Deirdre McGlone on the beauty of Donegal

Hoteliers Deirdre McGlone and Marc Gysling tell SIOBHÁN BREANACH about starting a new work and life chapter with their family in France against the backdrop of the pandemic

While Covid put a stop to much of life and travel, the one thing it couldn’t steal was our dreams.

Hoteliers Deirdre McGlone and Marc Gysling know this all too well.

After more than 30 years running the gorgeous Harvey’s Point in Donegal, the couple sold up two years ago before taking a trip to France in February 2020 to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

And it was love at first sight when, on Valentine’s Day, they stumbled upon an old mill in the south west of France.

They knew instantly that it would be their next project.

The 700 year-old mill, Le Moulin sur Célé, is a luxury self-catering holiday villa in the Lot Valley.

The riverside accommodation, located north of Toulouse in Saint-Sulpice, sleeps 12 people with a private swimming pool and tennis court.

The perfect place for Deirdre and Marc to begin their retirement business, embrace a family first ethos and enjoy a different pace of life.

But just as the couple were preparing to sprinkle a little of their Irish magic on this corner of the continent, Covid call calling with its lockdown cards in tow.

But rather than stalling plans, used the time to enjoy being in Donegal a little longer, while also focusing on building a network of potential guests from around the world.

“I come from the south of Switzerland and lived for a few years on a wine farm,” Marc says.

“The climate is special. You have good winters, plenty of snow, and a good summer so where ever the wine grows I’ll go,” he jokes.

“Ireland will still be a home for all of us as the kids grow up and finish school,” adds Deirdre. “We’ll not lose connection with Donegal.”

The pair will go back and forth to France over the next couple of years.

While dreams of making wine in their own vineyard might have to go on hold for now, it’s given them and their three teenage children more time to enjoy the best of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way. “Walking along the shores of Lough

Eske kept us sane during Covid 5km restrictions,” Deirdre says.

“We also enjoyed exploring the Ardnamona Nature Reserve just beside us as well as doing the Famine Pot Loop Walk.

“Thankfully, restrictions are slowly lifting and our first port of call will be to Wild Ireland wildlife park in Burnfoot, Co. Donegal.

“This exciting place is the newest animal

sanctuary in Ireland and home to rescued bears, wolves, lynx and wild boar.”

Deirdre says people are never short of a friendly welcome in Donegal – no doubt a sentiment she will be want to replicate once they arrive back at their beloved new mill.

She’s also keen to introduce some local products to their new holiday accommodation venture.

“Donegal is famous for its rugged landscape, Donegal tweed and Donegal products such as Silkie whiskey,” she says. “I always say that the people make the place and in Donegal, this is most certainly the case.

“There is a natural warmth and friendliness here, we are genuinely glad to welcome visitors to our beloved county. “It’s with pride and pleasure that we share our hospitality and wonderful accommodation and food.”

Live like a local Deirdre McGlone’s travel tips

The Blue Stack Mountains

We are lucky to be living at the foot of the majestic Blue Stack Mountains. Unfortunately, or fortunately, this area is not a tourist hotspot but many locals are aware of the beauty and rich history associated with the Blue Stack Mountains (the Croaghgorms in Irish).

A short hike brings you to a dramatic waterfall, further on, there is Lough Belshade, a hidden lake up in the middle of the mountains.

Legend has it that Red Hugh O’Donnell’s treasure is buried in the lake and allegedly a demon black cat is there to protect it! There is also the wreckage from a RAF plane that crashed on the mountain in 1944.

On descending from the mountain, the panoramic views of Lough Eske are impressive.

Lough Eske

Right on our doorstep is the beautiful Lough Eske (lake of fish).

It’s home to Harvey’s Point, our beloved hotel, where we spent 30 years of happy hotel-keeping, and another fine hotel located nearby - Lough Eske Castle Hotel. There are lots of lovely walks in the area and nature is at her best from season to season.

Lough Eske is famous for its rare Artic Char fish not to mention the Lough Eske monster!

The secret waterfall

We shouldn’t mention where it is located as it’s supposed to be a secret. Suffice it to say that it is situated somewhere between Killybegs and Kilcar.

It’s on the Slieve League peninsula. It’s not easy to find but well worth the effort. On entering the cave, you feel you are in another world.

It’s very important only to visit this spot at low tide.

Slieve League

This is one of the iconic tourist attractions of Donegal and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way.

It stands at almost 600 metres, one of the highest sea cliffs on the island of Ireland. Although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare, Slieve League’s cliffs reach almost three times higher.

We have climbed Slieve League many times and each time, it’s a special experience to breath in the salty sea air and hear the crashing ocean below.

It gives you a spiritual feeling to be walking in the footsteps of pilgrims and monks.