Frank the Shipping Container

With direct, private seashore access onto Traighenna Bay in West Donegal, Ireland
Guests: 2 Wifi: available Pets? Pets welcome (more than 3 contact us upon booking), fee applies

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about the property

Designed, built and styled directly by Under the Thatch - with direct private access to the seashore.

No1 in The Independent's 'Fab 50: Ireland's Top Stays for 2021'

Frank started life shipping parts for 'JCB' type excavators from China to Omagh in Northern Ireland. We recycled him as a contemporary shipping container conversion on his own small coastal lake overlooking Traighenna Bay on Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way. We named him after Frank Lloyd Wright, an architect hero of ours who was interested (among other things) in testing structural cantilevers to their limit. That's exactly what we've done with Frank - cantilevering him out over the pool of water to such an extent that he even bounces gently. Our little piece of modernism on the Atlantic coast.

Stay here to explore some of the best and cleanest beaches in Europe (a choice of sandy beaches within a 5-minute drive), to explore the famous 'Wild Atlantic Way' route along the 1100km of Donegal coast, and to visit charming small towns, the nearby Glenveagh National Park, and the many inhabited islands off the shore. If you've got a larger group our Traighenna Bay cottage is within walking distance, though everyone gets at least an acre of private ground.

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latest review

Frank the shipping container exceeded our expectations! Not only was the location superb, but the accommodation Frank offered was fantastic! Beautiful interior and spotless clean and the exterior was...
Catherina L, 2023

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good to know

arrival at: 16:00
depart by: 10:00
guests: 2
pets: pets welcome (more than 3 contact us upon booking)
bed layout: Master Double (ground floor)

facilities at Frank the Shipping Container

general

farm or rural location

media & technology

television

wifi broadband internet

infants

high chair

travel cot

accessibilty

relatively accessible (ground floor bedroom)

ground floor bathroom

map - location

travel info

You can easily fly by low-cost carrier but we prefer the greener (and nicer) route by ferry with your own car. Ireland is such an amazing country, and you'll find so much to do and see 'en route'.

Note Aer Lingus often have deals as cheap as Ryanair/ Easyjet and fly to 15 UK airports

Fly to:

Donegal - flights to Dublin and Glasgow with Flybe (25-minute fabulous coastal drive to the cottage)
Derry (Londonderry) via Glasgow, Liverpool (with Ryanair) and London City (BMI) 1hr. 25 mins. away) - good for Giant's Causeway
Belfast International via these departure airports & Easyjet & Ryanair (2 hr. 25 mins.) - good for Giant's Causeway
Belfast City via these departure airports & Ryanair (2 hr. 35 mins.) - good for Giant's Causeway
Knock via these departure airports & Ryanair (2 hr. 15 min.)
Dublin via these departure airports & Ryanair (3 hr. 25 min.)

Sail with either Stenaline or Irish Ferries to:

Belfast via Liverpool/ Stranraer (2 hr. 35 mins. away)
Larne via Fleetwood (2 hr. 40 mins.)
Dublin via Holyhead/ Douglas (3 hr. 30 min.)
Dun Laoghaire via Holyhead (3 hr. 35 mins.)
Rosslare via Fishguard/ Pembroke Dock (5 hr. 15 mins and an amazing drive) (Tip - ferries cheapest Mon > Thu)

in detail

Use of the property, its decking and grounds is at own risk for you and your pet/s. Note there is water immediately adjacent. This property is only available to adults for insurance reasons - please do not book for children or babies of any age.

Frank is insulated, double glazed and suitable for year-round use. He has WIFI and electric central-heating as any apartment would.

Inside:

Double bedroom with a great mattress, and a 32" Netflix (not terrestrial) TV (Netflix access provided)
Shower room with double shower, heated towel rail, toilet
Kitchen with fridge-freezer, microwave, fan oven, toaster, kettle
Sitting and dining area with fantastic water views

Outside:

Decking and hammock (use with caution) and picnic table
Parking for two cars
The grounds here are not enclosed for dogs but you're 200 metres or more away from any public highway (after a gate you can close).

local area

You're right on one of the most beautiful shorelines in the world. Most people spend their days discovering the many beaches (there are hundreds), the great local food and welcome in the pubs and walking across 'wilderness' landscapes.

