Donegal
Lose yourself in some of the finest scenery Ireland has to offer.
Sightseeing
There’s a lot to keep you busy in Donegal, from 4,000-year-old-ring forts to Ireland’s most northerly point.
Donegal Castle
Located in the heart of Donegal town on the banks of the River Eske, Donegal Castle was built in 1474 by Hugh Roe O’Donnell. It has now been restored to its former glory and is well worth a visit.
Grianan Ailigh
This 4,000-year-old ring fort is another of Ireland’s most important ancient sites. The great stone cashel is thought to have been built by the Tuatha De Danann, God and King of Ireland, to protect the grave of his son Aedh.
Malin Head
Ireland’s most northerly point is a place of spectacular natural beauty and the surrounding area boasts craggy coastline and pristine beaches.
Activities
Dramatic deep-sea diving, fabulous golf courses and some of the best surf in Ireland
Deep-sea diving
There’s year-round diving available at Donegal’s first purpose-built dive centre, Mevagh Dive Centre.
Golf
Test your skills on a truly stunning golf course at Donegal Golf Club
Surfing
One of the first places in Ireland to be surfed in the 1960s, Rossnowlagh boasts an incredibly scenic beach and is home to Ireland’s largest surf club. Check it out in July and August when the surf is at its best.
See more highlightsWalking
The Cliffs of Slieve League are the highest sea cliffs in Europe with some of Ireland’s finest coastal walks. There are also various mountain ranges providing plenty of scope for all grades of walker.
Waterbus
Cruise around historic Donegal Town and take in sights like St. Ernan’s Island, the Old Abbey and Donegal Harbor on a 90-minute trip.
Children
Make the most of Donegal’s spectacular scenery with a host of outdoor activities.
Ards Forest Park, County Donegal
This 1,200-acre park is the perfect spot for a family outing. Situated on the shores of Sheephaven Bay on the rugged Donegal coastline, it’s filled with woodland, rivers, picnic areas, sandy beaches, and play areas.
Donegal Adventure Centre and Surf School, Bundoran
There’s lots to do here with learn-to-surf days and weekends, teen surf camps, climbing, abseiling and a host of other activities.
Donegal Bay Sea Safari
Take in the spectacular Donegal coastline from the sea with this sea safari that gets you up close to wildlife. And don’t worry, you’ll be given full body splash-gear to keep out the refreshing Atlantic seaspray.
Culture & festivals
Learn all about life in Donegal, and celebrate the arts with a fantastic summer festival
Donegal County Museum, Letterkenny
Contains two galleries – one with a permanent exhibition on the history of Donegal, the other contains changing exhibitions.
Earagail Arts Festival, County Donegal
Generally taking place in July, the Earagail Arts Festival includes theatre and comedy, outdoor family events, children’s events, exhibitions, film and workshops. Over 80 events take place at over 35 locations in County Donegal. Check the website for current dates and programme.
Father McDyer’s Folk Village, Glencolmcille
This folk museum contains a cluster of six traditional cottages each of which represents life in Donegal from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. There’s also a reconstruction of a 19th century school.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
Sample the finest Donegal has to offer in some of the county’s best country houses.
Rathmullan House, County Donegal
This gracious Georgian house was built in the 1780s and enjoys an unrivalled location overlooking the shores of Lough Swilly. The restaurant has won critical acclaim from numerous guides, and facilities are excellent with boating, croquet, steam room, massage and tennis.
Saint Ernan’s Country House, County Donegal
Offering superb hotel accommodation in County Donegal, the four star St. Ernan’s Country House Hotel is an oasis of peace and tranquility. Soaked in Regency period atmosphere, the house is surrounded by eight acres of woodland giving it a real feel of a hideaway despite being only two miles away from Donegal town.
St John’s Country House, County Donegal
Sitting prettily in a remote location on the shores of Lough Swilly in Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, St. John’s is as renowned for its spectacular views as it is for its award-winning cuisine.
Shopping
From traditional tweeds to high quality knitwear.
Donegal Craft Village, Ballyshannon Road, Donegal Town
A showcase for arts and crafts from Donegal county. Crafts include metalwork, batik, jewelry, sculpture, stonework and glass-blowing.
Edel McBride, Convoy Woollen Mill, Convoy
Knitwear designer with high-quality yarns – perfect for presents or even for yourself.
Glendown Exclusive Design, Meentagh Glen, Clonmany Parish
Traditional tweed handcrafted garments including tunics, capes, jackets, wraps, hats and scarves.
See more highlightsMagee, Donegal Town
Well-known store stocking menswear, quality linens and genuine hand-woven Donegal tweed.
