Welcome to the Go Visit Donegal Blog

Welcome to the Go Visit Donegal Blog

Check out what Donegal has to offer this Valentine's Day


Yes folks, it’s that time of year when cupid sharpens his little arrows to make sure he hasn't lost his touch. The time when lovers replenish, rekindle, and re-ignite the fires of passion and those feelings that stirred something in you at a stage when worries were irrelevant; be it long ago or just last week. So whether you are in the hectic throes of new love, feeling safe in the warmth of old love, or just on the lookout for any love, Donegal is the place to be for St. Valentine’s Day.
The scenic beauty of this county provides the perfect backdrop to those who want to shake off the rigours of daily life, and get a little introspective. Romance can blossom like the wild flowers of Errigal and love can be built as solidly as the ring fort at Grianan Aileach. The many splendours of Donegal are waiting for couples, old and new to set the scene for the latest chapter in your own personal love story. Walk hand in hand by the Feile Grainan Aileach where kings and queens have graced this county many centuries ago; before joining the locals for some of the greatest hospitality you will ever encounter among a people renowned for a disarming charm that will stay with you long after you visit.
Perhaps it could be time to pop that question in a special spot that sums up who you are more than words ever could. Or maybe, it’s an opportunity do a ‘recce’ for planning the perfect wedding on home soil, whether that’s in the church across the road from your mum’s, or in the land of your ancestors. It makes no difference; the famous Donegal welcome extends to all! As the song goes,
“And then to see a welcome free, for traveller’s one and all,
Your hearts are like your mountains in the homes of Donegal”.

 Dining in Donegal
St. Valentine’s Day is synonymous with the almost obligatory romantic meal and this county has an abundance of choice for those of you looking for that something special. Donegal has an array of fine dining establishments throughout the county bearing mouth-watering menus that will not disappoint even the most discerning of customers. Top class restaurants stretch from Inishowen in the north of the county, to Bundoran and Ballyshannon in the south. So much so that we feel compelled to present to you just some of what is on offer in various locations throughout the county.

Inishowen

The most northern peninsula on the island of Ireland has an abundance of fine dining restaurants,
Why not choose the:
The Red Door, Fahan
Renowned for relaxed dining, luxury accommodation and breathtaking views, The Red Door Country House is nestled on a 4 acre site overlooking Lough Swilly in Inishowen in the North West of Ireland and is sure not to disappoint.
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This restaurant is the sort of classy, professional restaurant that you dream of stumbling upon, a place which makes the most of its gorgeous location by bringing great food and great service to a truly spectacular setting.


Described as "one of Inishowen's hidden treasures" the Firebox Grill offers one of the most homely of Donegal welcomes to all its guests. Come and enjoy a drink in front of the  huge open fire with your love while enjoying some fine cuisine.

East Donegal

The perfect venue for a romantic meal, Castle Grove is set among one of the few private estates in the East of Donegal. Pass through the gates and you realise you are in a different world, an oasis of privacy and tranquillity. The restaurant offers excellent cuisine that is prepared with dedication and care by an award winning chef and is renowned for quality and service.

 
Situated in the heart of Letterkenny, this family operated restaurant offers an intimate, relaxed ambience where customers can experience classically inspired dishes.

Set in idyllic wooded grounds overlooking Lough Swilly and just a few steps from a two-mile long golden beach, this luxury hotel and restaurant is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the good things in life. Five star quality food is served in the beautiful Weeping Elm, with its wooden floors, tented ceiling and views of Lough Swilly. 


West Donegal and the Gaeltacht



An Chúirt Hotel has become renowned for its beautiful setting located in one of West Donegal's most scenic regions, which lends itself quite magically to becoming a dream wedding location.


For intimate dining and sumptuous wine in the Gaeltacht this is certainly worth a visit.
Danny Minnie's is located in the village of Anagaire (Annagry) between the rugged mountains of north-west Donegal and the Atlantic Ocean. Close by is the beautiful white-sanded Carrickfin beach, which has blue flag status.
This renowned restaurant is just two miles from Donegal International Airport which is serviced daily by FlyBe from Dublin Airport.


South Donegal

Often referred to as the “Best Restaurant in the Northwest”, this romantic award winning restaurant located to the front of the hotel overlooking the rugged Donegal Coast, maximises the impact of the dramatic view overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the ruins of McSwyne’s Castle (floodlit at night) and an open fire makes for real warmth in this unspoilt location, even in winter.
The Fox's Lair Bar & Restaurant is a family owned business situated in the beautiful seaside town of Bundoran. The atmosphere is relaxed, service is friendly and food is fantastic. A walk through the picturesque seaside village of Bundoran would not be complete without a visit to The Fox’s Lair.
Located opposite the picturesque bay in Donegal Town and a two minute walk from the Diamond,the Harbour Restaurant, is one of County Donegal's premier seafood and steak restaurants and winner of "Best Casual Dining in County Donegal" at The Irish Restaurant Awards...........
Escape to the mystical realm of Solis Lough Eske Castle while you relax and enjoy the ambience of Cedars restaurant. Savour the carefully selected, fresh local ingredients which have been masterfully prepared and beautifully presented by an expert team of culinary and service professionals.
Those looking for relaxation and time to reconnect will enjoy whisking away a loved one for a Valentine’s Day hotel getaway in Donegal. Go Visit Donegal have put together a range of great value romantic Valentine's hotel packages that will not only whisk you away from the stresses of everyday life, but will also ensure you are truly indulged while spending time with your significant other. To find out more click here

 Valentine's Cottage Breaks

Forget flowers and chocolate, why not treat you significant other to an Authentic Donegal Experience - thatched cottage, turf fires and king size beds. With its remote landscapes and charming villages, Donegal is the ideal destination for a Valentine's Break. Surrounded by spectacular landscapes, blue flag beaches, crashing waves, inspiring and exhilarating walks, great restaurants with fantastic local produce, amazing fresh seafood, charming and welcoming pubs, traditional Irish music and the freshest air in Ireland.

 Stay in a Castle 

All around the county of Donegal are dotted ruins of old castles. Tucked within the woodlands of Donegal is the five star Solis Lough Eske Castle, a luxury Castle in a meticulously restored 17th century castle. Winner of the World's Best Luxury Country Hotel and topping My Guide Ireland’s Top 10 Hotels in Ireland, this lovingly restored castle hotel in Ireland blends its historic past with a dash of contemporary elegance and will have you in the good books for months. 

Discover the Outdoors

Bunbeg Wreck 
The Gaeltacht is a place untouched by predictable tourism, where the Atlantic ocean meets the mighty Errigal mountain in a union that breeds adventure, release and true spirit. The local language, culture, people and the captivating powerful beauty of the countryside are the mainstay of this experience. mng have put together a romantic package this Valentine’s weekend and voilà – you have the perfect break! Rock & Roam will take you to breath-taking undiscovered areas, going off the beaten track to rugged and unspoilt places where golden eagles fly and the views are mesmerising, a truly romantic experience for your significant other. Check out their package here.

Glenveagh Castle is a wonderful idea for a romantic getaway,  taking its inspiration from the concept of a romantic highland retreat. Glenveagh is the most northerly of the nation's six national parks in Ireland and is situated on 24 kilometres. The castle appears like a fairy tale dream and the park contains wonderful nature trails, encompassing moorlands, mountains, lakes and forests.

So this Valentine’s make sure to tap into all that Donegal has to offer to create the perfect romantic day for your beloved. For more ideas on all that romantic Donegal has to offer this Valentine’s Day and all year round, visit:
www.govisitdonegal.com