Places to See in Donegal

Ardara, one of the five designated heritage towns in Donegal, is situated in the beautiful south west region of Donegal. Close by is the Owenea River, where the salmon and trout fishing is widely regarded as one of the best in the country. Just outside the town is the spectacular Glengesh Pass on the road to Glencolumbkille. The town boasts top class blue flag beaches and a first rate links…

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 them sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, salt water lakes, rock face and, of course, coniferous and deciduous woodlands. With such a variety of landscapes, it is possible to spend many hours exploring this wonderful park. The…

There is a feeling of enchantment from the moment you step aboard the ferry at Burtonport. Arranmore Island or Árainn Mhór in Irish is wild and untamed and has a rich and vibrant heritage and culture and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The Gaelic traditions are still thriving on the Arranmore Island and if you are looking for a real taste of island life, then this is definitely not to …

Children’s play area, astro-turf mini-pitch and multi-use games area, public toilets, sculptures, picnic areas, seating, ornamental gardens and walking trails.

Ballyshannon meaning The Mouth of Seannachs ford is stiuated at the mouth of the River Erne in south Donegal. The river Erne that flows through Ballyshannon marks the southern boundary of historic Tir Chonaill. Sites dating back to Neolithic times have been excavated in and around the town of Ballyshannon showing evidence of early human settlements Ballyshannon had long been an important stro…

Bruckless House, the home the Evans family, is an attractive 18th century Classical house. Listed nationally as a protected building, it has a traditional cobbled farmyard and is set in 18 acres of parkland.Bruckless House borders Bruckless Bay,and has a spacious informal award-winning garden of the Robinsonian kind. It features in the Donegal Garden Trail and in guides to Irish gardens. There …

Bundoran Beach is located approximately 250m north of Bundoran town’s main street. It is a sandy beach facing Donegal Bay and the Atlantic bounded on the North and South by rocks and on the east by the promenade roadway. It is popular destination with surfers. The beach is lifeguard patrolled throughout the bathing season. Lifeguard duty times can be found displayed on the information board on Bun…

Carrickfinn Beach is an extensive sandy beach with sand dunes and is located close to the beautiful Annagry village, a Gaeltacht area where the visitor can engage in the culture and heritage of this unique region where Irish is still the main everyday language. Carrickfinn is a long stretch of white sand beach backed by extensive sand dunes. All around the bay are the characteristic machair gr…

This is Donegal`s tropical garden, inspired and boldly experimental! Seamus is a keen plantsman, his garden specialising in plants tolerant of conditions by the seaside. Cluain na dTor meaning meadow of the shrubs is indeed an apt placename - shrubs as shelter and as ornamentals populate this garden with surrounding natural wildflower meadows. Awarded the Donegal Garden Trail Medal of Distinction …

The stunning Culdaff Beach located on the Inishowen peninsula county Donegal in the north west of Ireland. Culdaff beach consists of a sandy beach with two rock outcrops at the south-east of the beach. These are exposed at times during the tidal phase during the day. The beach is contained to the west by sand dunes and to the north-west by the Culdaff River. Culdaff beach is popular with Surfers…

Bundoran is proud to be the first Donegal stop on the Wild Atlantic Way’s Surf Coast – a route known for its spectacular scenery all along the entire western seaboard with south Donegal being no exception. Stand at the Tullan Strand Discovery Point and take in Donegal. Bay with views of Slieve League, Mullaghmore, Benbulben and the picturesque Dartry Mountains – and don’t forget while you’re ther…

Doe Castle, a stronghold of the MacSweeney Clan for almost 200 years, sits on the waterline of Sheephaven Bay on The Wild Atlantic Way off the R245 between Carrigart and Creeslough, Co. Donegal. The grounds are open all year around, but tours inside the Castle must be with a guide . Guided tours of the Castle are facilitated by local community group, Moving Mevagh Forward, daily during July an…

Donegal County Museum is based in a fine old stone building, which was once part of the Letterkenny Workhouse, which opened in 1845. The Museum houses a substantial collection of artefacts relating to the history and heritage of County Donegal. The first floor exhibition tells the story of Donegal from Prehistory to the Twentieth Century. Temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of topics are …

Donegal County Museum is based in a fine old stone building, which was once part of Letterkenny Workhouse, which opened in 1845. The Museum houses a substantial collection of artefacts relating to the history and heritage of County Donegal. The first floor exhibition tells the story of Donegal from Prehistory to the Twentieth Century. Temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of topics are he…

