Co Donegal

Ireland’s second largest county, Donegal is located on the rugged north coast and is home to the most northerly point of Ireland, Malin Head. It is a place of shipwrecks, poitín (Irish moonshine), smuggling and ancient customs including the appointment of the island king, or Rí Thoraí.

Donegal has something for everyone - a roughly hewn coastline with windswept peninsulas, white sandy blue flag beaches, remote mountain passes with shimmering lakes and a friendly, welcoming people. Visit Donegal and experience Irish Culture at its best.

Donegal Gaeltacht is an area where one of the purest forms of the Irish language has survived and where the traditions of Irish song, dance and folklore prevail. Donegal islands, sitting proudly in the Atlantic Ocean, are the jewels of Donegal’s Gaeltacht where visitors can experience vibrancy to the Irish culture that is both inspiring and engaging. A visit to any of these islands by ferry is an experience that will broaden your horizon and linger in your heart.

Take yourself away and explore Donegal’s hidden treasures along the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit the majestic cliffs at the Slieve League Peninsula that drop 600m into the surf or explore the Inishowen Peninsula, a prime bird watching area and used for filming scenes for the film Star Wars Episode VIII. On a clear night you may even experience the Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights from Malin Head.

Spend time exploring Glenveagh National Park with its mountains, pristine lakes and tumbling waterfalls and you may even see golden eagles which have been re-introduce into the park. At the centre of the park at the edge of Lough Veagh you will find Glenveagh Castle and gardens.

Donegal boasts a year-round programme of unique and exciting festivals and events with something to suit every taste from a three day ‘Taste of Donegal’ food festival to the ‘Surf and Music Festival’.

With many blue flag beaches and the Atlantic waves Donegal is a surfer’s paradise. Golfers need not go far to find a green and anglers can cast upon the many lakes and rivers, or one could simply trek along the vast landscape on horseback. Donegal is yours to explore.

Top Accommodation within the Co Donegal Region

Sandhouse Hotel

Rathmullan House Hotel