Things to do in Donegal
Glenveagh National Park
This beautiful nation park lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north-west of Co. Donegal. It is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness which includes the Castle and its stunning Gardens. We love to park our car and walk to the castle alongside the lake, before stopping off for a treat in the castles tearooms. The walk is 3.5km long each way, but if you don’t want to walk back there is a shuttle bus.
Slieve League Cliffs
No trip to Donegal is complete without a visit to the magical Slieve League. At 596 metres, it has some of the highest sea cliffs on the island of Ireland. Although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Slieve League’s cliffs reach almost three times higher. With break taking views I have visited this site in all seasons and it is just as special in the wilds of winter than it is during a clear summers day.
Fanad Lighthouse
Fanad Lighthouse is an iconic working lighthouse at the mouth of Lough Swilly. It has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world and it’s easy to see why. Photographers regularly capture stunning, atmospheric images of this evocative structure and the surrounding wild coastline. Fanad Lighthouse has been a working lighthouse since 1817. It has been open to the public as a tourist attraction since 2016. They offer fully guided tours where you can hear all about the lighthouse and climb the tower in the company of a local guide.
Five Fingers Strand & Malin Head
No trip to Donegal would be complete without a visit to Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head which is renowned for its dramatic landscape and beautiful beaches. En-route to Malin Head when traveling from the market town of Carndonagh lies a beautiful secluded beach called Five Fingers Strand. The name comes from five narrow sea stacks that protrude from the water on the north side of the beach which allude to fingers. The beach is backed by sand dunes which are reputed to be some of the highest marum grass dunes in Europe.
Arranmore Island
While visiting Donegal I would highly recommend visiting one it islands. Our favourite is Arranmore. There is a feeling of enchantment from the moment you step aboard the ferry at Burtonport. Arranmore Island or Árainn Mhór in Irish is wild and untamed and has a rich and vibrant heritage and culture and has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The Gaelic traditions are still thriving on the Arranmore Island and if you are looking for a real taste of island life, then this is not to be missed on your Donegal escape.
The Poisoned Glen & Mount Errigal
The Poisoned Glen lies at the foot of Mount Errigal, the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains range, in Dunlewey. The Poisoned Glen is one of the most renowned areas in Co. Donegal for its sweeping valleys, imposing mountains and shimmering lakes. Keep an eye out for the ghost of the Green Lady on the Guinness Estate across the tranquil Dunlewey Lough!! For the more adventurous of my guests why not hike to the top of Errigal where you will be rewarded with the most breath-taking scenery.