B&B to anyone passing through the Letterkenny area, or visiting Donegal or Northern Ireland. Ballylawn Lodge is home away from home.…

Date of stay: August 2018Trip type: Travelled

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Maireadok1 wrote a review May 2018

Derry, United Kingdom5 contributions7 helpful votes

Definitely would not recommend

my Partner and I have travelled all over Ireland staying in B&B and hotels and have to say this was one of my worst experiences ever!!! Small room which was not clean or nicely decorated, shared bathroom (also not clean with somebody’s things left in it)which was described as en suite, host wasn’t even there when we arrived and allocated us a slot for breakfast. I think the absolute icing on the cake was when he told us to be quiet when we returned to the property that night. He also insisted we left sharp in morning as he had somewhere to be. He rapped door in morning to ensure we were up and generally treated us like 2nd class citizens. We left without breakfast as I couldn’t wait to get away. Yes the b&b is situated in a beautiful rural setting but this is not unique to Co. Donegal. An awful experience that I would not recommend.…

Date of stay: May 2018Trip type: Travelled

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silversurfer200 wrote a review Sep 2017

Gloucester, United Kingdom1 contribution

Disappointing

Directions by the map to the B & B were incorrect, so we found it difficult to find. Not everyone has GPS.! We were allocated the wrong room and instead of a beautiful Lough view we gazed on a green field with a bull in it!. Although located in a beautiful position the accommodation lacked atmosphere and attention to detail, especially cleanliness in our bathroom. If you wanted anything, like the beds being made or wet towels being changed, you had to ask! Rooms were not serviced as a matter of course as we had experienced in other B & Bs. This is not appropriate. Breakfast was meagre and disappointing. This place has the potential to be exceptional given its location, BUT the owner needs to take a good look at what he is offering and decide whether it is a business or just his retirement home. Wrong room, Extra large TV for breakfast and no refreshment facilities in the room or elsewhere for the guests was again disappointing.…

Date of stay: September 2017

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Trip type: Travelled

Room Tip: Check before arrival that you have been allocated what you have requested and don't pay in...

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Response from Ballylawn_Lodge, Owner at Ballylawn Lodge Bed And Breakfast

Responded 24 Sep 2017

I have experienced problems with the location that Trip Adviser has posted and for several years tried to remedy it without success. The BnB can be difficult to find without GPS or the correct directions but I have been informed - well worth the effort! I do not know how the guest could hope for 2 single beds in a room facing the sea as I have not got such a room. Wrong information from Trip Adviser? I have requested to be omitted from Trip Advisor's future advertising which should solve some of the problems. Chris.

Dodika80 wrote a review Dec 2016

Leipzig, Germany7 contributions3 helpful votes

Great!

We stayed four nights in Chris' wonderful house. He was a very welcoming and friendly host and served us a nice breakfast every morning. The room was very spacious, well equipped but a little bit dusty. Its very quiet and the view is fantastic. The location is a little bit offside and we had trouble finding it at first.

Date of stay: August 2016

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Trip type: Travelled

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Response from Ballylawn_Lodge, Owner at Ballylawn Lodge Bed And Breakfast

Responded 7 Dec 2016

Dodika, Many thanks for your excellent review. I really enjoyed the company and the banter. I will certainly pay more attention to the dusting. Chris.

r0d0herty wrote a review Sep 2016

Blackburn, United Kingdom1 contribution3 helpful votes

What a gem!

Could not recommend this place highly enough. We stayed for 5 nights & Chris was a superb host. We had a small baby with us & Chris went out of his way to ensure we were looked after from making sure he had a high chair, to playing with him while we ate our breakfast. The scenery & views are spectacular towards Lough Swilly & the location is perfect for exploring everywhere from the Giant's causeway to Malin Head & beyond. The house itself is palatial with huge rooms & very comfortable beds - I doubt I'll have a better night sleep again. Throw in the great breakfast & the price & you have a tremendous combination. Rather than staying in a 'faceless' B & B it actually felt like we were visiting a friend/relative & we even shared a glass of wine while watching the football. We will most definitely return. …

Date of stay: August 2016

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Response from Ballylawn_Lodge, Owner at Ballylawn Lodge Bed And Breakfast

Responded 16 Sep 2016

Richard, Many thanks for your superb review. I spoke very highly of the 2 young teachers and 6 month old to my friends and family, echoing your sentiments that I had old friends/relatives staying with me. Looking forward to your next visit. Chris.

