Irish Country Hotels

Arnolds Hotel, Dunfanaghy, County Donegal Celebrating 90 Years

14 June 2012

Arnold's Hotel - From 1922 to 2012

Arnolds Hotel, Dunfanaghy, County Donegal was established in 1922 by William Thomas Arnold. William was born in 1882 and was appointed Manager to the Stewart Bam Estate, Ards, Creeslough. He later became Manger of the Local Employment Exchange in Dunfanaghy.

Arnolds Hotel, formerly St. Patrick's, was built in the latter half of the 1800's as a residence for the Estate Manager. Two additional estate houses were also built around the same period in Dunfanaghy. St. Helens located along the Horn Head Road was used as a residence and dispensary for the local doctor. St. James located at the top of the Main Street served as a residence for the Parish Priest. It also served as a Police Station and the District Inspector of the R.I.C. resided here for a period.

In 1922 William Thomas Arnold bought St.Patrick's from the Stewart Bam Estate and converted it into a successful Guest House. It remained as a Guest House until the Second World War. It was then registered as an hotel when it became impossible to obtain provisions as a Guest House.
William Thomas Arnold died on 3rd March 1948 leaving behind his hallmark on local history as well as an established hotel business which has been carried on from generation to generation until the present day.

Today The Arnold Family, now the third generation, is proud to carry on the tradition of welcoming guests and providing a unique holiday experience in one of the most scenic locations in Ireland overlooking Sheephaven Bay.  We endeavour to provide guests with a truly Irish welcome and a positive Irish experience by providing locally sourced produce, including local Irish Beef and Lamb as well as fresh local seafood including Horn Head Lobster, Mussels and Crab Claws. Fresh home baking using traditional family recipes is a firm favourite with our guests who enjoy our home baked Shortbread, Irish Wheaten bread and scones served with fresh cream and homemade preserves as well as homemade desserts. 

The opportunity to participate in local activities - Horse Riding from the hotel stables, Golf, and Walking, Water Sports, Cycling, Golf and fishing is also very popular. Exploring the local scenic attractions is all part of the local holiday experience and visitors can enjoy driving the scenic coastal route around Horn Head overlooking Tory Island, or walking along the magnificent Killahoey Beach just a stroll from the hotel.  McSwynes Coastal Loop Walk with views of the slivery sands of Tramore Beach the Derryveagh Mountains and the cliffs off Horn Head is spectacular. Nearby Ards Forest Park offers miles of signposted walks through mature forests whilst Glenveagh National Park Castle and Estate offers visitors the opportunity to visit the castle as well as exploring the vast estate on the miles of signposted walks. Shopping in the pretty village of Dunfanaghy is excellent with a variety of Craft Shops and Arts Galleries all within walking distance of the hotel. 

Guests of Arnolds Hotel will enjoy a leisurely break combined with the opportunity to explore the scenic attractions around Sheephaven Bay as well as enjoying a host of activities.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Arnold Family Hotel.   See our special offers here