An exciting new chapter for one of Inishowen’s most iconic hotels and music venues

By Pune Media On Jun 2, 2025

One of Donegal’s most storied boutique hotels and music venues has reopened for business, beginning a bright and exciting new chapter for locals and visitors.

Best-known for its fine food, welcoming atmosphere, and traditional music, McGrory’s Hotel has been part of the landscape in the village of Culdaff for more than a century, having first opened its doors way back in 1924.

The famous Mac’s Backroom has hosted some of the biggest names in Irish and world music over the decades since then, from legendary piper Liam O’Flynn to trad royalty Altan, Richie Havens, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and Paul Brady, to name just a few.

On Thursday, May 29, Irish folk and country star Sean Keane played a sold-out concert to a delighted audience, the first of many gigs for the rejuvenated Backroom, with regular gigs planned for the front bar year-round too.

Renowned for music though it undoubtedly is, there’s so much more to McGrory’s than lively jigs and reels or rhythm and blues.

The hotel, which has been acquired by Carndonagh-born businessman Paddy Doherty and the recently formed Doherty Hospitality Group, will be open 365 days of the year, 7 days a week, with food served daily from 12.30pm.

In early 2024, the property underwent an extensive refurbishment programme, including room upgrades and the installation of new catering kitchen and bar equipment. It now boasts 17 beautifully appointed guest bedrooms in addition to the bar, restaurant and the famous Backroom.

McGrory’s is the perfect place to stay for your Inishowen adventure, along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Culdaff’s stunning Blue Flag Caratra Strand, just a short walk from McGrory’s, is hands-down one of the best beaches in the country – and on a summer’s day there are few more magical places where you could wish to be for a dip in the waves or a stroll on the golden sand.

McGrory’s is also the ideal base to explore the peninsula further, including aurora hunting or shark watching at Malin Head, where the Hollywood movie Star Wars was filmed in recent years.

Just minutes from Culdaff, you could be walking among the alpacas or visiting the bears and native wolves at Wild Ireland wildlife park. The Inishowen Maritime Museum and Planetarium, a 15-minute drive away, offers an otherworldly experience for visitors, not to mention the most scenic drives and breathtaking hikes.

Traditionally, Inishowen can often be quieter during the winter months but the new owners want to change all that and show that the Wild Atlantic Way can be just as magical in the winter, in one of the most unspoilt and rugged landscapes in the world.

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The welcoming team at McGrory’s is keen to remind everyone that the hotel is open for business year-round and that winter in Culdaff can be just as majestic as summer; a blustery walk on the beach and then cosy up by the fire in McGrory’s with locally-sourced seafood chowder or traditional fish and chips.

Potential visitors are encouraged to book their summer or winter stays, to plan their own McGrory’s adventures, now and into the future.

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