Donegal with its breathtaking natural amenities, its rich cultural endowment and its unique quality of life is a must see tourist attraction in the North West of Ireland. The ‘Visitor Zone’ will provide all domestic and overseas tourists with information on the wide range of recreational and sporting activities you can do when in County Donegal including walks through national parks and community woodlands to trout & salmon fishing in well stocked lakes, to shopping in a retail paradise etc. Whether you want to loose yourself in the some of the most spectacular scenery within the country, visit an ancient site; enjoy a long ramble over rough terrain or simple laze on a stunning blue flag beach, County Donegal offers it all. This section has been designed to help you enjoy the amazing outdoor activities that County Donegal has to offer.
Donegal's Highlights
Below are some of Top attractions in Donegal.
Donegal Castle Located in the heart of Donegal town on the banks of the River Eske, Donegal Castle was built in 1474 by Hugh Roe O’Donnell. It has now been restored to its former glory and is well worth a visit.
Grianan Ailigh This 4,000-year-old ring fort is another of Ireland’s most important ancient sites. The great stone cashel is thought to have been built by the Tuatha De Danann, God and King of Ireland, to protect the grave of his son Aedh.
Malin Head
Ireland’s most northerly point is a place of spectacular natural beauty and the surrounding area boasts craggy coastline and pristine beaches.
Did you know?
"The Cliffs of Slieve League are said to be the highest sea cliffs in Europe and plunge a whopping 300 meters into the roaring ocean below".
Where to eat ?
Rathmullan House, County Donegal This gracious Georgian house was built in the 1780s and enjoys an unrivalled location overlooking the shores of Lough Swilly. The restaurant has won critical acclaim from numerous guides, and facilities are excellent with boating, croquet, steam room, massage and tennis.
St John’s Country House, County Donegal Sitting prettily in a remote location on the shores of Lough Swilly in Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, St. John’s is as renowned for its spectacular views as it is for its award-winning cuisine.
Activities in Donegal
Dramatic deep-sea diving, fabulous golf courses and some of the best surf in IrelandDeep-sea diving There’s year-round diving available at Donegal’s first purpose-built dive centre, Mevagh Dive Centre.
Golf Test your skills on a truly stunning golf course at Donegal Golf Club
Surfing One of the first places in Ireland to be surfed in the 1960s, Rossnowlagh boasts an incredibly scenic beach and is home to Ireland’s largest surf club. Check it out in July and August when the surf is at its best.
More highlights Include
Walking The Cliffs of Slieve League are the highest sea cliffs in Europe with some of Ireland’s finest coastal walks. There are also various mountain ranges providing plenty of scope for all grades of walker.
Waterbus Cruise around historic Donegal Town and take in sights like St. Ernan’s Island, the Old Abbey and Donegal Harbor on a 90-minute trip.
North by Northwest Links Tour If its links golf is your fancy, then our North by Northwest Links Tour is for you! Last year, Ireland Adventures set out to familiarize with this rugged and remote coastal region of Donegal and Northern Ireland. This stretch of coastline, less than 100 miles in length, constitutes one of the most alluring epicenters of golf in the world. We designed our North by Northwest Links tour to take in the best links courses in this golf-rich region, an area unrivaled scenic beauty. This tour takes in formidable links courses like Ballyliffin, Rosapenna, Port Stewart, and Castlerock that provide an unforgettable golf experience exceptional value for money.
