It would be easy to miss this extraordinary place when whizzing along the N56 between Dunfanaghy and Falcarragh, but that would be a pity as Corcreggan Mill has a unique range of offerings for anyone visiting (or living in) the area, and it will almost certainly have something that will interest you.
Owners Siubhán O’Connor and her husband Ciaran Sheehan both work in Bellfast but they head over here with their children every Friday night, keen to keep up the TLC they've been giving it since purchasing the property in 2019. While they didn't start the business themselves, they share the vision of the original owner Brendan Rohan, who established it as 'a quirky and fun place to stay' in 1989.
The property is not huge but there is an astonishingly diverse range of offerings on the site. Accommodation includes everything from pleasing conventional rooms in the Millhouse itself, to the cleverly envisaged railway carriage conversion which is perfect for students and young people on activity holidays, comfy glamping tents - and even a romantic converted boat for couples.
On the food side also, Chef Conal McFeely (a graduate of the esteemed Killybegs School of Culinary Arts) makes a very good job of looking after the kitchen for the outdoor bistro and takeaway, Corcreggan Gourmet Fish & Chips (which offers much more than the obvious choices) in summer, and also cateris for private dining and events all year round. Built around home grown and seasonal local produce in summer, his menus include vegan friendly dishes and 'take a modern twist on traditional dishes, nodding to our Donegal heritage whilst introducing a fusion of new flavours'. This thoughtful and creative approach has made Corcreggan deservedlyt popular with local diners, as well as visitors to the area.
Off-season events at Corcreggan are equally interesting, with two spaces - The Wine Loft (30) and The Loift Space (up to 80, with its own bar) - available for a wide range of occasions from family get togethers and celebrations to conferences, team building activities, seminars and more, all with or without accommodation.
Corgreggan Mill is a huge asset to the area, especially as it brings business to this very seasonal area in winter.
It's hard to think of anything remotely like this anywhere else in Ireland.
