County Donegal

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Donegal is breathtaking, with misty mountains, serene lakes, dramatic coastlines and people renowned for their special warmth and friendliness. Its rugged landscape can be pretty wild, particularly in winter, but it is spectacularly beautiful and the natural attractions just seem endless.

It’s the second biggest county (after Cork) but everything about it is on a massive scale. The 400 miles of coastline is the longest, the sea-cliffs are the highest not just in Ireland but in Europe and there are countless glens and heathlands to explore.

History and Heritage

Ireland’s most northerly county, Donegal captures a rich and varied history which can be experienced through its many cultural events and heritage attractions. Many Stone Age monuments and Early Christian sites as well as post-Medieval ruins and fortifications are dotted throughout this county of great contrasts.

The 400th anniversary of the ‘Flight of the Earls’ in 1607 takes place in 2007, with many Clans expected to return to the Donegal site of this pivotal event in Irish history.

Everyday use of the Irish language and the promotion of Irish culture can be experienced in the Donegal Gaeltacht area which covers almost a third of the entire county.

Sites to see

The Colmcille Heritage Centre in Gartan (and others like it) to get a feel of the region’s history of the region the restored circular stone fort of Grianan Ailigh, a clear reminder of times past Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium traditional tweed and woollens in various outlets.

Sports and Leisure

Golfers will have no problem finding a course and a round of golf varies between a reasonable €25 to €75.

Anglers can cast on lakes, rivers and even the Atlantic and a day’s game fishing licence is a mere €20 – sea angling boat hire is also reasonable.

Horse trekking – numerous equestrian centres and a choice of routes across unpopulated areas – some could suit treks by foot or bike as well!

Surfing/Kite-surfing - sandy beaches and Atlantic winds make places like Rossnowlagh and Bundoran a paradise for aficionados.

Eat, Drink and Stay

B&B accommodation is in plentiful supply and that’s matched by the diversity of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops.

Pubs like Nancy’s Bar in Ardara, Iggy’s in Kincasslagh (Daniel O’Donnell country) and Leo’s Tavern near Gweedore are among the most atmospheric and traditional Irish music is a feature in many an establishment.

It’s the home of the Irish fishing industry, so it’s no surprise to find seafood featuring strongly on restaurant menus, e.g. Kealy’s of Greencastle, Danny Minnie’s in Annagry and Seashell at Sand House Hotel in Rossnowlagh.

Festivals

March: Donegal Bay & Blue Stack Festival, South Donegal

May: Cup of Tae Festival, Ardara

July: Earagail Arts Festival, Letterkenny

July: Mary of Dungloe Festival

August: Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival

October: Charles Macklin Autumn School, Moville

November/December: Santa’s Lapland, Inishowen

Things you have to see or do.

Malin Head – Ireland’s most northerly point, offers dramatic views of both sea and land

Tory Island – wild, windy and very remote…and over 100 species of sea bird such as puffins

Slieve League – Europes’ highest sea-cliffs are an absolute must (unless you’re scared of heights!)

Glenveagh National Park – not least because you might see the magnificent golden eagles re-introduced there some years ago

Waterworld/Seaweed Baths – indoor water adventure playground for children/seaweed baths to pamper parents

Five Oaks Ranch -  This is a family run business in Ballyshannon, Donegal specializing in Western Style horse-riding with escorted trail rides and lessons

Useful links

Donegal Tourism www.donegaldirect.ie

Five Oaks Ranch www.westernridingireland.com

Ireland North West Tourism www.irelandnorthwest.ie