Go Visit Donegal has put together a list of 10 great reasons to visit Donegal to whet your appetite to pay us a visit.
Donegal has been named by NationalGeographic Traveller (UK) as No. 1 place for 2017 in it’s an annual “Cool List” of recommendations for people who love to travel.
Among plenty of other “culture capitals, hipster hot-spots, wild escapes and places generally keeping it cool” Donegal beat other great destinations to visit such as Santiago, Greenland, Sudan and Seoul.
So, what attracts people to Donegal? Well, the people here keep it real, tell it like it is, and welcome travellers like long lost friends. How cool is that?!
2. The Northern Lights
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| Image - Ronan McLaughlin |
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| Image - Bren Whelan |
and determined to return! The
scale of the county, coupled with
its attendant islands makes Donegal a destination that is impossible to fully experience in
one visit. We in Donegal are quite used to repeat visits from our
visitor friends, and many have
taken the ultimate step and put down permanent roots. Our welcome is legendary because we appreciate what we’ve got here and are more than willing to share it!
4. It’s the Beginning of Your Wild Atlantic Way Journey
Over millions of years the Atlantic has carved dramatic crevices into the rugged headlands that are stunning to behold. Marine sea-stacks, arches, and in the dramatic Slieve League cliffs, some of the best and highest examples of marine cliffs in the world.
5. It’s light years ahead of other locations
This year Donegal was chosen to film "Star Wars: Episode VIII".
A set resembling Han Solo's spaceship was set up on the cliffs at Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point. Mark Hamill – who plays the iconic Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series commented on Donegal saying“I love it, it’s gorgeous,” he replied. “(Everyone) has made us feel like part of the family.” Pretty good endorsement all round!
6.
The Highest Number of Blue Flag Beaches in Ireland
With a coastline of 1235
km /772 miles, the longest on the island, Donegal is blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches,
thirteen of which are Blue Flag Beaches. Come and experience beaches of a quality
that some appear to be man-made; but all are, in fact, a product of nature at
its finest, and as pure and clean as could be wished for.
7. The music, the music, the music!!!
Donegal has one of the richest traditions of Irish traditional music in the country and is home to some of the most talented musicians that this country has ever produced. There is a host of intimate theatre venues throughout the county that are second to none, but the real gems are the myriad of informal pub sessions that can be stumbled upon throughout the length and breadth of the county. A word of warning though… when you do happen upon such a musical treat, it is advisable to remove your watch, pocket it, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere that almost seeps from the walls and makes visitors feel 'at home' with the locals!
7. The music, the music, the music!!!
Donegal has one of the richest traditions of Irish traditional music in the country and is home to some of the most talented musicians that this country has ever produced. There is a host of intimate theatre venues throughout the county that are second to none, but the real gems are the myriad of informal pub sessions that can be stumbled upon throughout the length and breadth of the county. A word of warning though… when you do happen upon such a musical treat, it is advisable to remove your watch, pocket it, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere that almost seeps from the walls and makes visitors feel 'at home' with the locals!
8. Outdoor Activities
From hill walking to rock climbing; golfing to surfing; bird watching to horse riding, Donegal has some of the finest outdoor activity opportunities in the country. This county of amazing natural landscapes can provide an amazing backdrop, and suitable challenge for any level of thrill-seeker and outdoor enthusiast. From the moment you arrive, it’s literally on your doorstep, just waiting to be explored.
9. A jam-packed Calendar of Events
With world renowned festivals and events, such as the Mary from Dungloe Festival, the Rory Gallagher Music Festival, Earagail Arts Festival, or the Donegal Rally, to name but a few, Donegal has got a lot going on! That’s not counting the hundreds of smaller community festivals, clan gatherings, and traditional events that happen in almost every community within the county that may be of personal interest to you through family or acquaintances.
For information on more exciting events taking place in Donegal in 2017, visit www.govisitdonegal.com and www.donegalgathering.com
10. Fly into Donegal Airport - Voted one of World's Top 10 Scenic Landings in 2016
Set between ocean and mountains at Carrickfinn, in the Gaeltacht region of Rosses/Gweedore, Donegal Airport operates twice daily flights to Dublin, and a four-times weekly service to Glasgow, both by Aer Lingus Regional.
"You arrive in the Emerald Isle adjacent to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world; Carrickfinn with a backdrop of the majestic Mount Errigal on one side and an array of craggy islands on the other," gushed one travel fan. Talk about one hell of an entrance!!
So
what are you going to do about it?!
This summer, why not let the road take you on a journey of
discovery through Donegal, a county of wonder and magic?!
You can tailor your stay to suit you. One thing is certain; Donegal is a county that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
You can tailor your stay to suit you. One thing is certain; Donegal is a county that everyone should experience at least once in their life.
Where heritage,
history, tradition, and culture sit hand in hand with excitement, exhilaration,
nightlife and craic; like star-crossed lovers in an idyllic corner of the world
that knows its own strength and revels in its own confidence. Yes folks, it’s
true to say… Donegal; has it all!!
For all things Donegal check out: www.govisitdonegal.com
For all things Donegal check out: www.govisitdonegal.com
