McGuire's Red Door Cottages

About

Build, and they will come!

Back in 1975, my parents, Moira and James McGuire had the idea to build traditional self-catering cottages in rural Leitrim for tourists from all over the world to enjoy as they explore the Leitrim and the North West. Self-catering accommodation really wasn’t the norm in the 70’s, Ireland was a land of B&B’s, Guesthouses and Caravan sites.

It has always been about family here at McGuires. My Granda Jack Heeran shared my parent’s dream. He built the horse shoe of cottages naming each after me and my 6 brothers and sister. It didn’t take him long, and by July 1977 Leitrim’s picturesque horse-shoe of traditionally styled self-catering holiday homes welcomed its first visitors.

Located overlooking the stunning beauty of Drumshanbo’s Arces Lake and the Shannon Blueway, the quaint and picture perfect traditional style cottages feature Liscannor flagstone floors, signature half doors, open fire along with all the conveniences of modern living; wi-fi, gas central heating, dishwasher, washing machine and free to air TV.

Leitrim is the home of Slow Adventure in Ireland and McGuire’s Cottages are located in the heart of this beautiful land of Slow Adventures.

My parents choose their site well as the cottages as I mentioned are located on the shores of picturesque Acres Lake where you will also find an outdoor heated swimming pool (open June – end August), tennis courts, playground, the Sliabh an Iarainn visitor center and the beautiful new Shannon Blueway walkway. This waterside location means that guests at McGuire’s Self-catering Traditional Irish Cottages enjoy walking, kayaking or trekking (with nearby Moorlands Equestrian Centre) the Shannon Blueway, also angling, stand up paddle boarding, swimming, kayaking and many more water activities. It really is the most ideal location for the active adventurer, families and also those who enjoy a slower, more tranquil escape.

In 2005 myself and my husband, Pascal Gillard took over the cottages. By then, I had already established Jinny’s Bakery on the same site, selling all types of baked goods to local shops and all around the North West. Jinny’s is now a very well-known brand and a recognised sign of quality. We have continued to grow and develop the business and the McGuire’s Cottage village is now home to Jinny’s Tea Rooms. 

This on site Tea Rooms brings you Jinny’s Bakery products straight from the oven, they’re so fresh you can smell the baking bread as you approach the Tea Rooms! Our lunch menu includes baked goods, sweet treats, light bites, teas/coffees and features vegetables and salads straight our polytunnels which are also on site. The Tea Rooms also sell oven ready dinners for those who want to take a night off from cooking. Fresh food, savoury and sweet all available on site… it’s the perfect addition to this holiday paradise!

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And if this wasn’t enough, if you are looking for something to do, we are just up the road from the Shed Distillery and its visitor experience, home to the world famous Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin and a short spin to the wonderful Arigna Mining Experience. We are within a stroll of the lovely village of Drumshanbo where there are grocery shops, pharmacies, pubs, take a-ways and The Lough Allen Hotel and a short 10 minute drive of the riverside town of Carrick-on-Shannon. We are perfectly located as you explore lovely Leitrim and neighbouring Sligo on the Wild Atlantic Way and also Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands of Roscommon, Donegal and the lakelands of Cavan.

Pascal and I live on the site with our family Grace, Aimee, Sophie and Scott and we are always ready to help with any query or to recommend activities or where to visit and eat. We look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful part of the country, where you will make many a wonderful memory that will last a lifetime!

- Sinead Gillard