County Donegal Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich and beautiful County Donegal in Ireland with our detailed travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to County Donegal

County Donegal is located in the northwest part of Ireland, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Northern Ireland. The county is the fourth largest county in Ireland and is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rugged coastlines, and charming towns. Donegal is also known for its rich Gaelic heritage and cultural traditions.

List of Places to Visit in County Donegal

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Donegal Castle is one of the most visited attractions in the county. The castle dates back to the 15th century and is located in the heart of Donegal Town. Other notable historical attractions include the Glencolmcille Folk Village, which features a collection of traditional thatched cottages, and the Grianán of Aileach ancient stone fort.

Natural Attractions of County Donegal: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

County Donegal boasts stunning natural beauty. The Cliffs of Slieve League are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and offer breathtaking views. Fanad Head Lighthouse and Malin Head are also popular spots for visitors. The county is also popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Donegal

One of the most popular hiking routes in Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way, passes through County Donegal. The route offers spectacular coastal views and challenging terrain. There are also plenty of other hiking trails in the area including the Bluestack Mountains and Glenveagh National Park. For biking enthusiasts, the Donegal Cycle Route takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the county.

Best Things to Do in County Donegal: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of exciting things to do in County Donegal, from kayaking and surfing to visiting local distilleries and museums. The Slieve League Cultural Centre offers guided tours of the area and is an excellent starting point for exploring the county. You can also take a boat trip to the stunning Arranmore Island or visit the Inishowen Peninsula, which features sandy beaches, stunning landscapes, and ancient monuments.

Week-Long Itinerary for County Donegal

Day 1: Explore the charming town of Donegal and visit Donegal Castle Day 2: Hike the Slieve League Cliffs and enjoy the spectacular views Day 3: Take a boat trip to Arranmore Island and explore the island’s stunning beaches Day 4: Visit the Glenveagh National Park and take a guided tour of the area Day 5: Drive the Wild Atlantic Way and visit Fanad Head Lighthouse Day 6: Relax on the beaches of Inishowen Peninsula and visit the ancient monuments Day 7: Visit the local distilleries and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the county

Food and Drink Scene of County Donegal

Must-Try Dishes

The county is famous for its seafood, from fresh oysters to smoked salmon. Other must-try dishes include Irish stew, beef and Guinness pie, and boxty (a type of potato pancake).

Local Beverages

County Donegal is home to a number of local breweries and distilleries. Visitors can enjoy a pint of Guinness in one of the charming pubs or try a local whiskey from the Sliabh Liag Distillery.

Where to Stay in County Donegal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of options for accommodations in County Donegal, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the best hotels in the area include Harvey’s Point, Lough Eske Castle, and Castle Murray House. Hostels like the Sleepy Hollows and Errigal Youth Hostel are great options for budget travelers.

What to Buy in County Donegal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

County Donegal is famous for its tweed products, from clothing to home decor. Other popular souvenirs include local pottery, traditional Irish musical instruments, and handmade jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of County Donegal

County Donegal has a rich Gaelic heritage, and locals are proud of their traditions and customs. The county is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Donegal International Rally and the Mary from Dungloe Festival. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the local culture and attend traditional music sessions or Gaelic football matches.

Best Time to Visit County Donegal

The best time to visit County Donegal is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and sunny. However, visitors can also enjoy the stunning landscapes and cultural events throughout the year. Just make sure to pack warm clothing as the weather can be unpredictable.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Donegal

Do:

  • Visit the local distilleries and breweries
  • Attend traditional music events and festivals
  • Explore the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of the county

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural beauty of the area
  • Ignore local customs and traditions
  • Forget to bring warm clothing, even in the summer months

Safety and Health

Safety in County Donegal

County Donegal is generally a safe place to visit. As with any destination, visitors should exercise caution when traveling alone at night or in secluded areas. It’s also important to be aware of the weather conditions, as the coast can be dangerous during storms and high winds.

Health in County Donegal

Visitors to County Donegal should take standard measures to protect their health, such as washing hands regularly and staying up to date on routine vaccinations. The county has good medical facilities, including the Letterkenny University Hospital.

Getting to County Donegal: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Donegal

The nearest airport to County Donegal is Donegal Airport, which has regular connections to Dublin and Glasgow airports.

Bus Stations Near County Donegal

Bus Éireann operates several bus routes to County Donegal from Dublin and other major cities in Ireland.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach County Donegal by ferry. The closest ferry ports are Larne and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

How to Get Around in County Donegal

The best way to explore County Donegal is by car. Visitors can rent a car from the major airports or in larger towns in the county. There are also bus and taxi services available.

Where to Go Next from County Donegal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

County Donegal is an excellent starting point for exploring other parts of Ireland, such as the Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Kerry. Visitors can also cross the border into Northern Ireland and visit cities like Belfast and Derry.

Conclusion

County Donegal is a beautiful and culturally rich destination for visitors to Ireland. From stunning natural landscapes to vibrant local festivals, there is something for everyone in this charming county. Take the time to explore the towns and countryside, enjoy the local food and beverage scene, and immerse yourself in the local customs and traditions.

Donegal Donegal Malin Head, the north tip of Ireland Malin Head, the north tip of Ireland Tory Island ferry Tory Island ferry Cliffs of Slieve League Cliffs of Slieve League Dolmen at Kilclooney Dolmen at Kilclooney Coastal defences at Fort Dunree Coastal defences at Fort Dunree Morning over Ballyshannon Morning over Ballyshannon


    Falcarragh
    Glenties
    Glenveagh National Park
    Letterkenny