"Donegal - A rugged beauty" County Donegal by Tayto

County Donegal Travel Guide: 273 reviews and 782 photos

Donegal

Donegal is one of the most beuatiful couties in Ireland. It is situated on the North West Coast and has a wild rugged coastline with fantastic sandy beaches (among the best in Europe) and high cliffs. It is one of the least densely populated parts of Irenad and there are many remote roads and pathways where you can take yourself off from the hussle of everyday life. Donegal is a must for people who love the ocean, mountain scenery and generally outdoors life.

It is one of my favourite counties in Ireland and I recommend all VT'ers wh travel to Ireland to include it on their list of must see places and to spend a few days here.

The People

One of the high passes in Donegal

Donegal is one of the few remaining areas where the Irish Language is spoken as the first language with English as second. Becasue of its remoteness in previous centuaries the older Gaelic traditions remained in this part of Ireland for much longer than elsewhere. Irish is widely spoken but is concentrated in particular Gaeltacht areas to the North and West of the county. The old traditions of Irish music (ceol), story telling and singing remain in these parts and a good place to experience this is in the pubs of the small towns and villages throughout Donegal.

Accommodation

Holiday cottage in Donegal

Good hotel Accommodation in the more remote parts of Donegal can be hard to find. I would recoommend booking a self catering holiday home. These are scatter throughout the county and are generally of a high standard. The cottage in the photo was one we rented near Cinn Casla and overllooking a small beach and out over the Atalntic ocean - see photo 1 above. Bord Failte the Irish tourism board has listings of the holiday homes on its website and these are graded and have details of amenities available. There are other sites which will check out and post the web addresses for them.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Ocean, Cliffs, Mountains, Beaches, Pubs, the people
Cons:none execpt need to pre-book accom in high season jun-aug
In a nutshell:Donegal a wild and rugged beauty

Last visit to County Donegal: Jul 2005
Intro Updated Nov 23, 2005
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Reviews (8)

Life's a Beach in Donegal Things to Do (5)

Donegal has some of the nicest beaches in Ireland. Long bays with miles of sandy beaches and high sand dunes. Usually... more travel advice

Slieve League Co. Donegal - County Donegal

Slieve League Things to Do (5)

The highest cliffs in Europe at around 800 feet are situated at Slieve League in Co Donegal. Forget the Cliffs of Moher... more travel advice

Horn Head Things to Do (5)

The drive up to Horn Head in north West Donegal takes you out to a really scenic point overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.... more travel advice

Watch out for sheep ! Warnings and Dangers (1)

When driving on Irish roads particularly in Donegal you will encounter sheep straying across the road .....so slow down... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
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Comments (2)

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scottishvisitor Apr 4, 2006 at 4:12 AM

Lovely reading your Donegal page - I love the west coast of Ireland = Donegal awaits with its scarey road trips - well done indeed
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IrishFem Mar 9, 2006 at 12:05 PM

Great Photographs and information. One day l'll get there!