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Teach Mhuiris: A Glimpse into Donegal's Past

Step back in time at Teach Mhuiris, a beautifully preserved 19th-century thatched cottage in Donegal's Gaeltacht region. A unique cultural experience awaits!

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Teach Mhuiris is a beautifully restored thatched cottage near Brinlack, Co. Donegal, offering visitors a unique glimpse into rural Irish life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Built in 1860, it served as a 'gathering house' and is now a protected structure open to the public during the summer months.

A brief summary to Teach Mhuiris

  • Brinlack, Brinlack, Co. Donegal, IE

Local tips

  • Teach Mhuiris is open seasonally, typically in July and August, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • While there is no admission charge, donations are welcome to help with the upkeep of this historic building.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby attractions such as Bloody Foreland, Slí An Earagail, and Magheroarty Beach.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Teach Mhuiris is located in a rural area. If you are staying locally in Brinlack or a nearby village, walking is a pleasant option. From the center of Brinlack, head north; the cottage is easily found on the main road. The walk offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Public Transport

    The closest bus stop is in Brinlack. From there, it's a short walk to Teach Mhuiris. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. Bus Éireann operates routes throughout Donegal. A single fare for a short trip is approximately €3-€5.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in larger towns such as Gweedore and Falcarragh. A taxi from Gweedore to Teach Mhuiris would cost approximately €20-€30. Be sure to agree on the fare before you begin your journey.

  • Driving

    If driving, Teach Mhuiris is easily accessible by car. From Letterkenny, take the N56 towards Gweedore. Continue on the R257 to Brinlack. Limited parking is available directly at the site. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Teach Mhuiris

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Brinlack, Co. Donegal, Teach Mhuiris stands as a testament to a bygone era. This charming, detached four-bay, single-story vernacular house was originally built around 1860. The cottage was saved from demolition and refurbished in the 1980s after Muiris, the last member of the original household, passed away in 1979. Today, Teach Mhuiris is owned by Údarás Na Gaeltachta and leased by Comharchumann Forbartha Gaoth Dobhair. Teach Mhuiris, meaning 'Muiris's House', is the only thatched cottage in the area, making it a unique landmark. Historically, it was known as a 'gathering house' or 'halfway house,' a place where locals would congregate. The cottage is a protected structure, and its thatched roof was renewed in 2005, showcasing the traditional building methods of the region. The rounded roof is typical of houses near the sea in the northwest, and the stone pegs along the eaves once secured ropes or nets to protect against strong winds. Visitors can explore the cottage during the summer tourism season and view a collection of traditional household appliances and implements. Genealogical information from the local area is also available. A guide is present to share the history of the house and the surrounding area. Over 2,000 visitors come to the cottage each year. The annual 'Féile Cnoc Fola' (Cnoc Fola Festival), held each July, focuses on traditional skills, crafts, farming, and cooking methods and is built around Teach Mhuiris.

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