Donegal Travel Guide

Hidden away in the northwest, Donegal is the northernmost county in Ireland. The main towns are Buncrana and Letterkenny in the north and Donegal town in the south. Only a few miles connect the county with the Republic of Ireland via the rural County Leitrim. It also borders counties Derry, Tyrone, and Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. For this reason, it’s nationally known as the “forgotten county”. But it is far from forgettable!

How do you get to Donegal? It is just two hours from Belfast International Airport and three hours from Dublin Airport for international flights. A small regional airport in Carrickfinn, northern Donegal, offers regular connections to Dublin and Glasgow. No rail services are available, but Bus Éireann services link Donegal with Derry, Sligo, Galway and Dublin. Due to limited public transport and the rural nature of Donegal, we recommend that it is best to travel around Ireland by car or bicycle.

Check out the map for a better look at Donegal and its surroundings.

Donegal Tweed

Tweed is a coarse, woollen fabric traditionally hand-woven into clothing that is hardy and weather-resistant. Donegal maintains this ancient tradition of handweaving and is at the very heart of all things tweed in Ireland.

In the small town of Ardara, Eddie Doherty Handwoven Tweed and Dennis Mulhern of Triona Design are at the forefront of keeping the handweaving tradition alive. Two distinctive features of Donegal Tweed are the ‘Neps’ (coloured flecks in the yarn) and the Herringbone Pattern (V-shaped pattern).

In Donegal town, you can get a bespoke tweed suit at Magees of Donegal, tailored to your size and preferences.

Food & Drink

A foodie revival of epic proportions is taking place in Donegal. Locally sourced, sustainable produce is widely available, and the ancestral seafood mantle has been passed, with plenty of modern takes on traditional delicacies.

Fisk Restaurant in Downings is a great spot to experience this resurgence first-hand. Nancy’s Barn in Ballyliffin is famous for their full-flavoured seafood chowder.

And to wash it all down, drop into Kinnegar Brewery in Letterkenny to sample from their range of delicious beers, or taste their brews in pubs across Co Donegal. 

Find your perfect pint with our fun and interactive craft beer. 

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Countless national monuments are dotted around the county, each with its own tale to tell. Stories of which have been discovered by excavations and maintained by oral tradition. 

The Grianan of Aileach is an impressive stone ringfort said to have possibly been built as early as the Neolithic period, and certainly existing since the Iron Age. Located on the Inishowen peninsula, it is most associated with the ancient Northern Uí Néill tribe. From its strategic vantage point, you will have 360-degree panoramic views of three Irish counties surrounding it. Local lore advises never to tell a secret within its walls because if you do, it is certain to become common knowledge.

Learn more about the Grianan of Aileach.

Another site that offers phenomenal views and a glimpse into the past is the Rock of Doon. The O’Donnell clan, a famous dynasty that once ruled over the northwest of Ireland during the 13th century, chose to inaugurate their chiefs here at the Rock. Also found at the site is a Holy Well, which lore claims to have been blessed by a local man and gifted healer, Lector O’Friel, who, before his passing, bestowed his healing powers on the well water.

Slieve League

As the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League should be on your Donegal bucket list. There are plenty of ways to explore this stunning quartzite marvel.

If hiking is your preference, there are a number of routes to choose from depending on your abilities – ranging from easy to quite strenuous.

But if you’re not feeling up to the hike, Bunglass Viewpoint is a perfect stop for a mindful moment as you view the cliffs in all their glory. Alternatively, you can cruise below the cliffs by boat with a local skipper.

Read our travel guide to the Slieve League cliffs below. 

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Glenveagh National Park

One of Ireland’s six national parks (and the second largest of them all), Glenveagh is the heart centre of Donegal. Bound by the inspiring backdrop of the Derryveagh mountains, there is much to explore, from Donegal Castle and Gardens on Lough Veagh to the host of hiking trails available.

Keep your eyes out for the glint of the golden eagles, a species that was recently reintroduced to Ireland via Glenveagh. If you’re into bird-watching, Glenveagh would certainly be a place to visit.

Read our travel guide to Glenvagh National Park below.

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The Crolly Distillery

Whether you’re a whiskey buff or generally curious to learn about the Irish whiskey process, this one’s for you. Crolly Distillery is in the Gaeltacht of West Donegal and is just a stone’s throw from the Wild Atlantic Way. They are wholeheartedly part of the resurgence of Irish whiskey.

Their Whiskey Experience Tour will take you through their history and distilling process and give you a chance to sample their craft single malt whiskeys.

Learn more about Irish whiskey below.

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