Miles of magical, rugged coastline, unspoiled beaches, ancient castles, and quaint Irish villages – this is Donegal, a unique and relatively undiscovered county with plenty to offer its visitors.
In Gaelic, Dún na nGall means Fort of the Foreigner. Tucked between the Atlantic and famous Hills of Donegal in Ireland’s northernmost part, it feels a little like a once-formidable stronghold.
Today, it boasts some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery and a dramatic landscape that offers an amazingly diverse range of activities. With over 1,100km of spectacular coastline, 13 Blue Flag beaches, and The Wild Atlantic Way, there’s no end to the adventures that can be had here!
If you’re looking for a unique destination with jaw-dropping scenery and one of the most scenic airports in the world, make your way to this little-known corner of Ireland and discover what makes Donegal extra special.
To help get you started, we’ve put together our top 10 things to see and do in Donegal.
A visit to Kilcar Village
If you’re planning a visit or have already booked your stay with us at Atlantic Way Lodge, you’ll find lots to do right here on our doorstep.
Atlantic Way Lodge is just a five-minute stroll to Kilcar village, which comes alive in the evenings with traditional Irish music playing in the local taverns.
There’s no shortage of tweed in Donegal, and Kilcar village is home to the most authentic tweed hand-weaving mill, Studio Donegal. You’ll be able to see and buy some of the most gorgeous tweeds here, as well as learn about the traditional skill of hand-weaving, which is still practiced today.
Aside from the standard local amenities, the Áislann Centre provides the village with a variety of facilities, such as a gym and fitness hall, a snooker room, a library, a tea room/cafe, a computer suite, and much more. It also exhibits a collection of artefacts and photographs recounting the region’s history and people from times gone by.
Kilcar village is surrounded by natural beauty, and you get to enjoy the spectacular views of the Muckross Peninsula, Slieve League Cliffs, sandy beaches and many more gems.
Muckross Head
A short 3km south of the village, Muckross Head is a picturesque peninsula with WOW-factor views and the perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. The peninsula is renowned as a rock climbing and abseiling destination, with around 50 climbs here to choose from! It also has two beaches: Trá Lobhair which is popular with surfers, and Trá Bhán, a family beach ideal for swimming and bathing.
Slieve League Cliffs
Just a short distance from Kilcar, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe await you! At 600m, you’ll feel on top of the world as you tower over the Atlantic Ocean. You can enjoy some delightful and challenging walks along the Slieve League cliffs and take in the incredible views from the viewpoints. For an in-depth guide to discovering this natural wonder of the Wild Atlantic Way, check out our guide to Slieve League Cliffs.
Donegal Beaches
Pure white sand, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular sand dunes. Donegal has over 100 idyllic beaches, so many that you’ll be spoilt for choice! With more Blue Flag beaches than any other county, it’s no surprise that Donegal beaches are regarded as Ireland’s most stunning.
Whether you’re looking to surf, paddle board, or relax and unwind, there’s a beach with your name on it here in Donegal.
A mosey around Donegal town
Donegal’s charming market town is located at the mouth of the River Eske and features the rather dramatic backdrop of Blue Stack Mountains.
Rich in Celtic history, it might be a town in name, but it’s actually known as the largest ‘village’ in the northwest Ireland
By day and night, Donegal is vibrant and bustling, with plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from if you plan to spend the day exploring.
The Diamond is the main square, home to a variety of hotels, restaurants, and historical pubs.
If you’d like to take home a memento of your travels or are just a shop-aholic, you’ll find plenty of traditional artisan shops and boutiques around Donegal. One of the highlights is Magee, founded in 1866, Magee’s is one of the most well-known tweed dealers in Ireland and is well worth a visit.
On the outskirts of town, you’ll find The Donegal Craft Village. A centre of contemporary arts and crafts, where artists and craftspeople have come together to showcase their works. And of course you get to purchase them! You can relax at their Aroma Coffee Shop and Mini Bakery.
Visit Donegal Castle
Donegal’s crown jewel is Donegal Castle, which is a must-see for history buffs or anyone curious about the culture, history and traditions that surround Donegal. This 15th century Gaelic monument will be a genuine treat.
Originally built for the O’Donnell clan, Donegal Castle features substantial 17th century additions by Sir Basil Brooke, as well as Persian rugs and French tapestries. You can take a guided or self-guided tour and read the information panels that chronicle the history and significance of the castle.
One of kids’ favourite things to do in Donegal is to catch the Donegal Bay Waterbus for a tour around Donegal Bay. The 80ft pleasure boat has a full bar and heating – if you are onboard during the cooler months. You get to see Donegal from a different aspect, with the Bluestack Mountains set as a dramatic backdrop.
Glencolmcille Folk Village
For a fascinating insight into rural Donegal, a visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village is a great way to learn about how the Gaeltacht people lived years ago.
A series of thatched cottage recreate different eras through Irish history and offer a glimpse into school and life, as it was lived in past centuries.
There’s also a shop selling local crafts and a tearoom that serves home-cooked food and a variety of baked treats, including apple pie and Guinness cake!
The drive from Donegal Town is breathtaking with incredible views and endless scenery as the N56 road passes through the bustling fishing port of Killybegs, and we suggest you to take the coastal roads from Killybegs through to Kilcar and Carrick before reaching Glencolmcille.
