Ireland’s surfing capital, Bundoran, is the perfect place to start your journey through South Donegal. The town has played host to the European Surfing Championships and is home to Ireland’s best-known wave – The Peak. Local surf schools and shops will make sure you are well kitted out and get any lessons you need. And you can bask in the local surf culture in local bars and restaurants. Other sea activities on offer include fishing, stand-up paddling, kayaking and checking out the coastal caves.
If you prefer your adventures on land, you can explore on horseback with the
Donegal Equestrian Centre. They cater for beginners and more experienced riders with beach and coastal treks, and offer lessons and pony camps too.
The road north takes you to Ballyshannon, Ireland’s oldest town and birthplace of world famous guitarist Rory Gallagher. The town also has family links to the authors of two classic Gothic horror novels, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
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Next stop is Donegal Town, home of
Magee of Donegal - one of Ireland’s most iconic global brands. Magee is a fourth and fifth-generation family-run business, and they still hand-weave using lambswool, alpaca and cashmere. Their designers work closely with some of the world’s leading fashion brands to create colourful, intricately designed fabrics. Today, the Donegal town store sells luxury menswear, womenswear and accessories. It also has a Gift Department and Food Hall, a Café, plus clothing and footwear concessions.
Donegal Town is steeped in history and heritage. Highlights include the Castle, the old Abbey, and trade and emigration from the old pier. Take in Donegal Town’s iconic Diamond, markets, and the famous Four Masters’ monument.
South Donegal also has plenty to tempt golfers with clubs in both Bundoran and Donegal Town. Did you know that the Murvagh Links Course at Donegal Golf Club is one of the longest in Ireland and Europe?
Do not leave South Donegal without a visit to the iconic sea cliffs of Sliabh Liag - amongst the highest in Europe. Not far from Killybegs, they offer one of Ireland’s most breath-taking and awe-inspiring vistas. The
Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre relates the beauty and stories of Sliabh Liag. Fact and lore combine in ‘interpretation panels’ which include interactive activities for younger visitors. The centre also provides key information on Sliabh Liag walking routes, and safety advice for navigating them. Sliabh Liag is also the official start point of the International Appalachian Trail (IAT Ulster-Ireland) with the route travelling east where the trail finishes at Larne on the east coast of Northern Ireland.
You can get an amazing view of the cliffs from the sea with
Sliabh Liag Boat Tours who run sightseeing boat trips from Teelin Harbour. Look out for basking sharks, dolphins or whales if you can take your eyes off the soaring sea cliffs. Or swim the sheltered coves in warmer weather.
Note - this blog doesn't claim to be a comprehensive list of everything to do - for more inspiration visit
www.govisitdonegal.com/things-to-do
Check out Donegal's other regions:
https://www.govisitdonegal.com/blog/april-2025/journey-through-donegal-west-and-gaeltacht
https://www.govisitdonegal.com/blog/april-2025/journey-through-donegal-north
https://www.govisitdonegal.com/blog/april-2025/journey-through-donegal-east
https://www.govisitdonegal.com/blog/april-2025/journey-through-donegal-inishowen
Now is the Time to Visit Donegal
It’s no surprise that Donegal was named ‘the coolest place on the planet’ by National Geographic. We’ve given you just a small taste of what we have to offer. So, there’s only one thing left to do – book a trip to Donegal that will give you a lifetime of memories. We’ll be waiting with a warm welcome!