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Donegal
Ireland Donegal Donegal
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Top 50+ places to see in Donegal

The best thing about Donegal is that since it’s a struggle to reach, the county is welcoming and uncrowded so you can enjoy it peacefully. The scenic landscapes and sweeping beaches provide the best aesthetically pleasing views for you to bask in and take pictures. It’s also home to some of the best surfing spots in Ireland attracting surfers from all over the world.

One of the most visited spots in Donegal is the An Grianan Aileach, a fort that is built 800 feet above sea level. You can gawk at the amazing views and enjoy the sea breeze from atop the hill.

If you wish to experience something magical then drive up to Inishowen, where you can witness the Northern Lights in all their magnificence.

Explore acres of wildlife at the Glenveagh National Park where a large variety of plants and animals inhabit.

Anyone who visits Donegal must pay a trip to the Narin & Portnoo Beach; it is one of Ireland’s superb beaches with fine-looking sand, clear sky views and background hills that resemble a windows desktop background.

No doubt, you will easily become enraptured by Donegal’s exquisite scenery and will wish to extend your stay here.

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Cork
(46km)
Arranmore Full review
Travel picture of Arranmore
avatarpicture sandrotrip THE BEST REVIEW
A day might seem too short for a trip to Arranmore: Loved everything about this day trip. From the ferry ride to Arranmore to the scenic views of the island surrounded by the pristine beaches, this place is a must visit if you are visiting Ireland. If we are to travel back to Ireland again, we will surely make it Arranmore for the gorgeous views, peaceful and serene sites, friendly people and good food.
Árainn Mhór is an island off the west coast of County Donegal, Ireland. Arranmore is the largest... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Ionad Cois Locha Centre Full review
avatarpicture roxaneback THE BEST REVIEW
Perfect for a family day out : Ionad Cois Locha Centre is also known as Dunlewey Centre. There's so much to do for the kids and adults alike. From ziplining to pony ride to boating and kayaking, Dunlewey Centre has so many fun activities lined up that you can be a part of throughout the day. A visit here is sure to give you not a dull moment.
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Donegal Ancestry Center (Ramelton Story) Full review
avatarpicture noahritchenko THE BEST REVIEW
Traces your Donegal genealogical roots : Donegal Ancestry is a genealogical research center located in Ramelton, County Donegal. It has a computerized database of over one million records from Donegal's primary genealogy sources and provides a comprehensive genealogy service to people interested in tracing their Donegal roots.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Donegal County Museum Full review
avatarpicture ashleeharber THE BEST REVIEW
An interesting visit to the Museum: Donegal County Museum is truly a walk into the history, a great exhibition of the life from the past. A small museum that showcases the lifestyle of the 'gentry' of Co. Donegal. Friendly staff, quiet place and two floors of the educative environment. No entry fees and great use of your time here. We spent our time at the museum while it was raining outside and we loved it!
Donegal County Museum is a county museum, officially recognised by the Government of Ireland as ... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
County Donegal
(56km)
Doe Castle Full review
Travel picture of Doe Castle
avatarpicture alveraward THE BEST REVIEW
A reminder of the Tragic Love Story: Doe Castle sits in a scenic location on the waterline near Creeslough, County Donegal. Considered one of the strongest and protected castles of its age, it has a central tower with crenellations and bawn. It is well-preserved ruins that recount the harrowing love story of Aileen and Turough O'Boyle.
Doe Castle, or Caisleán na dTuath, at Sheephaven Bay near Creeslough, County Donegal, was histori... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Creeslough Full review
Travel picture of Creeslough
avatarpicture abigontario THE BEST REVIEW
Lovely stay, great places to eat locally and unique places to explore.: This little village has one of the most gorgeous Forest Park in Ireland. Apart from that, there were many attractions to explore and spend the day. During our visit there, we also decided to visit Muckish Mountain and spent rest of the day relaxing in one of the cottages we'd booked for our stay - another one of our favourite in the list of experiences.
Creeslough is a village in County Donegal, Ireland, which is located 12 km south of Dunfanaghy o... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
The Workhouse Full review
avatarpicture abigontario THE BEST REVIEW
A great insight into the history and one of the best-guided tour: A sad part of the history that takes you through what people went through during the Famine years and beyond. The thought of being a part of that era or just looking at the building and listening to the stories the guide narrated made us sorrowful. Overall was an insightful tour.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Ards Forest Park Full review
Travel picture of Ards Forest Park
avatarpicture janeortico THE BEST REVIEW
Fascinating..A treat for every taste.: Ards Forest Park is probably one of the most impressive and diverse forest parks of Ireland. It is famous for a variety of attractions including wildlife, woodlands, golden beaches, salt-water lakes, viewing points, and nature trails with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It also has many features of historical and archaeological interest including the remains of four ring forts, ...
Ards Forest Park is a park in County Donegal, Ireland. [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Portnablagh Full review
avatarpicture pedrokif THE BEST REVIEW
Panoramic Sandy Beach and Sea Fishing: Well Known for its sandy beach, Portnablagh, a small village, with its small fishing harbor is located along the panoramic coast of County Donegal. To the south of the village are the magnificent Ards Forest Park, seashore and natural trails offering the public a spectacular view throughout the year. The place is ideal for sea fishing.
Portnablagh is a small village in County Donegal, Ireland. Portnablagh is located on Donegal's ... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
County Donegal
Donegal Abbey Full review
avatarpicture samantharide THE BEST REVIEW
A historical site with the ruins of a Franciscan monastery: In the backdrop of Donegal Bay, this beautiful and peaceful spot at the end of the harbour has the ruins of Abbey. The only disadvantage of the site was that there was no guidance while exploring the site, but the location is very interesting and peaceful while walking around the old ruins and tombstones.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Blue Stack Mountains Full review
Travel picture of Blue Stack Mountains
avatarpicture roxanekohl THE BEST REVIEW
Another scenic hiking location : Located between the ocean and the countryside, the view from the Blue Stack Mountains are simply breathtaking and scenic. These rugged mountain ranges are a great spot to go trekking. Highly recommended if you enjoy trekking, hiking or simply strolling by the gorgeous landscapes that looks like a painting.
The Blue Stack Mountains or Bluestack Mountains, also called the Croaghgorms , are the major moun... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Donegal Bay Waterbus Full review
avatarpicture noahritchenko THE BEST REVIEW
A state-of-the-art Boat: The Donegal Bay Waterbus is a purpose-built, deluxe passenger boat for taking passengers on a sightseeing trip of the many historical and natural spots around the Bay. The waterbus has all state-of-the-art facilities including baths, cushioned and relaxed seating, and modern safety equipment and even a small dancing floor. The journey includes a comprehensive commentary on the surrounding la...
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Lough Eske Full review
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avatarpicture vincentkos THE BEST REVIEW
Truly stunning and a gem of a place: One of the best stays during our trip to Ireland. Gorgeous setting, great service, good food and by far the best castle stays ever. Our room was overlooking the courtyard, which was a total joy of a scenery to wake up to. My advice would be to splurge a little on a stay at Lough Eske, it is totally worth it and will be a memorable one too.
Lough Eske or Lough Eask is a small lake in County Donegal in the west of Ulster in Ireland. The... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Donegal Castle Full review
Travel picture of Donegal Castle
avatarpicture derrickoreil THE BEST REVIEW
A 15th Century Castle: Completely restored in 1996, Donegal Castle was originally built in the 15th century by O'Donnell chieftain. Sir Basil Brooke rebuilt it after its destruction at the hands of Hugh O’Donnell. The Castle is magnificently decorated and carries Persian carpets and French tapestries.
Donegal Castle is a castle situated in the centre of Donegal town, County Donegal in the northwe... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Lough Belshade Full review
avatarpicture bulagr THE BEST REVIEW
Love hiking? Here's something to challenge the hiker in you!: These rugged mountain ranges are perfect for any hiker who's looking for challenges. Known as Jewel of the Bluestacks, this scenic route with a view of Lough Eske. It's an excellent climbing experience with an extraordinary line of granite cliffs. Highly recommended for hikers.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
County Donegal
(43km)
Malin Beg Full review
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avatarpicture roxanekohl THE BEST REVIEW
Heaven on Earth: Named as the "Paradise is Donegal", Malinbeg is an isolated bay famous for its Silver Strand beach. Surrounded by the high, horseshoe-shaped cliffs, this bay offers a stunning spectacle with the sea in front and formidable mountains at the rear.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 stars
Slieve League Cliffs Full review
Travel picture of Slieve League Cliffs
avatarpicture alfonsonikolaus THE BEST REVIEW
Europe’s Highest Sea Cliffs: Located in south-west Donegal, Ireland, Slieve League Cliffs are among highest sea cliffs in Europe. Standing at the top of these magnificent Cliffs, you feel as if you are at the edge of the world. You will be amazed by the spectacular geography, local wildlife, and astonishing and rugged coastline.
