Donegal Destination Spotlight: 10 Things To Know About Donegal

First off on this list of facts about Donegal is it’s nickname, Ireland’s Forgotten County. So, where is County Donegal? Isolated physically, culturally and even politically, Donegal is the large county at Ireland’s northwestern corner. It is one of the only Republic of Ireland counties part of the ancient province of Ulster (which also comprises of all Northern Ireland counties), and is remote and difficult to access, meaning that Donegal has often been ‘forgotten’ by the densely-populated eastern and southern regions of Ireland, as well as ‘forgotten’ off the list of Irish travel itineraries. 

Donegal is home to many pristine, secret beaches

No bother – this means that County Donegal has largely been left to its own devices, making it an apt place to experience Irish traditions, hear the Irish language, or explore the untouched bogs and mountains of the region!

Admiring the cloud-capped Slieve League cliffs, among Europe’s highest sea cliffs.

Admiring the towering Slieve League Cliffs in southern Donegal. When you think of “cliffs” and “Ireland,” you typically think of the Cliffs of Moher. But this is a list of facts about Donegal, not Clare! Here in Donegal, you’ll find the Slieve League cliffs, nearly three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, and some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs (they are 609m (1,998 feet in height)! While most people tend to view the cliffs from the Bunglas Viewpoint, a better way to see them is by following the boggy but well-worth-it Pilgrim’s Path, an ancient path that leads up to the back side of the cliffs, passing a Mass Rock (an outdoor church dating to Ireland’s Penal Laws). Brave souls may decide to head up the precarious One Man’s Pass before heading back down the side of the cliffs.

With the release of the new film, Star Wars is all the rage right now! Much of the movie has been filmed in Ireland, chosen to represent Skywalker’s remote hideaway. Though the Skellig Islands off the coast of the Ring of Kerry are the most visible filming location, much of the close-up scenes between Rey and Luke on the unnamed island at the end of the galaxy were actually filmed at Malin Head, up in northern Donegal. In fact, it’s the most northern point you’ll find in Ireland – and feels like the edge of the world! Wild and alien, the exposed stoney headlands of Malin Head are home to basking sharks, dolphins and colonies of seabirds – all the while feeling like a galaxy far, far away.

Ireland’s most remote inhabited island, Tory Island is also home to Irish ‘royalty’

Yes indeed, you can meet a king on your next trip to Ireland! Chosen by his hundred-odd fellow islanders, King Paddy ‘rules’ Tory Island, off Donegal’s northern coast. Long held as a recluse for artists and recluses, King Patsy will welcome you to his island as you step off the boat. A great place for coastal island hiking, relaxation and perhaps setting up an easel of your own, Tory Island is fit for royalty!

Enjoying the view in west Donegal near Glencolmcille

The pride of Donegal, St Colmcille (or St Columba, meaning ‘dove’) is one of Ireland’s three patron saints (alongside famous St Patrick, as well as St Brigit), and is credited with spreading Christianity to Scotland. Born and bred in the heart of Donegal, he descended from the famed Niall of the Nine Hostages, a 5th century Irish high king. St Colmcille started his first monastery in Donegal (he went on to found 30 of them, including the famous Abbey of Iona in Scotland), and it is said he was much inspired by Donegal’s rough and wild landscapes. St Colmcille is still widely revered in Donegal to this day.

Did you know there are three glacial fjords in Ireland? Donegal has one of them: Lough Swilly. This beautiful, glittering basin sweeps through northern Donegal and is one of the most scenic places on the Emerald Isle. The best way to experience Lough Swilly is by boat, although hiking and biking its jaw-droppingly beautiful coastlines are equally amazing! For a spectacular accommodation overlooking its shores, choose the lovely Rathmullan House, set in a idyllic wooded setting overlooking Lough Swilly Fjord.

Kayaking in Mayo as Clough Patrick looms ahead.

Sea stacks are a fascinating geological phenomenon, formed by constant and consistent coastal erosion that carves away sections of land, collapsing the ‘bridge’ between land and the sea stack. The freestanding pillar of rock island amongst crashing waves makes a perfect challenge to those climbing to new heights! Adrenaline-junkies, thrill seekers, or adventurers out to test themselves will love climbing these sea stacks to their unspoilt summits – many of which are generally accessible only by kayak.