Dooey Beach - 5km of sandy beach (also walking distance) - known for surfing (5-minute drive).
Lettermacaward - 2 km or less than 5-minute drive - your village with 2 shops, petrol, hairdresser, 3x pubs (trad. music every Friday).
Dungloe town - a 12-minute drive - 'Capital of the Rosses' with supermarkets (Lidl, Aldi, Supervalu, The Cope), pubs (10)
Maghery Beach - horse-riding on the beach - 20 mins. drive
Portnoo - amazing beach, walk over to the island at low tide - 15 mins. drive
Sliabh Liag - Europe's highest sea cliffs (amazing) - 45 mins. drive
Horse Riding at Dunlewey - 40 mins. - also, kids play park and mini zoo there.
Glenveagh National Park / National Park - 45 mins
Belfast city - 2hr 35 mins.
Ardara 'Heritage Town' (cafes, pubs, tweed/weaving) - 20 mins.
Donegal County & Events Guide
Local angling, boat trips & local walking
Glencolmcille Folk Village & beach & pubs - 55 mins.
Ulster Folk Park - one of the best open-air museums in Europe - 1hr 20 mins.
Derry ('Londonderry') - fascinating UK City of Culture 2013 - 1 hr. 20 mins.
Giant's Causeway - 2 hr 10 mins - or also see Derry on the way

customer reviews for Frank the Shipping Container

Frank the shipping container exceeded our expectations! Not only was the location superb, but the accommodation Frank offered was fantastic! Beautiful interior and spotless clean and the exterior was even more pleasing to the eye! A timber slatted porch very cleverly broke the idea that this is a container and the 3 big picture windows at the living end gave lots of light and framed the beautiful view. Less than 30 minutes will bring you to Dungloe or Burtonport or Lettermacaward for a newspaper and a pint in Elliots Bar or to the beautiful Dooey beach with its 4k of white sand! All this on top of complete and total peace and quiet! We will absolutely return to stay in Frank the Shipping Container, it was without doubt one of THE BEST places and accommodation we have ever experienced! 5 stars all the way!

- Catherina L,

2023

Wonderful stay - beautiful location - so serene and quiet and peaceful. Thank you.

- Rosemary H,

2022

We absolutely loved our stay in Frank! The deck is the real selling point. Sitting out in the sun (when it appeared), having a drink while dangling our legs over the water...just idyllic. We even saw a stag wandering around the area one day which was amazing to see. The container is cosy but has everything you need. Worked out fine with our dog but if you have a very adventurous pet that would jump the few feet into the water you might have a tough time on your hands! There's an amazing beach only a few mins drive from the place. we had it all to ourselves when we went. Would recommend Frank to anyone

- Yvonne D,

Such a unique and beautiful, tranquil space. I have walked to the shore which is on the property grounds just 5 min away. Enjoyed lying in the hammock on the decking and relaxing, watching the lake and birds etc. Needed this. I recommend visiting Dooey beach which you can walk to or drive to , takes about 10 minutes by car. The place was perfectly cleaned, with fresh flowers, some welcome chocolates and crisps and even milk, eggs and bread..which was handy in the morning as I arrived very late at night. I was very lucky with the weather, but I would say this place has got it's charm in any kind of weather ..the views from every window are amazing. I would recommend this accommodation to anyone who is looking for peace and quiet. Nature and tranquility. Thank you, UTT. You have a beautiful place here and I will definitely return.

