Hugging the Atlantic Ocean in north-west Ireland, County Donegal is a large Irish-speaking area named after the town of Donegal. It was once ruled by the powerful O’Donnell dynasty before becoming a shire of the English Crown in 1585. County Donegal was one of the most severely affected parts of Ireland during the Great Famine that swept through the country in the 1840s.
Things to do in Donegal
With its rugged coastline and breathtaking national park, County Donegal is one for nature lovers.
Explore Glenveagh National Park. One of the largest national parks in Ireland, Glenveagh encompasses picturesque forests, boglands and mountains traversed by hiking trails. On the shores of Lough Veagh is the Scottish Baronial-style Glenveagh Castle with its four-storey keep and Victorian-style gardens. At the on-site visitor’s centre, you can learn about the park’s native flora and fauna, which includes a herd of red deer.
Photograph the cliffs of Slieve League. On the south-west coast of County Donegal is Slieve League, a coastal cliff that rises 600 metres above the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Hugging its ridge top is One Man’s Path, a narrow walking trail that offers magnificent views. Slieve League is best photographed from the lookout platform at Bunglass Point, which can be accessed via the Slieve League Cliff Experience & Visitor Centre.
Drive or cycle the Inishowen 100. Starting in Newtoncunningham, this 160-kilometre-long scenic drive takes in the spectacular landscapes of the Inishowen Peninsula. It accesses windswept beaches and the military museum at Dunree Fort, as well as the breathtakingly beautiful Mamore Gap. You can detour to visit the mighty Glenevin Waterfall and stroll along the horseshoe-shaped Tullagh Strand before learning about the Great Famine at Doagh Village.
Getting around Donegal
Donegal Airport is the main aviation gateway to County Donegal and has regular flights to Dublin. The much larger Belfast International Airport is two hours away and has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect towns and villages throughout the county, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore.