Activities in Donegal

Ballyshannon is part of the long distance North West Cycle Trail which goes through the counties of Donegal, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim & Sligo. This 326km route travels through a wide variety of scenic landscapes along quiet country roads & through rural towns & villages with traffic free sections in urban areas. The below shorter looped cycle routes will take you on a tour of the spectacular…

Each winter the site hosts thousands of migratory birds including geese, swans, ducks and other waders. During the winter months it is not unusual to see fields with several thousand Greylag Geese or Whooper Swans grazing and witness the return of the birds to the lake at dusk is one of the most impressive wildlife displays you are likely to witness. During the summer months Inch Wildfowl Reserve…

The country estate garden of Glenalla is a hidden world surrounded by native woods and moorland. Established in the late 18th century with extensive landscaping by the Franklin family since 1913. Beyond the house and walled kitchen garden are the formal elements of the rockery, rose beds, arbour and stone edged lily pond. There are collections of rhododendrons together with summer and autumn flow…

This trail takes the walker on forest road through mixed age coniferous plantations past Rinnalack Hill and on to the shores of Lough Lilly. A small fen has developed here allowing white and yellow water lilies to flourish. A visit to Ards Forest Park will reward everyone at any time of the year. The park covers approximately 480 hectares (1200 acres) and includes a variety of habitats, among t…

Rosguill is a `State of the art` charter vessel equipped with twin 310 HP Caterpillar Diesel engines and all the best in electronic equipment. The RosGuill has a hydraulic diver’s lift. Diving The area from Tory Island to Malin Head has the best diving in Oceanic water, both scenic and wreck, available in Ireland. Within 40 miles of Downings there are 109 wrecks, including the Audacious, a dre…

At Carrickfinn, on the top North-Western corner of Ireland, Donegal Airport opens up the North-West for the leisure and business traveller. Located at Carrickfinn, Kincasslagh, the airport is approximately 15 mins drive from Dungloe and Gweedore, and 45 mins from Letterkenny. Donegal Airport is situated on the west coast in the area of the Rosses/Gweedore, just 40 minutes flying time from Dub…

Donegal Adventure Centre is Ireland’s largest surfschool based in Bundoran, County Donegal and this year we are well into our second decade of providing exciting adventure sports, outdoor activities, surf lessons and fantastic service to schools, families and adult Groups. We cater for single lessons, day trips and overnight stays for primary, secondary and third level as well as for individual ad…

Built in the early 19th century for the Church of Ireland Rector, St. Columb’s overlooks the shores of Lough Gartan. The house and grounds were transformed into a haven of artistic beauty by the late Derek Hill who planted many rare and unusual trees and shrubs. Hill was assisted by James Russell of Sunningdale Nurseries “ Russell and myself aimed to accentuate simply the natural formation of …

If you are interested in horse riding in Donegal then the friendly team at Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre are on hand to provide a range of equestrian activities in a fun and safe environment with top class facilities. They have a large selection of horses and ponies for you to get to know and choose from when booking a lesson or for trekking. Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre is located on Inishowen…

Local Hands is a co-operative style fusion of Artists and Craftspeople. Based in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, we work together to showcase, support and sell our work and to promote the wealth of artistic talent in the surrounding region. Our emphasis is on high quality unique and authentic Irish art and craft which is locally produced in the Donegal, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo region. Opening Hou…

Teach Mhicí Mhic Gabhann in the townland of Doire Chonaire is the homestead of Micí Mac Gabhann (1865-1948). D’fhág Micí Mac Gabhann an baile le cúpla punta a shaothrú. He was a local man who spent time as a seasonal labourer in ‘The Laggan’ and Scotland before going to the United States. His life story was recorded by Seán Ó hEocaidh (1913-2002) of the Irish Folklore Commission as ‘Rotha Mór a…

The Letterkenny Slí na Sláinte is 2.7km in length and starts at the Bus Depot at the Station Roundabout. To follow the route, continue towards Port Bridge passing Letterkenny Institute of Technology, then turning left just before the bridge onto Ballyraine Road. Passing the Mont Errigal Hotel and Ballyraine National School, turn left onto the Ramelton Road, noticing the pleasant view of Gortlee Wo…

The Cliff Walk as you would suspect from its very name is a walk along the cliff top and seashore of Bundoran’s West End. Starting out from the Tourist Information Office (See map) the route takes you westwards over the River Bradog and into the West End. At Bayview Avenue you can enjoy fine views of the Peak, Bundoran’s favourite haunt for surfers and across Donegal Bay. Continue on into the …

You can take a step back in time and visit the homestead of the world renowned weaver Manus Ferry and enjoy stories of times gone by from our experienced tour guides or take a trip out on the Dunlewey Lough on our tour of the lake where you will pass the Guinness estate (keep an eye out for the green lady who is said the haunt the house) If you prefer to stay on dry land you can take a ride on our…

A wonderfully challenging 18 hole Pitch & Putt course with spectacular views of Loughros Bay and the hills of Donegal. Once described by a regular visitor as The St. Andrews of Pitch & Putt Courses, this lovingly maintained course with carpet quality Greens.

The views in Donegal are stunning, so a country stroll becomes a mini-adventure for all the family. Ardnamona Woods is a marvellous quiet Nature Reserve with a nicely created walking path loops around large oak, hazel and holly trees in a Woodland that is left in its natural state. There are beautiful mosses, bluebells, wood sorrel, streams and the lakeside to enjoy on this delightful walk develo…

Souls Gaze Studio - fine art and crafts made in Malin Head; Carnmalin, Malin Head, Inishowen wee shed gallery. Paintings by artist Andrea Redmond are currently in collections in Canada, Scotland and Northern Ireland. She is renowned for her mystical works. Paintings of: local wildlife, scenes of Malin Head and Faeries; art dolls; wood , cement and stone sculptures; art quilts. Commissions welcome…

Sea Angling Donegal bay has some of the best fishing in the country with a wide variety of species to be caught. Species caught during the 2012 season include Shark, Skate, Tope, Rays, Turbot, Conger, Ling, Cod, Pollack, Coley, Gurnards, John Dory, Plaice, Flounder, Dab, Megrim, Dog Fish and Wrasse well over thirty species in all. Charter boat fishing is lively and interesting even before a line …

New from December 2017 we will be offering a new regular walking tour at Malin Head, the location that is home to scenes from Star Wars Episode 8. Your tour guide is Bren Whelan, who worked on Episode 8 as a personal safety assistant to Daisy Ridley & Mark Hamill during filming at the Malin Head location. This is a great tour for all the family, that will provide you with a real insight into this …

Our experienced Tour Guides will take you on a short walk (some uphill) informing you of incredible & exciting historical events from Letterkennys beginnings. From the Market Square to the old Church Lane where we have traced the residents back 150 years. Into Conwal Parish Church & Graveyard we explore interesting gravestones & the stories behind them. Make our way to Sentry Hill around poignant …