Definitely recommend!!! Perfect location and accommodation for a relaxing stay along the Wild Atlantic Way! Nestled in the Donegal countryside you could stay cosy in the container reading, relaxing and taking in the stunning views. Only a short drive away are beautiful beaches and spectacular views. A wonderful place to stay. - Niamh

2021

10/10 stay! We had such a great time and would love to come back. I would highly recommend this place! - Will

This is such an incredible place, it had everything we wanted and was perfect for some well needed down time! It’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area as there’s so much to see and do. We were given so many great recommendations for restaurants and coffee spots which was really helpful! Our dog loved her stay too :) we will definitely be back! - Jenny

A wonderful peaceful get away. The container has everything you need and nothing you don't. There is a small amount of tea and coffee provided and that's it. So bring milk, your walking shoes and a good book. - Judith

Such a lovely place to stay and beautiful location. Loads of places to see around it. The container has everything you could possibly need for a break away. can't fault the cleanliness either. Can't recommend this stay enough! - Grainne

Donegal is magical and so is this wonderful place to stay! The location is idyllic, so tranquil and close to nature. Gorgeous beaches and scenery within easy reach. The accommodation is beautiful and so cleverly designed with its over the water platform. Very cosy and comfortable. We didn’t get to see the stars or sunsets this time so we’ll have to return. - Alison

Wow! I didn't know if this could live up to the beautiful pictures and reviews but it was even better! The hosts have clearly put so much thought and love in to all the little details. It is in a truly gorgeous part of Ireland and Dooey's beach down the road is magical. This may be one of our favourite holidays ever. We can't wait to come back. Thank you so much! - Julia

Such a quirky, cosy location for a short stay. Despite the fact that there's heaps to do in the area, the peaceful surroundings of the shipping container make a great place just to chill out and switch off. We tried out lots of the recommendations made by the owners. Saved so much time and allowed us to enjoy our time exploring. Would definitely recommend to friends and family. Thanks guys. Helen

The perfect location to get away from it all! We had an amazing stay. The accommodation had everything we needed for our stay and the views from the container were stunning. Location wise - a good central base for exploring all of Donegal! Would definitely stay again! - Aoife

Absolutely beautiful accommodation. We had the loveliest time staying here and will definitely come back. It’s so cosy and quirky. Perfect base for exploring Donegal. Dooey beach is 5 minutes away and stunning. - Tara

The container is in a brilliant location with beautiful surroundings. We had a very smooth self check in & out. It felt very private but still easy to travel to all the scenic areas of Donegal. We enjoyed our chilled mornings soaking up the nature and views around us before heading off to explore more of the county. Donegal has so much to offer & this place is the perfect base with everything you need for a short stay. - Laura

Wonderful place to stay. The combination of the unique building and stunning landscape all around makes for a very interesting and relaxing time. - John

Simply perfect! ‘Frank’ was just as amazing as we expected. The location is what makes it so special - we enjoyed every evening on the decking admiring the sunset and serene atmosphere. There is so much to explore nearby, whether that’s a walk on Dooey beach or a drive to Glencolmcille and Port. The quirky container had everything we needed, although the WiFi did not work, the phone coverage was strong enough for 4G connection. The it was the perfect peaceful break away.

- Rachel M,

An amazing experience. Who can really say they’ve slept in a shipping container. The place was in a wonderful location so close to so many beautiful spots of Donegal. ‘Frank’ was spotlessly clean, cosy, comfy and just what we were looking for in a relaxing getaway. Greg was a wonderful host who replied so quickly and made us feel so warmed and welcomed. A perfect place for couples, swinging in the hammock listening to the water and gazing at the stars in such clear skies is a memory made forever. So happy would definitely come back, worth every penny. - Nicholas

2020

Most relaxing place. The sunset/sunrise is spectacular from the deck or from the room. - Tomi

Great experience in a unique accommodation! Lovely clean, warm tasteful space. Would highly recommend. - Bree

We had a brilliant stay. It was our first time in Donegal and staying at Frank was fantastic. Great location for seeing beautiful Donegal. The container was great with everything you needed and more. Sitting out on the decking with our morning coffee will be hard to beat. Thanks for providing such a lovely spot. - Andrew

“Frank the shipping container” was a great host! Really peaceful in a beautiful setting. Beautifully finished cosy cabin. We’ll definitely be back! - Sinead

An extremely special and beautiful place to unwind. Everything you need for a few days of quiet time...including lots of helpful tips to explore the surrounding area. Do yourself a favour and book in for a week—you won’t regret it! - Andrew

