County Donegal Nightlife Tips by BillNJ Top 5 Page for this destination

Harbour Bar: Traditional Irish Pub with Great Live Music

On two nights during my stay in Downings, I went to the Harbour Bar with some folks from my workshop. It was within easy walking distance of An Teach Bán. In terms of appearance, it is a rustic, old-fashioned Irish Pub.

The first visit was on a Saturday night. At first, it was only a few people -- and we enjoyed a good conversation up at the bar with the bartender. Later, though, there was a local band named "The Boys Done Good!" They are fantastic musicians and well-known in the area -- so, by the time the music started, the place was packed. In terms of style, they are a rock-n-roll/blues band that performs fun cover songs of famous groups such as AC/DC, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Led Zeppelin, Wild Cherry, and many others.

The second visit was on a Tuesday night -- and, since it was both the off-season and during the week, there were only a few people there. On this occasion, the music was at a reasonable level -- and it was possible for us to enjoy a pleasant conversation at one of the tables.

One thing that was cool about this pub was the great disparity of the ages of the patrons. I met friendly people of all ages. In a nutshell, the Harbour Bar is a great pub.

Theme: Live Music

Milan Nightclub: Large Nightclub in the Letterkenny City Centre

I stayed at Gallaghers Hotel in Letterkenny on a Wednesday night -- which, as it turns out, is one of the big nights for the Milan Nightclub that is adjacent to the hotel. Since it was so close, I decided to check it out. It's a large, multi-level nightclub that draws a young crowd. The cover charge was 5 Euros-- and most drinks were 3 Euros.

Theme: Nightclub

Website: http://www.milan.ie/

The Singing Pub: Great pub/restaurant along the Atlantic Drive

I received a ride along the Atlantic Drive by a woman from Letterkenny who was also attending the workshop. She used to vacation in Downings with her family when she was younger -- so she knew the area well. During the drive, she stopped briefly in the parking lot of the Singing Pub which she said was a great pub/restaurant. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to visit this pub while it was open.

Directions: Along the Atlantic Drive in Downings, Donegal

Theme: Eating and Drinking

Website: http://singingpub.com/

The Olde Glen Bar: Even when closed, it draws a nice crowd!

I got a ride to Downings by a woman from Derry who was also attending the workshop. On the way, she stopped at The Olde Glen Bar because she wanted to show me what a great place it was. When we got there around 4:30 pm, the door was open -- so we walked in. Inside, they told us that it was closed. The funny thing was that there had to be at least ten people in the place -- drinking beer, talking, playing pool, etc. While we were there, we chatted a bit with some folks -- and they allowed us to use the restrooms. It seemed like a great place -- too bad it wasn't officially "open".

Address: Glencarrigart, County Donegal

Directions: Between Derry and Downings

Theme: Eating and Drinking

Website: http://www.barkeeper.ie/News_Item.asp?News_ID=1072