The most north-westerly and one of the largest of the Irish counties, County Donegal’s rugged coastline and wild, rolling moorland holds a great attraction for visitors who want to ‘get away from it all’. The geographic isolation of the county was increased further by the Partition of Ireland, as it left Donegal almost annexed, with just a single border county with the rest of the Irish Republic; consequently, with its wild Atlantic coastline, Donegal retains its own, very distinct identity, and relishes its remoteness.
Things to do in Donegal The wild and woolly nature of the Donegal countryside means that walking is a popular pursuit; and the rugged coastline is also a particular attraction.
The often terrifying southern precipice of the Slieve League cliffs slope dramatically into the sea; the second highest cliffs in Ireland, and - although not as famous as the Cliffs of Moher to the south in County Clare - the Slieve League cliffs are actually three times higher than those at Moher, making for the most dramatic of walks for those visitors who have a true head for heights.
Just around the coast, the great expanses of the fine sandy beaches, or ‘strands’ reach out to the wide, open seas of the Atlantic. The beach at Narin is a typical example of the wonderful, windswept coastal landscapes that are to be found along the craggy Donegal coast.
As with elsewhere in Ireland, one of the great attractions of Donegal is the opportunity to walk into a remote pub and hear some great local music. The Celtic folk group ‘Goats Don’t Shave’ were formed in Dungloe, County Donegal.
Top Destinations
Donegal Town– The Bluestack Way runs from Donegal Town, along country lanes to the magnificence of Lough Eske; it proceeds onwards to the valley of Glenties, and along the banks of the River Owenea to the town of Ardara. The main route adopts the road along the northern shores of the lake, although there is also a circular route which runs around the southern shore. Beyond the lake the path runs through the Eglish Valley and into the foothills of the Blue Stack Mountains.
Letterkenny – Perched on the banks of the River Swilly, Letterkenny, the largest town in Donegal, boasts the fine structure of the Cathedral of St Eunan and St Columba, the only Roman Catholic cathedral in the county.
Killybegs – To the south of the main Donegal peninsula, the town of Killybegs is situated at the head of a fine natural deepwater harbour, and being the largest fishing port in the county, is also a popular spot for a fish supper. The port specialises in landing, processing and freezing mackerel, blue whiting and herring. On the outskirts of the town lies a fine Blue Flag certified beach.
Ardara – The town of Ardara is a well known centre for the manufacture of Donegal homespun tweeds. Just outside the town, in the midst of the rugged, open moorland, lies the ancient Kilclooney dolmen. Lough Doon Ring Fort, stretched across the entire expanse of a tiny island on a crystal-clear lake near Port Noo, dates from 1000BC, and is accessible only by rowing boat. Venturing further along the road to Maghera, the stunning Eas a’Ranca waterfall makes a fine, though isolated location for a Summer picnic.
Glencolmcille – Situated on the Slieve League Peninsula, the coastal town of Glencolmcille offers a great selection of walks, whether visitors wish to view the breathtaking coastal scenery, or the rugged grandeur of the hills, with their Stone Age archaeology. The ‘Glencolmcille Loop’ consists of the Drum Loop and the Tower Loop, two national designated walks, which are particularly popular with visitors, as they take in some of the best of the dramatic local scenery.
Narin – A small village on Gweebarra Bay, Narin sits amidst craggy low hills and rough rolling bogland. Close by, Narin Strand is a stunning, fine sandy and windswept beach, which runs for over two kilometres.
Glenties – Located at the convergence of two glens, and close to the meeting point of two rivers, Glenties lies on the north western edge of the Blue Stack Mountains. It is a great base for local walkers who are keen to explore the glens and mountains, and its tree-lined surroundings give the town the appearance of being an oasis, set in the midst of the otherwise treeless mountain terrain.
Dungloe – Every July the town of Dungloe hosts a highly popular Irish music event, known rather idiosyncratically as the ‘Mary From Dungloe International Festival’.
Gweedore – To the north of the county, Gweedore is Europe’s most populated rural area, and a cradle of Irish culture, as the largest Irish-speaking parish in Ireland. The district also takes in the county’s tallest peak, Mount Errigal. The volcanic shape of the mountain, together with the pinkish glow created by the quartzite on its summit makes it an iconic and strikingly memorable feature in the landscape, and visible to approaching travellers for many miles around.
Malin Head – On this most northerly headland lies the most northerly point of the Irish mainland, known as Banba’s Crown. Malin Head is a popular location for ornithologists, with shearwaters and gannets being amongst the numerous species which can be spotted on the route of their southerly migrations, whilst it is also one of the few places in Europe where the elusive corn crake can be heard.
4 The Barns, Dunkineely, Co. Donegal, Killybegs, County Donegal
Uninterrupted views across Donegal Bay await visitors to this apartment, located in a sensitively restored stone barn. The property is 1 mile from Dunkineely village, with its typical range of shops and pubs. Views of ...
Drumboarty, Letterbarra, nr. Donegal Town, Co. Donegal, Donegal, County Donegal
This traditional, detached, stone built holiday cottage has a very picturesque setting in mature gardens and is situated in the hills just 4.75 miles from vibrant Donegal Town. The cottage is a fantastic place to sample ...
Nicholl's House, Portnoo, Co. Donegal, Glenties, County Donegal
This architecturally designed holiday property really does have the 'wow' factor. Gweebara Bay and Inishkeel Island are the focal view from the balcony accessed through the glass doors from the living area.Panoramic ...
