Breac.House, situated on Donegal’s dramatic Horn Head peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offers guests a unique retreat where modern luxury meets deep environmental responsibility. This award-winning eco-lodge provides an intimate escape at Ireland’s rugged northwest edge, featuring locally-crafted accommodations designed to harmonize with the spectacular coastal landscape.
Built with sustainable practices and renewable energy, Breac.House offers a unique blend of modern comfort and authentic Irish heritage. The property upholds the highest standards of environmental stewardship. Its location within a Special Area of Conservation further highlights its commitment to preserving the natural surroundings.
Their story
Founded by Cathrine and Niall in 2017, Breac.House is their vision of a modern retreat celebrating the best of Donegal. Built by local craftsmen using native materials, this retreat offers a true headland hideaway. It invites guests to fully disconnect from daily life and reconnect with Ireland’s wild Atlantic coastline.
Rooted in sustainability and local craftsmanship, the retreat blends modern luxury with eco-conscious living and Irish heritage. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- Breac.House was constructed with deep sustainability principles, utilizing renewable energy sources including air-source heat pumps and solar panels with battery storage.
- The eco-lodge features natural, locally-sourced materials like Fanad granite and Ardara Quartzite, with handcrafted oak furniture by local artisans.
- Local food culture is preserved through on-site production of breads and preserves using organic ingredients.
- The retreat’s design integrates seamlessly with Horn Head’s Special Area of Conservation landscape, minimizing impact on this protected Atlantic coastal environment.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The eco-lodge operates entirely on renewable energy, utilizing two air-source heat pumps for all heating and hot water needs, completely eliminating fossil fuel dependence.
- Solar PV panels with battery storage provide on-site electricity generation and supply clean energy to the national grid. Any additional electricity requirements are met through 100% renewable energy tariffs.
- The property’s high-efficiency building design minimizes energy consumption while maintaining year-round comfort. LED lighting throughout and low-energy appliances further reduce power usage.
- Additional sustainable features include an off-grid wood-fired sauna, electric vehicle charging facilities, and rainwater harvesting systems that supply water to toilets and gardens, significantly reducing mains water consumption while supporting their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Pioneer in waste management
- The eco-lodge has eliminated all single-use plastics from guest amenities, replacing them with locally-made, environmentally friendly soaps, shampoos and creams.
- A rigorous recycling program manages all cardboard, paper, plastics and glass, reducing general landfill waste to within standard domestic-use allowances.
- All organic waste undergoes composting, including creative reuse of seaweed from guest seaweed bath rituals as fertilizer for their on-site polytunnel.
- The lodge exclusively uses environmentally friendly cleaning, household and garden products, avoiding harmful chemicals and pesticides, while sourcing from responsible local traders who support sustainable community practices.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- They exclusively utilize chemical-free, organic products in their guest amenities.
- Their commitment extends to using only environmentally friendly cleaning and garden products, avoiding all chemicals and pesticides.
- The property grows its own organic ingredients for homemade breads, pastries, and preserves, while sourcing remaining produce from local organic farmers to minimize food miles.
Actively protects nature and community
- The retreat actively protects Horn Head’s Special Area of Conservation status, supporting local artisans, farmers, and producers to strengthen community bonds.
- Guests experience authentic Irish culture through locally-sourced materials, from handwoven Donegal tweed to native stone quarried nearby.
- The lodge’s commitment extends beyond environmental protection to cultural preservation, collaborating with traditional craftspeople and maintaining sustainable practices that minimize impact on the protected headland’s unique ecosystem and heritage.
Most Popular Activities Near Breac.House
- Wood-fired sauna sessions in the private garden overlooking Atlantic coastline.
- Seaweed bath rituals for two using locally harvested organic seaweed.
- Guided hiking and cycling tours across Horn Head’s dramatic cliffs and beaches.
- Picnic adventures with bespoke handmade lunch bags exploring Wild Atlantic Way.
- Traditional Irish craft workshops featuring Donegal tweed weaving and pottery making.
- Wildlife watching tours spotting seabirds and deer in Special Conservation Areas.
- Surfing and swimming lessons in the bracing Atlantic Ocean waters.
- Cultural immersion experiences including Gaelic music sessions in local pubs.
- Foraging expeditions collecting seasonal ingredients for farm-to-table cooking classes.
- Yoga and meditation sessions on private terraces with panoramic ocean views.
- Horseback trekking adventures through ancient forests and Neolithic stone circles.
HOW TO GET THERE – read our guide on Ireland airports
Best Time To Visit Breac.House
- The best time to visit Breac.House is from late spring through early autumn, especially between May and September. During this time, Donegal bursts with color and daylight—perfect for exploring Horn Head’s cliffs, beaches, and trails.
- Summer months offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities like cycling the Wild Atlantic Way and surfing the Atlantic waters.
- While the ever-changing weather creates spectacular skies and dramatic seascapes year-round, the warmer months offer the most comfortable temperatures. Ideal for seaweed baths, terrace lounging, and local festivals in this special conservation area.