Slieve League, sometimes Slieve Leag or Slieve Liag , is a mountain on the Atlantic coast of Coun... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Saint John's Point Full review
avatarpicture abigontario THE BEST REVIEW
Great drive by the beautiful coastlines : Enjoyed a great drive to the lighthouse with scenic views the whole way to May, with a backdrop of crystal clear waters of the beach. The roads were well maintained but are narrow and we took quite a few stopovers to click some gorgeous pictures along the way. The colourful sunsets by the coastlines are a must watch when you are here.
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Killybegs Full review
Travel picture of Killybegs
avatarpicture lowellschuppe THE BEST REVIEW
A charming fishing town with many other attractions for sightseeing: This town located in County Donegal is known to be the largest fishing port in the country. Killybegs is a great family getaway with many attractions and sites to visit. From the Abbey of the Four Masters to Maritime and Heritage Visitor Centre, we enjoyed travelling to this town and was overall a great experience too.
Killybegs is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. It is the largest fishing port in the county and... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Glencolumbkille Folk Village Full review
avatarpicture alexalittl THE BEST REVIEW
An Experience of the life in the Past. : The Folk Village Museum is an unusual tourist attraction that offers an incredible experience of the mood of 1700’s, 1800's and 1900’s. The six thatched cottages are exact imitations of those of the yesteryear and are adorned with furnishings of that era. The tour of the museum is an astounding experience.
Gleann Cholm Cille is a coastal district in the southwest Gaeltacht of County Donegal, Ireland. ... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Teelin Full review
avatarpicture bulagr THE BEST REVIEW
More Than A Village : If the only reason you're going to Port is to see the deserted village, then you might be disappointed. Sure it's cool, but the real star of the show is the surrounding hills, footpaths, and stunning seascapes. However, a must visit.
Teileann is a Gaeltacht village in County Donegal, Ireland. It is near Slieve League, at the nor... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Killybegs Maritime & Heritage Centre Full review
avatarpicture roxaneback THE BEST REVIEW
Witness the largest hand-knotted loom in the world: We enjoyed every bit of our tour here at the Killybegs Maritime & Heritage Centre. We took a guided tour of the heritage centre which was extremely insightful about the Weaving Industry. A perfect combination of maritime, carpet making and vessel simulator. We got to try our hand at knotting a carpet ourselves, which was an experience that we all enjoyed alike. A visit here is highly recomm...
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
County Donegal
(86km)
Carndonagh Full review
Travel picture of Carndonagh
avatarpicture isabellaone THE BEST REVIEW
A picturesque Town: Carndonagh, a town situated in the scenic Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland, is an ideal base to start exploring Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point. It is the site of the Donagh Cross, a rare antique relic believed to have been found by St. Patrick in 442AD. It is also within a short distance to many incredible sandy beaches offering an attractive destination for tourists.
Carndonagh on the Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland. The town lies close to the sho... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Doagh Isle Full review
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avatarpicture eastonboyer THE BEST REVIEW
Beautiful Island: The Isle of Doagh is small Island well-known for its beautiful beaches with dunes renowned for its flora and fauna. It is home to the ruins of impressive 16th-century Carrikabraghy Castle. The Doagh Famine Village, an open-air museum, contains recreations of thatched buildings and traditional lifestyles.
The Isle of Doagh is a peninsula in the north west of Ireland, in County Donegal. It once was an... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Doagh Famine Village Full review
avatarpicture isabellaone THE BEST REVIEW
Truly an informative historical tour : A beautiful setting and a hidden gem, Doagh Famine Village tour were indeed interesting. A guided tour in and around the premises was an excellent experience. The informative museum with exhibits displaying Irish history. On our way out, we did pick up some souvenirs from the gift shop there too.
