The most beautiful place you’ve never heard of: An Doras Bui, a shepherd’s hut in the Sperrin Mountains of Northern Ireland. More and more people are exploring the gifts of N Ireland, but it seems like it’s Belfast, the Giant Steps, Jameson, the usual suspects…they are missing out on one of the great natural beauties of Ireland and a haven to savor it: the Sperrin Mountains and An Doras Bui, the shepherds hut.
The owner, or rather, the keeper of this relaxing gem is Justine. She says it well: “It’s not just the view or the hot tub that makes An Doras Bui so special. It’s the beautiful atmosphere of the unspoiled Sperrins; the abundant bird song, the expansive views with their endless shades of green, and the chance to remember the soul nourishing power of pausing to soak in the beauty of nature.“
Justine is the from the US, her husband from the nearby town of Gortin. They met in the Irish neighborhood in the Bronx, Woodhaven.
I stayed at this shepherd’s hut by accident — and proved there is no such things as coincidences. Having explored nearly all of Ireland, I find myself always going back here. The facts are magical: The view. A Dark Sky reserve. The hot tub which makes you never want to leave. The nearby Seamus Heaney farmstead. Beautiful hikes. Country lane to walk and breath nature in. A fairy tree with medicinal flowers (ALWAYS thank the fairies!)
You should follow her on Instagram. Her stories as an American married and living there are very special and loving.
I’ve run out of facts to convey this magic place. Guess you’ll have to go and make your own.
Outspoken Traveler 
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