The village of ‘Cashel’ sits in the beautiful valley of Glencolmcille, and you can walk from the Folk Village car park to Glen Beach, so take your beach bag and make the most of your visit!
If you’re looking to brush up on your Irish, Oideas Gael, located just 550m from the village, offers specially-tailored classes that combine language skills of all levels with workshops and activities including hill walking and exploring the environment.
Glengesh Pass, Granny Pass & Assaranca Waterfall
Cycling, driving, or on foot, winding your way through the slopes and mountainous terrain at the Glengesh Pass is a memorable experience.
This steep mountain pass connects the towns of Ardara and Glencolumbkille and passes through the Glengesh and Mulmosog mountains.
Despite its twists and turns, this scenic road is easy to drive, and you’ll find a number of viewpoints along the way which offer some of the most spectacular views of the stunning valley and surrounding countryside.
Granny’s Pass is the road less-travelled but one we highly recommend for those seeking peace and adventure alike.
Many of our guests have availed of Donegal eBikes and included these Passes as part of their excursion.
Slieve League Boat Trip or an Atlantic Coastal Cruise
Hop onboard to truly appreciate the magnificence of the Slieve League Cliffs. A boat ride from neighbouring Teelin Harbour will ferry you beneath the cliffs, giving you an incredible view from the crystal clear waters below, while Captain Paddy delivers local folklore and fun historical facts. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, we highly recommend a pit stop at The Fusion Food Truck as you disembark. For a sit-in meal, the renowned Rusty Mackerel Pub is on your route back to Atlantic Way Lodge – their seafood platter is a must!
Fun in Bundoran
The seaside town of Bundoran is less than an hour’s drive to Atlantic Way Lodge and is packed full of activities, great food, and live music.
If you’re the adventurous type, there’s everything from water sports to golf, fishing to horse-riding, and more.
For a less strenuous activity, take a stroll along the golden Tullan Strand; treat yourself to a relaxing seaweed bath treatment or sample a pint of the black stuff in any of Donegal’s brilliant pubs!
Bundoran is home to one of the best surfing beaches in Donegal, so you can brush up on your surfing skills right here. Murfs Surf School offers fun lessons for beginners to the more advanced and is one of the only surf rental service in the area, so you can get a lesson and rent a board right at the beach with ease.
If you are looking for a family day trip for all ages, check out the Bundoran Adventure Park and the Bundoran Glowbowl. And splashing around in the summer, Waterworld is a fun indoor water adventure playground which toddlers to teens and adults can enjoy. Parents, couples and friends particularly enjoy some relaxation at Bundoran Seaweed Baths.
By far the best part of Bundoran is the Roguey Cliff Walk. This 2.5 km path connects the town centre with Tullan Strand. You’ll pass the popular sea stacks known as the Fairy Bridges and the enchanting Wishing Chair that have drawn visitors to the area since the 19th century.
Horsing Around
If you are passionate about horses, Deane’s Farm is located just a 20-minute drive to Atlantic Way Lodge and is very accessible to all guests from beginner to more advanced.
The Donegal Equestrian Centre in Bundoran offers one of the most scenic horse trails takes you onto the beach at Tullan Strand, as you ride the Wild Atlantic Way. The beginner’s trail takes you through the sand dunes as you take in the spectacular and dramatic scenery.
Golf and Pitch ‘n’ Putt
Golf enthusiasts can book a round of golf at Narin and Portnoo Golf Club which is a 45-minute drive to Atlantic Way Lodge. Murvagh and Bundoran Golf Club with its challenging par 70 course. The fabulous course enjoys spectacular views over the Atlantic.
Donegal Walks and Hikes
Donegal is undoubtedly one of the most scenic locations in Ireland and there is no better way to explore the spectacular landscape than hiking or walking the myriad of trails.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for short strolls or an advanced, energetic hiker, there’s a trail for every age and ability. Here are our top five recommended walks to get you started.
The Kilcar Way Walk is a collection of three equally beautiful hikes that start in the village. The first route loops around the western foothills of Mulanaff, the second heads east and north-east to Kilcar Forest, while the third flanks Tawny.
Croagh Muckross is a stunning and enjoyable climb that offers spectacular views of five counties, including the iconic Slieve League Cliffs. You will also enjoy panoramic views of Donegal Bay and the famous Hills of Donegal to your North. During low tide, you can stroll around the back of the headland and see the cave formations that have evolved over time due to erosion.
The Bluestack Way is a 65-km long trail that is best suited to experienced hikers. It begins in Donegal Town and ends in Ardara. The trail skirts the foothills of the Bluestack Mountains, passing through high moorland terrain and river banks, with some spectacular vistas along the way.
An Port to Glenlough takes around 90 minutes and consists of rocky inclines and heather-filled bogland. Glenlough Bay, one of Ireland’s most remote spots, is a sight to behold. It’s a truly breathtaking spot, with a cliff walk that takes you through the most incredible sea stacks and rock formations.
Glencolmcille Tower Loop is one of two walks that begin and end at St. Columba Church in the village of Glencolmcille. The Tower Loop is a 10-km trail that follows the same route as the lengthier Drum Loop, but with a 3km detour for adventurous hikers. Along the way, you’ll pass the prominent Napoleonic single tower, a 5,000-year-old Mannernamortee Megalithic Tomb, and cross-inscribed pillars.