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Malin Head Full review
Travel picture of Malin Head
avatarpicture janeortico THE BEST REVIEW
Ireland’s Northernmost Point: Malin Head, in County Donegal, is the fascinating site located in the extreme north of Ireland. It is notable for its rugged coastal scenery and beautiful beaches. Steeped in history and folklore and located near the splendid golf courses of Inishowen peninsula, it is a perfect tourist destination for all tastes, including walking, fishing, swimming, and photography.
Malin Head is located on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal, Ireland and is the most northe... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
St. Patrick's High Cross Full review
Travel picture of St. Patrick's High Cross
avatarpicture abigontario THE BEST REVIEW
Do stop to see this historic artefact.: We stopped over to see one of the oldest Celtic crosses in Ireland which is believed to be dated back from the 7th century. Free to enter, this old church is located in a village with a graveyard adjacent to the church which has the holy cross on display. This is a piece of history worth visiting and a hidden gem, yet easy to locate.
The Siege of Derry, , was the first major event in the Williamite War in Ireland. While the gates... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Banba's Crown Full review
avatarpicture nopolarith THE BEST REVIEW
Historical lookout Post : Banba's Crown, a cliff-top tower situated at the extreme north of the Irish mainland, is named after the mythological goddess of Ireland. It is rich in wildlife and has a fascinating maritime history. It offers a marvelous spectacle. It was built by British Admiralty, during the early 1800s, when the British were at war with France and used as a lookout post for potential French attackers.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Malin Full review
Travel picture of Malin
avatarpicture pedrokif THE BEST REVIEW
Absolutely breathtaking views awaits! : Be ready to witness one of the most attractive beaches, breathtaking landscapes, stunning views here at Malin, another one of the villages in the County of Donegal. Amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean from the highest point of Ireland was truly mesmerizing for us.
Malin is a village in County Donegal, Ireland, situated 6 km north of Carndonagh. A further 13 ... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
County Donegal
(61km)
Grianan Of Aileach Full review
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avatarpicture isabellaone THE BEST REVIEW
Grianán of Aileach, the breathtaking remains of the Irish history: This ringfort was once a strategically located 5000-Year-Old kingdom. An impressive hilltop site that gives you the view of three counties - Donegal, Derry, and Tyrone. The panoramic views from the hilltop and sunsets as well as the sunrises from this location are impressive and mesmerizing.
The Grianan of Aileach is a hillfort atop the 244 metres high Greenan Mountain at Inishowen in ... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Condition not filled 5
County Donegal
(32km)
Rossbeg Full review
avatarpicture alfonsonikolaus THE BEST REVIEW
A Must Visit : If you love water sports, then you must visit Rossbeg. There is a Tramore Beach Caravan and Camping Park which is famous for water sports activities. A perfect choice for water sports enthusiasts, Tramore Beach Caravan and Camping is positioned next to a beautiful sandy beach in Rosbeg, County Donegal.
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Ardara Full review
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avatarpicture roxaneback THE BEST REVIEW
Designated Heritage Town: Ardara is one of the five designated Heritage towns in Donegal. and attracts many visitors each year. Some of the famous scenic points around the town are the Glengesh Pass, the Maghera Falls, and the Loughros Point. There are a plenty of archaeological buildings of tourist interest in the area dating back to prehistoric times. Ardara is a throbbing and bustling town which is very popular...
Ardara , pronounced "Ardra", is a small town in County Donegal, Ireland. It is located on the N56... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 stars
Dolmen Center (Ecotourism Center) Full review
avatarpicture alveraward THE BEST REVIEW
Renewable Energy Centre: The Dolmen Centre is the first green energy eco-tourism complex in Ireland. It is located in a pure natural environment with great spectacular beauty. The facilities include a field studies room that presents information on the sites of historical importance in the area including the dolmen, ring-fort and ancient cemeteries. The complex is a cultural craft centre and an art gallery.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Disert Full review
avatarpicture nopolarith THE BEST REVIEW
A Mountainous Area : Disert is the 14644th highest peak in the British Isles (Ireland) and the 1315th tallest in Ireland. If you love mountains, then you must visit this place. Weather here is very cold, so prepare yourself accordingly. Great place, highly recommended!