Gatsby House, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ardara, County Donegal
Gatsby House is an elegant refurbished 3-storey Victorian townhouse in the heart of the Heritage town of Ardara. Special features include chandeliers and a sweeping staircase. The bedrooms exude glamour from another era ...
This is a delightful location in the heart of a quiet little border town near the northern shores of Lough Erne.Friendly village setting.Barn conversion for 4.This is a delightful location in the heart of a quiet little ...
23 Atlantic Way, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Bundoran, County Donegal
This ground floor holiday apartment is ideally located in the heart of Bundoran, just 300 metres from the seafront promenade. With its amazing coastline and Blue Flag beaches Bundoran is fast gaining a reputation as the ...
Longfellows Cottage, Cloghbolie, nr. Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ballyshannon, County Donegal
Built over a 100 years ago, Longfellow's Cottage was originally a fisherman's croft. It has now been loving restored to a holiday cottage of character retaining many original features. Just a short distance away is Creevy ...
This property offers superb views as it is elevated directly above the Channel with demanding panoramic views across the water to the islands and beyond.Beautiful sea views.Detached bungalow for 6.This property offers ...
Situated in an elevated site, overlooking Killybeg's harbour, this ground floor holiday apartment, close to the owner's home, has a bird's eye view of all it surveys. This area offers some of Ireland's most stunning ...
5 Fishery Cottages, Drowes Bridge, nr. Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Bundoran, County Donegal
Situated on the banks of the River Drowes, this attractive cottage has pretty views of the river on one side and the sea on the other. At bustling Bundoran, Donegal's premier holiday resort, the sandy beaches and huge ...
Lakeview Cottage, Lettermacaward, Co. Donegal, Donegal, County Donegal
This detached house is situated on an elevated position in the friendly little village of Lettermacaward. Situated in friendly village.Detached house for 7/8.This detached house is situated on an elevated position in the ...
Peggys Lott, Malin Head Village, Inishowen, Co. Donegal, Malin More, County Donegal
This detached cottage with its large enclosed garden is situated in Malin Head Village. Magical Malin Head, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Ireland's most northerly point, is famous for its amazing coastal ...
22 displayed of 22 properties found, no date selected
23 Atlantic Way, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Bundoran, County Donegal
This ground floor holiday apartment is ideally located in the heart of Bundoran, just 300 metres from the seafront promenade. With its amazing coastline and Blue Flag beaches Bundoran is fast gaining a reputation as the ...
23 Atlantic Way, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Bundoran, County Donegal
This ground floor holiday apartment is ideally located in the heart of Bundoran, just 300 metres from the seafront promenade. With its amazing coastline and Blue Flag beaches Bundoran is fast gaining a reputation as the ...
5 Fishery Cottages, Drowes Bridge, nr. Bundoran, Co. Donegal, Bundoran, County Donegal
Situated on the banks of the River Drowes, this attractive cottage has pretty views of the river on one side and the sea on the other. At bustling Bundoran, Donegal's premier holiday resort, the sandy beaches and huge ...
Situated in an elevated site, overlooking Killybeg's harbour, this ground floor holiday apartment, close to the owner's home, has a bird's eye view of all it surveys. This area offers some of Ireland's most stunning ...
Situated in an elevated site, overlooking Killybeg's harbour, this ground floor holiday apartment, close to the owner's home, has a bird's eye view of all it surveys. This area offers some of Ireland's most stunning ...
Drumboarty, Letterbarra, nr. Donegal Town, Co. Donegal, Donegal, County Donegal
This traditional, detached, stone built holiday cottage has a very picturesque setting in mature gardens and is situated in the hills just 4.75 miles from vibrant Donegal Town. The cottage is a fantastic place to sample ...
Gatsby House, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ardara, County Donegal
Gatsby House is an elegant refurbished 3-storey Victorian townhouse in the heart of the Heritage town of Ardara. Special features include chandeliers and a sweeping staircase. The bedrooms exude glamour from another era ...
Gortlosk, Glenties, Co. Donegal, Glenties, County Donegal
Just off the N56, down a leafy lane, this traditional, single-storey, detached holiday cottage lies in an idyllic setting. Retaining its ‘olde worlde' character, it lies in an ideal location for walkers, as the cottage ...
Iostain Faoi Cheilt, Roxborough, nr. Kilcar, Co. Donegal, Kilcar, County Donegal
This modern, detached, single-storey holiday cottage is located just off the R263, 9.5 miles from Killybegs and 3 miles from Kilcar. This area is famous for its magnificent scenery and dramatic seascapes as the Atlantic ...
Tucked away in the Donegal Hills, this little cottage enjoys uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside, with the majestic Muckish Mountain dominating the foreground. Nearby is the beautiful Ards Forest Park on the ...
Nicholl's House, Portnoo, Co. Donegal, Glenties, County Donegal
This architecturally designed holiday property really does have the 'wow' factor. Gweebara Bay and Inishkeel Island are the focal view from the balcony accessed through the glass doors from the living area.Panoramic ...
This is a delightful location in the heart of a quiet little border town near the northern shores of Lough Erne.Friendly village setting.Barn conversion for 4.This is a delightful location in the heart of a quiet little ...
This is a delightful location in the heart of a quiet little border town near the northern shores of Lough Erne.Friendly village setting.Barn conversion for 4.This is a delightful location in the heart of a quiet little ...
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