Places to See in Donegal

Murvagh (Murbhach) Blue Flag Beach is located close to the village of Laghey on the south western coast of County Donegal. Murvagh Beach is a long shallow beach. Behind the beach are sand dunes, designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and beyond them lies the lovely Murvagh Forest, which has trails. This makes it an excellent destination for walking and exploring on a family day out…

Naran (Phort Nua) Blue Flag Beach Narin is a sheltered cove beach approximately 2km long on the Atlantic coast of Ireland. Approximately 2km from Portnoo, 8km from Ardara or 10km from Glenties this impressive Blue Flag beach has safe waters for bathing and is attended by a lifeguard during the summer months. There are toilet facilities near the beach with ample parking also available. Local …

The oldest surviving building here is said to be 400 years old. Indeed, the whole complex is an interesting reminder of a stage in the industrial development of this country which has now given way to a more sophisticated, but usually far less fascinating technology. The visitor to Newmills can experience the pleasure of seeing one of the largest waterwheels in Ireland in action as it drives the m…

Heritage site with two restored water powered mills. The corn mill for stone grinding oats for porridge oatmeal and animal feeds and the flax mill, or scutch mill, for extracting the fibres from the flax plant. The site is open from the end of May until the end of September and guided tours are available. Admission is FREE.

Owey Island lies midway between Gola and Arranmore and is just off-shore from Cruit Island. The recently whitewashed cottages on Owey are clearly visible from the Clubhouse at the end of Cruit. It is roughly the same size as Gola, being a little over 300 acres in area. Like Gola it was once home to almost a hundred islanders but this population had reduced to about thirty by the time the last isla…

Portsalon Beach A very extensive sandy beach located on the western side of Lough Swilly between Rathmullan and Fanad Head and has fabulous views towards the Inishowen Peninsula. The best views can be best seen from the viewpoint on the Knockalla coast drive. It gently slopes towards the Atlantic ocean and is located in a Natural Habitat Area. The beach at Portsalon can be reached by travelli…

Ramelton, one of the five designated Heritage Towns in Donegal, is a vibrant and visually stunning town, nestling on the slopes of the Lennon River. Its rich cultural heritage lends the town a distinctive visage with many well preserved Georgian buildings. According to archaelogical evidence thee have been settlements in the Ramelton area since the early Stone Age and there is evidence of a Vi…

Raphoe is one of the five heritage towns in Donegal. It is also known by its Irish name Ráth Bhoth which means ‘Ringfort of the Huts’. The name is believed to have come from the huts that were built on the monastic settlement by St. Colmcille. (550AD). Raphoe is situated in the rich and fertile land of Laggan Valley near the Deele River. The town of Raphoe is a typical 17th Century plantatio…

Rossnowlagh (Ros Neamhlach) Beach is located on the South Coast of Donegal, approximately 6 km from Ballintra and Ballyshannon and approximately 8 kilometres south of Donegal Town, County Donegal. Rossnowlagh Beach stretches from the cliffs at Coolmore in the south, to the rock outcrop at Carrickfad and is renowned as one of Irelands main surfing beaches. Rossnowlagh beach has soft, golden…

Rutland Island is situated about half a mile from Burtonport Harbour in the parish of The Rosses in West Donegal. Activities include walking, birdwatching, sea angling and fishing. Eolas / Information: Comharchumann na nOileán Beag Tel: +353 (0)74 953 2571 or +353 (0)74 953 2594

The St. Patricks High Cross or Donagh Cross is one of the very early Christian crosses outside mainland Europe, dating back to the 7th Century. The stone belonged to an early Christian monastery founded by St. Patrick and can be found on the Church Road beside the Carndonagh Community School. This beautifully decorated Cross reflects a mixture of ancient Celtic art as well as Christian traditions …

Stroove (An tSrúibh) Blue Flag Beach The lovely Stroove Beach is located on the east coast of the Inishowen peninsula a few miles north of the village of Greencastle, north county Donegal, Ireland. It is located off the R238 road and is adjacent to two Lighthouses. It is a relatively small beach and is located close to the North Inishowen Natural Heritage Area. A great beach for a family …

Tory Island’s name conjures up images of majesty and beauty. In fact, as the northernmost outpost of Donegal’s thriving Gaeltacht culture, Tory is home to its own King, Iron Age fords and medieval round towers. Rate birdlife and wild flowers find shelter on the Island. The finest musicians, storytellers and dancers host sessions that linger into the early hours. Torys spectacular cliff scenery is …