We absolutely loved our stay here. An unforgettable experience in the most amazing/relaxing location. The location is very private which is lovely for a recharge break away. The container itself is beautiful, I don’t know if anywhere will ever top it ☺️ If you’re visiting make sure to go for a swim at Muckross Beach (if you go in the evening, you might be the only one there), visit Slieve League (walk or drive to the top) but be warned if it’s a dull day you might get to the top and only be able to see clouds (stop off for coffee or hot chocolate at Bru in Thru on the way), Glencolumbkille beach is also to die for on a nice day and Glengesh Pass is a fantastic drive Thanks for making an amazing trip even better guys! - Katie

We had a wonderful time at ‘franks’ - definitely a trip to remember. We were stunned with how warm and homely a shipping container could be! This trip was exactly what we needed to recharge the batteries. From morning swims in the nearby Dooey Beach, to breathtaking sights a car ride away - This spot is a hidden gem. We were lucky enough to catch a clear night during our stay and spent the evening star gazing, absolutely spectacular. We’d definitely recommend booking if you can find a date that suits. - Cormac

What a super cool little place, with the most amazing views! We brought our dogs and they had as much fun as we did! Top tip - lie on the hammock and read a book in the evenings! Hosts were super too! Only met Greg as he was walking by and he made sure everything was running smoothly... the guidebook is a super resource too!!! Very happy with this stay! - Jennifer

Our stay in Frank met all of our expectations and more. The little home was spotlessly clean and has everything you need. Greg was lovely, very helpful and so easy to deal with. We were blown away by the stunning local beaches and Gorgeous scenery. We couldn’t get over how peaceful it was. We had booked a meal out for our second night but decided to cancel it to eat in again. Sitting on the deck in the evening with a glass of wine, watching the sunset was magic. Two nights was not enough ! - Emma

There are not enough words to describe how amazing this place is. Unbelievable!! I have never in my life stayed somewhere so incredible in my life. The container is beautiful and spotless, the location is outstanding, and the small touches made it such a wonderful stay. The guest guide book was a particular hit with us, packed with activities, taxi numbers and where to eat. Greg’s directions for check in were super easy also. 10/10 highly recommend ❤️ - Laura

The view is spectacular, the architecture is special, the nights are dark, the air is clear and the noises are of nature. Greg and Lukas run a well-maintained, well appointed place that is great value. Great for couples. - Juan Felipe

My husband and I had a fantastic stay! The container has been fitted out to a high standard and is great for a visit to Donegal. The location is fantastic - with nearby Dooey beach round the corner and lots of things to see and do within a short drive. We used Frank as a base to visit many places from Slieve League to Arranmore island. Would happily come back. - Lucy

Amazing little place, tucked away in a gorgeous spot. Lots to see and do nearby, and if you don't want to venture out - a beer on the decking in the evening is perfect. - Hannah

Perfect location to enjoy even on a rainy day. Beaches are nearby and shops a short drive away in Dungloe. - Micheal

This is our 2nd stay at one of the UTT properties. Frank was perfect for the two of us-creative piece of architecture and design , clean and well thought out spaces. The location is lovely-Dooey beach is beautiful and not too far away. A quiet and peaceful place to get away from it all!

- Aidan M,

Frank the container lived up to its expectations and much more! Can't recommend this property anymore, the sunset from the outside decking area would rival anywhere in the world! Very special place. - Lee

Couldn’t have been happier with our stay! Greg + Lukas have created an amazing space and they’re fantastic hosts. Nighttimes and mornings on the pond deck were such unexpected little pleasures that we thoroughly enjoyed! We’d definitely go back again! Thanks Greg + Lukas. - Kepa

Amazing place to stay with lots to do, Greg and Lukas are great hosts and are very welcoming. Hope to be back again! - Calum

Such a BEAUTIFUL, peaceful and relaxing stay at this stylish container. Amazing location and hosts who offered so many recommendations both in person and in a lovely guide when we arrived. We will definitely be back, highly recommended!! - Beth

Frank the Shipping Container

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