Spotlight On Donegal
Wild Atlantic Way
From hidden coves to isolated beaches, and everything in between, Donegal offers great variety to the visitor. Stretching along the Wild Atlantic Way, County Donegal is described as ‘the wild child of Ireland’ by Lonely Planet, and you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Fans of Star Wars films may have glimpsed some of the wild and beautiful scenery in ‘The Force Awakens’, filmed around Hell’s Hole near Malin Head.
If you’ve packed your walking boots, enjoy a ramble in Glenveagh National Park or take a guided walk around Donegal town. For the more adventurous, walk the cliffs along Slieve League and let the sea breeze blow those cobwebs away.
You can see to America - well almost!
The most northerly point of Ireland is Inishtrahull Island, exposed to the elements out in the Atlantic Ocean 4 miles north of Inishowen Peninsula, county Donegal. The most northerly point of the Irish mainland is a headland just northeast of Malin Head, Inishowen Peninsula, county Donegal and whilst Dunmore Head on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry is the westernmost point there is nothing but 3000 miles of sea between Donegal and New York.
Other Must-see Landmarks
The Bronze Age Beltany Stone Circle
The 15th Century Donegal Castle
The ancient Kilcoony Portal Tomb
Mount Errigal, the tallest mountain in Donegal
Tory Island where you’ll hear Irish spoken
Buncrana Beach, one of Ireland’s wildest
Food of the Gods
No visit to Donegal would be complete without sampling locally made dishes like turf-smoked salmon from the Haven Smokehouse in Claggan and the seafood chowder at The Bridge Bar, Ramelton.
Visitors to Ireland are often surprised by the quality of food even in the remote parts. There are few complaints about quantity either and if you want evidence of this try a real Irish breakfast
And maybe a song or two
In the evenings, why not share a story or two with the locals in the Reel Inn Bar in Donegal Town and tap your feet along to the traditional music any night of the week. While in the town, peruse the treasure trove of Irish artisan gifts in Forget-Me-Not. You’ll find it at The Diamond.
Where to stay..
For those with a taste for luxury and reasonably deep pockets the 17th century Lough Eske Castle might fit the bill but at the other end of the scale there are great Bed & Breakfast locations everywhere. The standard of accommodation in Ireland is very high and off season there is plenty of capacity but things can get busy in the summer so book ahead.
Best time to go
There’s no bad time to go to Donegal but our preference is to go in the Autumn or Winter when the big Atlantic storms roll in. Sitting by a turf fire listening to the wind howling outside is a pleasure not to be missed