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Glenties Full review
Travel picture of Glenties
avatarpicture baileeglover THE BEST REVIEW
Tidiest Town in Ireland: Renowned as the tidiest town in Ireland, Glenties is a small but beautiful village in County Donegal. It is also the birthplace of the celebrated Poet, Patrick MacGill. A famous structure in the town is the St. Conal church known for its "dramatically bold and angular form" and skilfully sited building. The best way to enjoy the serenity of the town is through short walks around the area.
Glenties is a village in County Donegal, Ireland. It is situated where two glens meet, north-wes... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Owenea River Full review
avatarpicture andrewlincoln THE BEST REVIEW
Just Beautiful: Calm scenic views and great fishing. The Owenea is a great Salmon River, which is owned by the Northern Regional Fisheries Board. It is very well managed and presented, with lots of named pools, and beat maps provided by the board.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Kilclooney Full review
avatarpicture andrewlincoln THE BEST REVIEW
Take the off-beaten track to explore some history: Kilclooney Dolmen located in County Donegal is a popular archaeological treasure. The neolithic pre-historic tomb is tucked away and a little difficult to find. Our visit here was relaxing, quiet and beautiful. This picturesque location is highly recommended for every history lover.
Kilclooney is a townland located near Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland. It is regarded as the ... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Fermanagh
(19km)
Explore Erne Full review
avatarpicture andrewlincoln THE BEST REVIEW
Explore the maze of islands, waterways, castles and so much more: Known to be the ninth-longest river of Ireland, Lough Erne's waterways have a dramatic landscape and a monastic tower at Devenish Island. We enjoyed the journey through the maze of islands, waterways, castles and Europe’s oldest pub. Highly recommended for a day trip with your friends and family for the stunning views and the number of things to explore around.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
County Donegal
(76km)
Mamore Gap Full review
avatarpicture roxaneback THE BEST REVIEW
Twisting Hilltop Road: Mamore Gap is a narrow meandering road over a hilltop path alongside the Urris Hills. The summit offers extraordinary vistas of the coast below, the Atlantic and exceptional scenes to the hillside behind. Visitors will find many holy monuments along the way including a holy well devoted to Saint Eigne.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
Claggan Full review
avatarpicture emmabrow THE BEST REVIEW
A visit to the tiny island off Achill : At the end of the narrow sandy causeway from the mainland, this island is a paradise for kitesurfers. The view was amazing and there are stay options available if you would like to seclude yourself away from the city. Definitely recommend a one night stay at the Claggan Island, if budget permits, stay at the luxury pods.
Guidebooks    Rate 4 star
County Donegal
(44km)
Lough Beagh Full review
Travel picture of Lough Beagh
avatarpicture alveraward THE BEST REVIEW
If you enjoy fishing, visit Lough Beagh : Lough Beagh is a freshwater lake that is popular as the best spot for fishing in Ireland. Located in the centre of Glenveagh National Park, this lake was a part of our tour here. Fishing by the banks are not permitted here if you are planning to do so, instead, you could hire the boats especially in the season of August and September.
Lough Beagh , also known as Lough Veagh, is a freshwater lake in the northwest of Ireland. It is ... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Glenveagh National Park Full review
Travel picture of Glenveagh National Park
avatarpicture eastonboyer THE BEST REVIEW
Gorgeous gardens, great walk and a sip of coffee: Our visit to Glenveagh National Park was well worth the time. From the walking trails around the lake that leads you up to the castle to admiring the tranquillity of the park that is a natural wonder in itself, we enjoyed every bit of our day trip here.
Glenveagh is the second largest national park in Ireland. [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 4 stars
The Glebe Gallery Full review
Travel picture of The Glebe Gallery
avatarpicture coltmertz THE BEST REVIEW
Elegant!: Glebe House is a Regency style Rectory build in 1828. The house remained the residence of renowned artist Derek Hill for nearly thirty-nine years. It is furnished with William Morris textiles, and pieces of Islamic and Japanese art along with the works by leading artists such as Picasso and Kokoshka. The aura of the house depicts as of Derek Hill was still in residence here.
Glebe House and Glebe Gallery are located just outside the town of Letterkenny near Churchill. Th... [..]
Guidebooks    Rate 5 stars
Condition not filled 5


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