For those in the know, Donegal is a word that can make the heart skip a beat. The first few notes of Paul Brady's version of 'The Homes of Donegal' can make a grown man cry and its scenic splendor can stop a hardened hillwalker in her tracks. Put simply, it is a must see location and any trip you're planning to Ireland should factor in a county with seriously big country and a way of life that will appeal to those in hope of a rural idyll with a lot of fun thrown in.
Surrounded on one side by the relentless Atlantic and on the other side by the United Kingdom, Donegal has approximately 1.5 miles to connect it with the rest of the Republic of Ireland. The other great anthem of the county, 'Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal', sings jocosely about the notion of an autonomous Donegal, but in a way it always has been its own place; not quite north and not quite south - just uniquely Donegal.
Selecting the places you should try and visit in such a big and varied county was not easy. Blue Flag beaches, outstanding golf courses and heritage centres feature prominently. Landmark attractions like Slieve League, Glenveagh and Malin Head could of course not be overlooked. By and large, we've left out commercial ventures. We've covered the whole county and hope that you'll find plenty of out of the way gems along the route.
The county has a number of key locations - the Donegal Bay area, the Glencolmcille and Dawros Bay peninsulas, the Rosses, the offshore islands, Gweedore, the northern headlands, Inishowen and the Laggan and Finn valleys are all worth some time to visit. Take at least a week and with any luck, you might get some good weather to really see the place brought to life with a resplendence of flora. Better still, keep coming back and get to see even more of the county on a series of weeks in Ireland's best kept secret. You'll be very glad you did.
Surrounded on one side by the relentless Atlantic and on the other side by the United Kingdom, Donegal has approximately 1.5 miles to connect it with the rest of the Republic of Ireland. The other great anthem of the county, 'Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal', sings jocosely about the notion of an autonomous Donegal, but in a way it always has been its own place; not quite north and not quite south - just uniquely Donegal.
Selecting the places you should try and visit in such a big and varied county was not easy. Blue Flag beaches, outstanding golf courses and heritage centres feature prominently. Landmark attractions like Slieve League, Glenveagh and Malin Head could of course not be overlooked. By and large, we've left out commercial ventures. We've covered the whole county and hope that you'll find plenty of out of the way gems along the route.
The county has a number of key locations - the Donegal Bay area, the Glencolmcille and Dawros Bay peninsulas, the Rosses, the offshore islands, Gweedore, the northern headlands, Inishowen and the Laggan and Finn valleys are all worth some time to visit. Take at least a week and with any luck, you might get some good weather to really see the place brought to life with a resplendence of flora. Better still, keep coming back and get to see even more of the county on a series of weeks in Ireland's best kept secret. You'll be very glad you did.
Tips
Ensure you familiarize yourself with the points of interest beforehand. They are in alphabetical order, rather than in order of popularity. There are some breathtaking scenes along the way with plenty of stops required.As you are covering the full county, it would be best to do this drive over a few days, with plenty of sightseeing along the way.
Do not use any of the guides in this Destination folder while driving. The guides are offered subject to acceptance of the Licence Agreement, which is linked on the right hand column of this page. If you are downloading, we recommend the use of the EveryTrail Pro app, which allows for offline map usage of the guide.
Ensure you familiarize yourself with the points of interest beforehand. They are in alphabetical order, rather than in order of popularity. There are some breathtaking scenes along the way with plenty of stops required.As you are covering the full county, it would be best to do this drive over a few days, with plenty of sightseeing along the way.
Do not use any of the guides in this Destination folder while driving. The guides are offered subject to acceptance of the Licence Agreement, which is linked on the right hand column of this page. If you are downloading, we recommend the use of the EveryTrail Pro app, which allows for offline map usage of the guide.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Donegal Town Food Guide
Find the ideal restaurant for you from Donegal's wide variety of choices.
Find the ideal restaurant for you from Donegal's wide variety of choices.
Easy
0.6 mi/
1.0 km
1.0 km
Donegal Town Bank Walk
A pleasant scenic stroll along the river Eske to Donegal bay, the town's hidden gem.
A pleasant scenic stroll along the river Eske to Donegal bay, the town's hidden gem.
Easy
1.0 mi/
1.6 km
1.6 km
Donegal Town Heritage Guide
Take a trip back in time as we guide you around historic Donegal Town, situated at the mouth of Donegal bay.
Take a trip back in time as we guide you around historic Donegal Town, situated at the mouth of Donegal bay.
Easy
1.4 mi/
2.3 km
2.3 km
Lough Eske Nature Guide
At the foot of the Bluestack mountains, discover the abundance of flora, fauna & history around the lough.
At the foot of the Bluestack mountains, discover the abundance of flora, fauna & history around the lough.
Easy
3.5 mi/
5.6 km
5.6 km
The Bluestack Way Part 1
From Donegal Town, meander along the river to the famous Lough Eske.
From Donegal Town, meander along the river to the famous Lough Eske.
Easy
4.1 mi/
6.6 km
6.6 km
The Bluestack Way Part 4
The final stretch takes us along the fish-rich Owenea river to Ardara.
The final stretch takes us along the fish-rich Owenea river to Ardara.
Easy
7.5 mi/
12.1 km
12.1 km
The Bluestack Way Part 3 - alternative route
In the event of poor weather, take this safer route to avoid the mountain.
In the event of poor weather, take this safer route to avoid the mountain.
Easy
8.3 mi/
13.4 km
13.4 km
The Bluestack Way Part 3
Up over the Bluestacks from Letterfad down into the gem that is Glenties.
Up over the Bluestacks from Letterfad down into the gem that is Glenties.
Moderate
9.9 mi/
15.9 km
15.9 km
The Bluestack Way Part 2
Enter the heart of the Bluestacks from Lough Eske to Letterfad via the Eglish valley.
Enter the heart of the Bluestacks from Lough Eske to Letterfad via the Eglish valley.
Moderate
10.0 mi/
16.1 km
16.1 km
Slieve League Coastal Drive Along Donegal Bay
Spectacular views and hidden gems along your way to these sea cliffs.
Spectacular views and hidden gems along your way to these sea cliffs.
Moderate
33 mi/
53 km
53 km
Guides
Be guided and enchanted over the magnificent hills of South Donegal.
Take a trip back in time as we guide you around historic Donegal Town, situated at the mouth of Donegal bay.
At the foot of the Bluestack mountains, discover the abundance of flora, fauna & history around the lough.
Enjoy guides on heritage & food, two nature walks, a coastal drive, its hidden gems & the county's best places to visit.
Find the ideal restaurant for you from Donegal's wide variety of choices.
A pleasant scenic stroll along the river Eske to Donegal bay, the town's hidden gem.
Spectacular views and hidden gems along your way to these sea cliffs.
From Donegal Town, meander along the river to the famous Lough Eske.
In the event of poor weather, take this safer route to avoid the mountain.
The final stretch takes us along the fish-rich Owenea river to Ardara.
Enter the heart of the Bluestacks from Lough Eske to Letterfad via the Eglish valley.
Up over the Bluestacks from Letterfad down into the gem that is Glenties.
Community Trips
Mamore Gap to Dunree
( Picture 1 The Gap of Mamore)
This is a very exciting hill walk of between 4 1/2 to 5 hours. I did this walk at the beginning of July with Belgians visitors, Ignace and Magda, guests at our Linsfort Castle B&B. Thanks to them for some of the wonderful photographs. They are experienced walkers and not only enjoyed the panoramic views, but also the physical challenge.
It takes in...
Carnaween in the Bluestack Mountains
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Carnaween translated as Mound of the Birds is 521m high. The mountain is composed of quartzite. The natural cavern in a cliff near the summit of Carn is marked ‘Diarmaid and Grainne’s Bed’. Local legend says that Diarmaid and Grainne spent a night on the summit of Carnaween during their elopement and pursuit by Fionn. Grainne is now sometimes identified as...
Some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland the walk starts at Ards Friary the varied landscape includes beaches, sand dunes, cliffs, salt marshes and broadleaf woodland. Start the walk at Ards Friary (55.157857 -07.863912)
Walk to Glenveagh Castle and avoid the parking charges. A lovely walk through the hills of Glenveagh that starts off at the birthplace of St. Columkille.
Some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland the walk starts at
Ards Friary the varied landscape includes beaches, sand dunes, cliffs,
salt marshes and broadleaf woodland. Start the walk at Ards Friary
(55.157857 -07.863912)
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