LightPacker570181 wrote a review Jul 2015

1 contribution

Mr E Martin

Booked this accommodation for my mother and aunt they said the accommodation was very nice and the owner was a pleasant gent who looked after them while they stayed there. Only gripe I have is on trip advisor map location States it's within letterkenny town but in fact is a good 10/15 mins out the town at Newton Cunningham. If I had known the location of this BB I would have looked at a place nearer for them, not the owners fault... Ideal if you have a car.

Date of stay: July 2015Trip type: Travelled

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Kimberly F wrote a review Jul 2014

Tokyo, Japan175 contributions124 helpful votes

Download the map from the website or use GPS, but once you find the place it is lovely

This is a newer B&B and the location is a quiet and on a scenic hill overlooking Lough Swilly. The rooms are spacious and overall well kept; I am on the picky side regarding crisply made beds and ultra-sparkling bathrooms, however, and noticed this was an area that could be tighter. The silence at night and comfortable beds made for a fantastic sleep, and as other reviewers have said the views are amazing. The breakfast was very generous and Chris was a warm and relaxing host. The place feels like a home rather than an impersonal commercial operation. This was one of our lower priced B&B stays and it is a good deal; book before it gets too popular. We did struggle finding the location as Ireland in general seems to be averse to using numbers for addresses. Chris sent us a map as an attachment with sat-nav coordinates which we failed to look at carefully so there was a lot of touring of the area. We got to know many of the nice neighbors, however. You will need your own car to get about as this location is several kilometers from Letterkenny.…

Date of stay: July 2014

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Trip type: Travelled

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Sharon K wrote a review May 2014

Ashford, United Kingdom1 contribution

Wonderful Welcoming home from home

Have stayed here on a few occasions and never fail to be delighted by the breathtaking setting and peaceful atmosphere.. The house is beautiful, spacious and welcoming with a vast array of homely touches that give it a much appreciated homely atmosphere despite its majestic proportions. The host is friendly and informative and happy to share his considerable local knowledge - especially concerning pastimes such as fishing and golf of which the area provides in abundance. It is splendid to be provided with such a base in which to begin your explorations of this most beautiful county feeling rested and replenished. No hesitation in recommending Ballylawn Lodge to visitors to the area - whether your first exploration into Donegal or when returning and looking for a new resting spot where you will awaken each day to views that are certain to keep you coming back ...…

Date of stay: August 2013

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Trip type: Travelled

Room Tip: All rooms are beautifully appointed and offer excellent facilities.

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Adrian F wrote a review May 2014

Prehen38 contributions24 helpful votes

Ballylawn Lodge B&B

Beautiful House and great location with great views of Letterkenny and the fantastic Lough Swilly. Very quiet and tranquil location although not far from the town of Letterkenny and Derry city. Our host Chris was very friendly making us feel at home and was extremely helpful. Rooms were spacious and comfortable and the breakfast very good. I would not hesitate to recommend this B&B and look forward to staying there again when I return to the area.

Date of stay: July 2013

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Trip type: Travelled

Room Tip: Just ask Chris he is very helpful

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art1132 wrote a review Mar 2014

fermanagh2 contributions

Donegal B and B Ballylawn Lodge

We had a great time with with in Donegal at Ballylawn lodge. Our host Chris pointed us in all the right directions would definitely recommend staying here. Beautiful views over the Swilly. The B and B is not far from the main Derry to Donegal road and were able to sit and relax and have cup of tea in front of the telly in the evening which you don't normally get in a B and B.

Date of stay: June 2013

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Trip type: Travelled

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