AND.. Another five great reasons to visit Donegal

1. Great, Great Food

Dotted throughout Donegal are many iconic restaurants, each with their own wonderful history, style, traditions, charm and picturesque surroundings. Collectively, they aim to bring you a genuine taste of Donegal by obtaining the very best fresh, local ingredients and serving them with lashings of pride.

Donegal offers famous Tirconnell whiskey and McDaid’s beverages, local seafood, meat and homegrown vegetables. Restaurants offer an array of mouth watering dishes including traditional stews and fresh local oysters. By following the trail of Donegal Good Food Taverns, you will also find an itinerary of traditional Irish music, seven evenings a week at different points throughout the trail.

But don't take our word for it, come and see for yourself!

2. The Gealtacht 

Irish culture has survived and flourished in Donegal in a way it has failed to do elsewhere. Irish language and culture are still vibrant throughout the Gaeltacht areas of the county and foremost among these traditions is the one of welcoming strangers.

The Gaeltacht has a strong sense of its own identity and uniqueness and the land contains a wealth of cultural strengths which is rich in heritage and folklore. The scenery is truly breathtaking with mountains and lake-filled valleys fringed by the unpolluted seas of the Atlantic Ocean with white sandy beaches. Visit the The Language School and Heritage Centre and is just a beginner in the tongue, you will be encouraged to persist and take your skills to a new level!

3. Walk  in Donegal

Donegal is a natural centre for the avid walker and hiker. You will be spoilt for choice with fine beaches, stunning mountain ranges, and spectacular scenery around every corner. With such a variety in landscape, hundreds flock to Donegal each year on walking holidays.

Walk the highlands and headlands of North Donegal. Fanad coast, Glenveagh National Park and Errigal – our highest and most beautiful mountain.

Good for heart, body and soul!

4. Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh is the second largest national park in Ireland. The park covers 170 square kilometres of hillside above Glenveagh Castle on the shore of Lough Veagh.

Natural woodlands of Oak and Birch clothe the slopes of the deep valley that bisects the Park. These woods are inhabited by badgers, foxes and stoats, whilst woodland bird life includes Siskins, Treecreepers, Redstarts and Wood Warblers. On the uplands of the Park, birds more likely to be encountered include Ravens, Peregrines, Stonechat and Grouse, and the upland slopes are dotted with the yellow flowers of Tormentil and Bog Asphodel.

Perhaps the outstanding feature of Glenveagh is its wilderness character with the sense of remoteness and solitude that it conveys to the visitor.

5. Festivals and Events

Donegal is home to a number of spectacular arts, film, cultural, music, food and sports festivals. In Donegal we love to celebrate just about anything, so whatever your interests might be, chances are that there's a festival dedicated to it and some great craic to be had. Attending a festival is a great way to see the county and the residents at their finest.

So start planning now……

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