"County Donegal, Ireland" Top 5 Page for this destination Donegal by lee.evelyn

Donegal Travel Guide: 44 reviews and 69 photos

County Donegal, Geographical Location

Geographically, Co. Donegal is almost completely cut off from the rest of the Republic. It is part of the province of Ulster but not part of Northern Ireland- as some people sometimes mistakingly think. The most northern point of Donegal (Malin Head) however, is far more north than the most northern point in Northern Ireland.

North Donegal:
This area offers stunning coastline and blue flag beaches (The Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label awarded to over 3300 beaches in 36 countries)
West Donegal:
Gaeltacht, beautiful sandy beaches, fishing villages, islands, lakes, wild mountain terrain
East Donegal:
Letterkenny, the only large town in Donegal, whith:
The County Museum, The Library which also provides internet access, An Grianan Theatre and The Regional Culture Centre

In the South of the County the famous Donegal Bay stretches from Bundoran's beautiful blue flag beach (ideal waves for surfing as well at Rossnowlagh beach) to Donegal Town, Killybegs (Irelands biggest fishing harbour) and onto Carrick, and Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs of Europe, which fall 600 metres (1800 ft) into the ocean.
It is the rugged, unspoiled landscape and the laid-back welcoming attitude of the people that makes this part of Ireland so attractive.
Donegal has more coastline than any other Irish county and quite often there is no one there but you.

An Ghaeltacht - Irish speaking communities

The Gaeltacht is the term used to refer to those areas of Ireland where the Irish language (Gaeilge) is spoken as a community language beside English.

The Irish-speaking communities are situated mainly along the western seaboard, and the Gaeltacht covers extensive areas of counties Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Kerry.

Oideas Gael in Glencolumbkille or Gleann Cholm Cille, holds Irish language courses & cultural activity programmes in the summer.

Quite often signposts in the Ghaeltacht are in Irish and can cause confusion among tourists. If you are not sure, it is better to stop ask someone

A few examples:

Dhun na nGall : Donegal
Ard an Ratha : Ardara
Na Gleanntea : Glenties
Alt An Chorainn : Burtonport
An Clochan Liath : Dungloe
Leitir Mhic an Bhaird : Lettermacaward
Gaoth Dobhair : Gweedore
Croithli : Crolly
Cnoc Fola : Bloody Foreland
An Charraig : Carrick
Cill Chartaigh : Kilcar
Sliabh Liag : Slieve League

Festivals

May 30th - June 1st: Melting Pot multicultural music & arts festival - Ardara
June:
Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival - Ballyshannon
Mich & Miceal Carr Memorial Traditional Music weekend - Meenanary
Tory Island Film Festival
July:
Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival - Ballyshannon
August:
Traditional music festival - Tory Island
September:
Donegal Bay & Bluestack Festival - South &SW Donegal

Pros and Cons

Pros:nice beaches, clean and fresh air, wild and rugged scenery, traditonal pubs with music
Cons:weather can change several times a day, roads are narrow
In a nutshell:It is a far away corner of Ireland but very beautiful!

Intro Updated May 25, 2008
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Reviews (14)

Walk in Kilclooney Wood Off The Beaten Path (3)

Just a few miles outside Glenties on the road to Dungloe there is a signpost on your left for "Bonny Glen" this is also... more travel advice

Ancient Ireland Things to Do (5)

ancient monuments (Dolmens) in Donegal more travel advice

looking at Narin Beach from Portnoo - Donegal

Swim or walk at Narin Beach Things to Do (5)

Narin Beach is a 3 mile stretch of fine white sand, the beach has blue-flag status again this year and is safe for... more travel advice

Don't miss the fresh Seafood! Restaurants (2)

Nancy's Pub famous for a great pint of Guinness and fresh seafood. the pub is over 250 years old and owned by the same... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Irish Books, Celtic-Design Jewelry

Hotels (3)
See All Hostel in Glencolumbkille, Co. Donegal

Travelogues (1)

Written May 28, 2008

0 photos

Glenveagh Castle, Co. Donegal

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Comments (10)

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wise23girl Feb 8, 2012 at 5:53 PM

We visited Daniel's hotel but I think it was booked out or we had to press on...not his any more of course.

Saw his home and his mothers home....and the island across the water..
Marg
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RoscoeGregg Apr 4, 2010 at 5:47 AM

Exactly the kind of tip I love. You gotta love the woods and a good walk.
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KiKitC Oct 27, 2009 at 3:15 AM

What a great introduction to Donegal. Very interesting tips. Thanks.
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donpaul77 Jul 8, 2009 at 6:08 AM

Great introductory info on your Donegal home page. I spent a week in Glen and the surrounding area, but left much to explore. Donegal is beautiful!
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gildapaolina Jun 12, 2009 at 11:20 AM

Hi Lee, thanks for appreciation on my Venice tip :) Just giving a look to this beautiful Donegal page and Dolmens pics (we have some in my island but not so big!). I'll visit Newgrange next year and look forward to be there!!! Greets from Sardinia! Gil
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850prc Mar 20, 2009 at 4:13 PM

Great look at your hometown, Lee. And I agree with other posters - those ancient stones are soooo cool.
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joiwatani Feb 11, 2009 at 10:29 PM

Great stones!
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BillNJ Jan 19, 2009 at 4:25 AM

Interesting and informative page!
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cpiers47 Jan 14, 2009 at 11:02 AM

Great tips! I loved Ireland but didn't make it to the north. Donegal sounds wonderful!
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Herwig1961 Nov 30, 2008 at 2:56 PM

Hi,what a joy to read about this beautiful place!!!Great tips and awesome fotos!Thank you for sharing!