Rolling hills meet dramatic cliffs along Ireland's northwestern coast, where Gaelic remains the daily language and centuries-old stone castles dot the rugged landscape.
County Donegal spans Ireland's northwestern corner with the country's longest mainland coastline. You can climb the 600-meter Slieve League cliffs, surf the waves at Bundoran beach, hike through Glenveagh National Park's granite peaks, or take a ferry to Tory Island. In towns and villages across Donegal, you'll hear Irish spoken daily, and can watch traditional tweed weavers at work in centuries-old workshops.
Natural Landmarks of Donegal
At Slieve League, you can walk along the 600-meter-high cliffs that tower over Donegal Bay. Start at the viewing points or join a guided hike along the cliff edge. In Glenveagh National Park's 170 square kilometers, walking trails wind through oak forests and past lakes. Look out for red deer, which live throughout the park grounds.
Surfing and Water Activities
Surfers from around the world come to Bundoran's Main Beach and The Peak for consistent waves year-round. Several surf schools teach beginners and advanced surfers. The water stays cold - 8°C in winter and 15°C in summer - so bring or rent a wetsuit.
Irish Language and Island Life
In the Gweedore area, about 3,700 people speak Irish as their everyday language. Take a ferry from Magheroarty Pier to Tory Island, 14.5 kilometers offshore, where residents still use Irish as their main language. The ferry runs daily, weather permitting.
Getting Around Donegal
You can fly to Donegal Airport at Carrickfinn from Dublin or Glasgow. A car gives you the most flexibility for exploring, as buses between smaller towns run infrequently. Six driving routes cross the county, each following a different part of the coastline or inland areas. Bike rental shops in larger towns like Letterkenny and Bundoran provide cycles and maps of local routes.
Local Crafts and Products
Donegal tweed makers create fabric with a characteristic flecked pattern by weaving colored wool pieces into the cloth. Visit Magee of Donegal's workshop in Donegal Town, where weavers have made tweed since 1866. In western Donegal, local craftspeople still hand-knit wool sweaters and caps using traditional patterns.
Festivals Throughout the Year
Each June, musicians and surfers gather in Bundoran for Sea Sessions, while Ballyshannon hosts the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in summer. During autumn, local food producers and chefs demonstrate their skills at A Taste of Donegal Food Festival.
