Visit County Donegal
No trip to Ireland is complete unless you visit County Donegal !
Visit Donegal Ireland Quick Links
No trip to Ireland is complete unless you visit County Donegal !
Arranmore Island | Fanad Peninsula | Glenveagh National Park & Derryveagh Mountains | Inishowen Peninsula | Lough Derg | Malin Head | Tory Island
Visit Donegal Ireland Quick Links
Bundoran | Donegal | Killybegs | Letterkenny
Arranmore Island
When you visit County Donegal, make sure to include Árainn Mhór (Arranmore Island). It is located 3 miles off the coast of Ireland from the Donegal mainland. The Island is accessible all year by regular ferries from Burtonport village and the crossing takes approximately 20 minutes making day trips and longer stays both possible. Arranmore Island, just 14km by 5km, is a Gaeltacht area (Irish speaking) with a majestic and untamed landscape. Culture, country walks, varied wildlife, stunning Atlantic views and lively pubs make a visit to the Arranmore Island an unforgettable experience
Fanad Peninsula
Stretching north from Milford to Fanad Head (the 2nd most northerly point in Donegal Ireland) and back to Rathmelton, the Fanad Peninsula lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay and has some of the most impressive coastal and cliff scenery in the country. The Fanad Peninsula Tour is a 45-mile (72 km) signposted circular tour of the peninsula through magnificent scenery
Glenveagh National Park & Derryveagh Mountains
Situated in the Northwest of Donegal Ireland, Glenveagh National Park surrounded by the Derryveagh mountains, is one of six national parks in Ireland. Stretching across 16,000 hectares and encompassing numerous lakes and glens the park is has number of nature trails, walks and cycle trails, the wild life is varied and interesting and includes the majestic red deer. The Glenveage National Park visitor centre is an award winning design causing minimum disruption to the surrounding landscape. The Derryveagh Mountains surrounding the park are the major mountain range in Donegal Ireland making up much of the landmass of he county.
Inishowen Peninsula
Inishowen Peninsula, the largest peninsula in Ireland, is named in honour of Eoghan who had the title of lord of the island, a title which was given to him by his father Niall one of the High Kings of Ireland. With striking views of the Atlantic the Inishowen Peninsula extends from Lough Swilly to Lough Foyle and includes Malin Head the most northerly point of Ireland and Buncrana is the main town of Inishowen Peninsula. A designated European Special area of Conservation the Peninsula offers several historic relics including the ancient fort Grianan of Aileache. The history along with beautiful and diverse landscapes including sandy beaches, cliff tops and the peak of Sliabh Sneaght (from the Irish meaning Snow Mountain) make the Inishowen Peninsula a wondrous adventure.
Lough Derg
Lough Derg is located approximately 4 miles north of Pettigo village in County Donegal Ireland and the Lough is home to a small island named Station Island (often just called Lough Derg). The Island has been a place of Catholic pilgrimage for over a thousand years and St Patrick is said to have visited and fasted on the island. In times gone by the area was a place of protection for those in distress and the enchanting Lough Derg to this day is filled with faith and prayer and provides visitors with the opportunity for reflection and rest without any distractions irrespective of religious practice. One day and three day pilgrimages are possible.
Malin Head
Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula is considered Ireland’s most northerly point and the northernmost tip is named Banba’s Crown in honour of Banba one of Ireland’s legendary queens. Banb’s Crown is home to a signal tower which dates back to 1805 and the headland offers striking views of the north Atlantic.
Tory Island
Torny Island (Oileán Thoraí) is situated approximately 9 miles (14.5km) off the northwest Donegal mainland and the Island, which is roughly 3 miles (5km) long and 0.6 miles (1km) wide, is part of the Donegal Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area). Tory Island has at times been very difficult to access throughout history and this helped preserve the distinctive culture of the area. With a population of approximately 120 Tory is today accessible by regular ferry connections operating out of the quaint harbours Bunbeg and Magheroarty and the The people of Tory Island take pleasure in representing themselves through art, music, song and dance. Please note the ferry does not take cars and during the winter months crossings may not be possible if the seas are rough.
Bundoran
Bundoran, a seaside resort on the Donegal Coast, is the most Southerly town in County Donegal Ireland and has a beautiful location on the southern shore of Donegal Bay. A popular destination with both locals and tourists the town has been wecoming visitors for over two hundred years. There is much to do in the Bundoran including fishing, golf, horse riding, watersports and numerous cycling and walking trails. Bundoran is also well known as a surfing destination and the town was listed as one of the World’s top 20 Surf Towns by National Geographic in 2012.
Donegal
Donegal town takes its name from the Irish Dun na nGall which means “Fort of the foreigners” and the name refers to the Vikings that landed there and invaded in the 8th century. A busy shopping and tourist area Donegal town is a great option as a touring base due to its location where the 3 main roads of Derry, Sligo and West Donegal meet. The pretty town lies at the head of Donegal Bay and boasts a backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains a major mountain range in County Donegal.
Killybegs
Killybegs with its natural deepwater harbour is the largest and one of the most important fishing ports in Ireland. A lively town situated on the coast of County Donegal Ireland, Killybegs has much to offer visitors to the area. Water sports are becoming increasingly popular in the town with surfing, diving wind-surfing, kite-surfing canoeing and water skiing all on offer.
Letterkenny
Letterkenny is the largest and most populous town in County Donegal Ireland, Acting as a social, market and industrial hub for many of the nearby Donegal towns and villages Letterkenny is also in close proximity to Derry which is only approximately 16 miles (25km) away. Built on the River Swilly the town of Letterkenny is an ideal location for angling and as a base for touring and the town is home to one of the longest main streets in Ireland