Donegal East - Explore the Valleys Donegal East is the perfect base from which to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route. Find the many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. These include the expansive Bluestack Mountains, one of Europes richest salmon fishing rivers, the 3,000 year-old Beltany Stone Circle, the beautiful flora of Oakfield Park and an 18-hole parkl…

DONEGAL TOWN – Dún na nGall – Fort of the Foreigners Donegal Town is an attractive vibrant town overlooking Donegal Bay with a backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains on the Wild Atlantic Way. Traditionally a Market Town with a Diamond at its centre it is easily accessible for visitors and locals to explore the abundance of shops, dining, cultural and heritage attractions, bars and entertainment s…

Downings Beach is located in the village of Downings (Na Dnaibh) in the Gaeltacht area on the Rosguill Peninsula in County Donegal. Downings takes pride of place in the sheltered Sheephaven Bay that hosts a diverse range of other beaches. The beach is particularly popular with Windsurfers, providing excellent opportunities for enthusiasts at all levels. A busy beach in the peak season, perfect…

Fintra (Fionntrá) Beach is located on the South West Coast of the Donegal, approximately 3 km from Killybegs. The wide, rural beach of Fintra Bay is set amongst stunning scenery a short drive from the fishing port of Killybegs on County Donegal’s south-west coast. It is approached by a steep road down to it which offers fabulous vistas of both the beach and Donegal Bay as far as Benbulben mount…

Glebe House, the home for nearly thirty years of the renowned artist Derek Hill, is situated on rising ground, beside Lough Gartan, east of Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal. The Gardens of the Glebe House and Gallery are open to the public every day between 8am and 6.30pm. The Glebe Gallery is open daily until 31 October 2021, between 11am and 6.30pm. The Glebe House will remain clos…

The Glencolmcille Folk Village is built in the form of a village in which each house is an exact replica of a dwelling used by the local people in each of the three successive centuries (18th, 19th 20th) and is equipped with the furniture, artifacts and utensils of its particular period

We are a family run business manufacturing high quality Knitwear. Our shop The Glencolmcille Woollen Mill stocks our range of knitwear, hand crafts and gift items. We welcome visitors to view our demonstration area, enjoy a cup of coffee and browse through our store!

Inishowen, Co. Donegal is a place with spectacular beaches and mountain views, an abundance of historical sites, rich culture and some of the best golf courses in the world (Ballyliffin Golf Club recently hosted the 2018 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.) This is the point where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coast, at the very top of the island of Ireland, where you can visit Malin Head - …

The island of Gabhla (Gola) covers about one square mile (500 acres) and is situated about one mile from the pier at Machaire Gathlán, or two miles from the pier at An Bun Beag. The island is hilly on its west side, rising to 238 feet at Cnoc an Choillín and 212 feet at An Mhaol Mhór, and these hills shelter the houses that stretch in a ribbon along the east side. The census of 1841 recorded a…

Grianán of Aileach (Irish: Grianán Ailigh) is probably the best known monument in Inishowen, County Donegal. Situated on a hilltop 250m above sea level the view from the stone fort of Aileach is breathtaking. The Stone Fort of Grianán of Aileach sits on a hilltop in Inishowen County Donegal. 250m above sea level, the stone fort was probably first built on an earthen rath. With 360 degree vie…

Inis Bó Finne - the island of the white cow is locted four miles from the village of An Fál Carrach (Falcarragh), or just two miles (a 10-minute boat trip) from the pier at Machaire Rabhartaigh (Magheraroarty). Covering 300 acres, it is a small island, the southern half of the island is fertile and was cultivated in the past in the traditional clachan and rundale manner, which involved communal…

Inis Fraoigh - meaning island of heather lies in the sheltered sea bay between Dungloe and Burtonport and is just a short boat trip from the pier at Burtonport The island is about one square mile in area and once held a thriving community of farmers and fishermen. Like many Irish islands, it has a long history of human settlement. In early Christian times it was controlled by Niall of the Nine …

It is as the name says, Island East, the ‘Eastern Island’. Inishirrer is a long, narrow island, about one mile long and one quarter of a mile wide. It is approximately one mile off the coast of Gweedore. The Inishirrer islanders are famous for their expertise in sailing, rowing and fishing. Activities include: walking, birdwatching, sea angling and fishing. Eolas / Information: Comharchuman…

