The Best Things To Do in County Donegal Ireland

County Donegal is a wild, rugged and spirited place that stole my heart.

It’s located way up in the northwest corner of the Republic of Ireland and right next door to Northern Ireland. In fact, it’s barely “attached” to the Republic of Ireland.

Maybe that’s why it’s different — why it feels more remote and why the people seem more independent.

Of course these are the reasons I fell in love with it.

So what should you do here?

Well I’ve put together my personal selection of the best things to do in County Donegal.

 

Slieve League

No brainer!

This is THE star of southern County Donegal. And you’ll find it on every list for what to do in Donegal.

These sea cliffs are higher than the Cliffs of Moher though not as vertical.

Slieve League looks more like mountains tumbling down to the sea than true vertical cliffs.

But they are no less dramatic and stunning.

And they are far less busy than the Cliffs of Moher — although they are becoming more and more popular. So go now!

I was certainly wowed by these sea cliffs. They are gorgeous.

And there are some nice walks you can take if the weather cooperates.

Slieve League are located about 22km west of Killybegs near the village of Teelin. Look for signs but know that this is a Gaeltacht area so often signs are in Gaelic (Irish). Consult your guidebook for the Irish spelling.

Tip: The road up to the top parking area is very narrow, steep and twisty. There is a lower parking area where you will find bathrooms. You can park here and then make the walk up the road if you aren’t comfortable driving.

 

 

Glenveagh National Park

I call Glenveagh the Jewel of Donegal because it’s so beautiful.

To me, it’s one of the best things to do in Donegal because it has something for everyone.

There’s a grand castle for history lovers. And this castle has some gorgeous gardens AND a wonderful cafe with tasty treats.

For outdoor enthusiasts there are walks that range from easy strolls or power walks along the lake to hikes up into the surrounding mountains (more hill-like for us Americans).

There’s also a lovely waterfall about 3km from the castle.

For me it’s the stunning landscape of the lake and the mountains that make this a jewel. It really is a dazzling park.

Glenveagh National Park is located about 23km northwest of Letterkenny.

Tip: It’s free to park your car and enter the park. The tour of the castle is the only thing that costs. And for €8, it’s a pretty good deal. Also I do highly recommend stopping at the cafe. The treats are delicious!

 

 

Fanad Head Lighthouse

If you love lighthouses then you have to visit Fanad Head Lighthouse.

Actually County Donegal has 11 lighthouses — although a handful of them are out on islands.

But Fanad is one that is easy to get to and has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. So of course you have to see it!

It sits out on Fanad Peninsula between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay so the 360 views are stunning.

You can actually stay at the lighthouse as there are 3 self-catering apartments here. That would be a treat!

But you can’t enter the lighthouse grounds unless you buy a tour ticket which is well worth the €8. You actually get to climb up to the top of the tower.

And you’ll hear all the intriguing history of the lighthouse — the keepers, the shipwrecks, the actual working of the lights. I thought it was a wonderful tour.

Fanad Head Lighthouse is located approximately 42km north of Letterkenny or 40km northeast of the town of Dunfanaghy.

Tip: Be sure to take your time as you drive out to the lighthouse. This peninsula is gorgeous!

 

Horn Head Drive

Although it’s a short drive this has to be one of the best things to do in Donegal — providing the weather is good.

Horn Head is located just outside the town of Dunfanaghy with the start of it just to the western edge of town.

While I can’t find any information on the length of this, I would allow about 2 hours with stops.

I will say this — it’s short enough that it would be a nice long walk or run around it. And many folks do walk it, run it or even cycle it.

The loop drive (or walk or cycle) has amazing views out to the sea and then back toward Dunfanaghy and Muckish Mountain.

There is a junction in the road where you can go straight or go right. If you go right you continue on the loop.

If you go straight it takes you to the lookout post. So you can go there first, then come back to the loop drive.

Regretfully, I didn’t go out the lookout post. But I hear the views are fabulous.

Out of all the peninsula drives in Donegal this is probably the best.

Tip: Please don’t drive this in bad weather as the road is very narrow with some drops offs in a couple of places. And take your time!

 

 

Dunfanaghy

If you’ve been reading this blog then you know that I spent 2 weeks in this seaside town in 2017 and you know that I truly love it.

It’s definitely one of the best places in County Donegal for many reasons.

First of all Dunfanaghy is simply one of those quaint Irish villages with colorful buildings and a kick ass location right along the water.

Secondly it’s centrally located to visiting Glenveagh National Park, Fanad Head, Horn Head and so many other sites in Donegal such as Mount Errigal and the Bloody Foreland.

Thirdly there’s quite a bit to do here from golf to surfing to horse riding to walking along gorgeous beaches or through forest parks. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities.

Lastly the people of Dunfanaghy are incredibly kind and warm-hearted. While I was traveling alone, I knew that as soon as I walked into a pub or shop that I’d meet a friendly local to have a conversation with.

And while the town is small with just a handful of restaurants, shops and pubs — there’s enough to keep you entertained and well-fed.

Tip: If you love tradtional music then Patsy Dan’s is the place every Monday and Friday at 6pm.

 

 

Beltany Stone Circle

Approximately 23km south of Letterkenny this stone circle is simply sitting out in the sheep fields of County Donegal.

No big signs.

No entrance fee.

And no fancy visitor center or parking lot.

I think it’s one of the best things to do in Donegal.

And it’s one of those under radar sites. Between you and me, I hope it stays this way!

Beltany is just outside the village of Raphoe where you will see signs helping you find your way.

The parking area is by the Department of Agriculture Food and Fuel Development Potato Center. It’s just a wee gravel area.

It’s a short walk up through a canopy of trees to Beltany.

Then a walk out onto the field where the stone circle sits.

The views from here are beautiful.

I personally love this site since you can touch the stones and spend as much time as you want here. You could sit down with a picnic lunch and commune with the ancient spirits if you wanted to.

Tip: The best way to find Beltany is to make your way to Raphoe first. From there, there is a good signage to Beltany Stone Circle.

 

 

Inishowen Peninsula — Malin Head

No trip to Donegal is complete without at least making your way out to Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula.

This is the most northerly point in Ireland — all of Ireland including Northern Ireland.

Now the Inishowen Peninsula itself is worthy of a couple of days to explore both the gorgeous coastline and the valleys dotted with sheep and cows inland.

But if you have time for only one site then Malin Head is the place to go.

It’s a lovely drive out to this northerly point especially if the weather gods are on your side. If not then you may want to rethink making the trip as Malin Head is all about the views.

The last bit of the drive is steep, narrow and twisty (are we detecting a trend here?) so you may want to park along the road and walk up to the main parking area which is quite small.

Once there simply take in the amazing views all around.

Do a 360.

Walk along the trails and really take it all in.

No doubt about it — Malin Head is one of the best things to do in County Donegal.

I was a little under the weather the day I visited so didn’t walk along the trails as much as I would have liked.

But I had stunning weather.

Tip: Stop by Farren’s Bar for a pint at the most northerly pub in Ireland.

 

 

Admittedly there is much more to County Donegal

It’s an incredible part of Ireland.

So one of the projects I’m working on is a mini-guide to County Donegal that will focus more on the northerly area around Dunfanaghy.

It will be in electronic format and for sale in the Wander Your Way book shop.

So stay tuned.