Inishkerragh means ‘Sheep Island’. Originally from the Irish ‘Inis’ – ‘island’ and ‘caoragh’ – ‘sheep’, Inishkerragh is situated off the north west coast of Donegal, in the bay of Boylagh. It measures 650m by 300m and the highest point is 6.5m above sea level. Activities include: walking, birdwatching, sea angling and fishing. Eolas / Information: Comharchumann na nOileán Beag Tel: +353 …

The IOSAS Centre is the Visitors Centre for the Celtic Prayer Garden. A DVD about the Celtic Prayer Garden can be viewed and the Centre contains a gift shop, coffee shop, a meeting / dining space for groups on retreat and for visitors, bathroom facilities and Manager’s Office. The gift shop stocks a variety of products as well as some hand-crafted work done by the residents and tutors of White Oa…

Oileán Ruaidh (Island Roy) is a lowlying, gravel-based eminence of 100 acres. It has green fields, rocky shores with abundant growth of seaweed – used for healthy bathing – and the landscape has breathtaking views of Rossapenna’s sand-dunes, the surrounding Mulroy coastline and the Donegal hills. It is situated some three and a half miles from the mainland villages of Downings and Carrigart. It w…

Welcome to Kilcar. Located in a beautiful part of South-West Donegal, between Ireland’s premier fishing port of Killybegs and majestic Slieve League and the parish of Glencolmcille. To the north east we are separated from Ardara by the spectacular Glengesh Pass, one of the most photographed views in Ireland. Kilcar is the gateway to the Donegal Gaeltacht, situated between mountain and sea - a gre…

Welcome to Kilcar. Located in a beautiful part of South-West Donegal, between Ireland’s premier fishing port of Killybegs and majestic Slieve League and the parish of Glencolmcille. To the north east we are separated from Ardara by the spectacular Glengesh Pass, one of the most photographed views in Ireland. Kilcar is the gateway to the Donegal Gaeltacht, situated between mountain and sea - a gre…

Killahoey Blue Flag Beach (Tra na Cille) is located close to the town of Dunfanaghy (Dun Fionnachaidh) on the northern coast of County Donegal. Killahoey beach consists of a sandy beach with a large inflowing estuary including a large mud flat at the east of the beach. The catchment area is an idyllic location for bird watching. It can be a windy beach due to its unsheltered location but it s…

Experience beautiful Killybegs in County Donegal. With its shimmering waters and glorious coastline, this area is famous for its maritime culture.

Childrens Indoor Fun Park - Large Play System with Ball Pool, Dodgems, Bumper Boats, Carousel, Shooting Gallery, Small Cars, Shop, Nibblers Cafe, etc.

Go Visit Letterkenny - Heart of the Northwest Letterkenny is County Donegal’s largest town with a population of more than 19,000. It is in the heart of the Northwest and offers plenty for all types of holidaymakers. Combine the best of an urban experience with a Wild Atlantic Way Adventure when you base yourself in Letterkenny. Letterkenny has a large selection of the finest accommodation, …

Children’s play areas, public toilets, sculpture trail, picnic areas, seating and walking trails.

Ireland’s Most Northerly Point Malin Head has witnessed some of the worlds most significant events from the first telecommunication in Ireland at Lloyds Signal Tower, to the passing of the German Fleet at the end of World War 1. The Malin Head Coastline is rugged, unspoilt and spectacular. The area is steeped in history and folklore. Malin Head is an area for all tastes, including walking, fis…

Marble Hill Blue Flag Beach (Cnoc an Mharmair) is located close to the village of Portnablagh (Port na Bláiche) on the northern coast of County Donegal. It is located in Sheephaven Bay. Marble Hill beach consists of a sandy beach with two rock outcrops at the east of the beach. The beach is located in a rural area, rich in wildlife. The sand dunes that surround the beach are a great place for …

The picturesque town of Moville lies on the western banks of Lough Foyle, County Donegal, where the Bredagh River flows into the sea. The name Moville has two possible Gaelic origins, translated from Bun a Phobail, meaning ‘Foot of the Parish’ or Magh Bhile, meaning ‘Plain of the Ancient Tree’. Until the mid 18th century the area consisted of undeveloped agricultural land with the exception of a…

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 …