Do & See

Donegal & The North West

Do & See in Donegal & The North West

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Do & SeeGuide was updated: September 14, 2024

There's a lot to see and do in Donegal, from places of stunning natural beauty to adventure parks for the whole family to sites housing years of history.

Glenveagh National Park & Castle

Glenveagh National Park & Castle

Ireland's second-largest national park offers several walking and cycling trails for you to admire its scenic views and abundant wildlife, which also includes a remarkable red deer habitat. Stop for a tea and travel back in time at the 19th-century Victorian castle, also enjoyed by Greta Garbo during her visit to Donegal.

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Donegal Castle

Donegal Castle

The Donegal castle was built by the mighty O'Donnell dynasty in the 15th century. After the Flight of the Earls in 1607, which saw the O'Donnells leave the country, the castle was granted to the English Brooks family, whose ownership also left remarkable marks on one of the most prominent landmarks of Irish history.

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Dunlewey Centre

Dunlewey Centre

Weaver Manus Ferry's farmhouse in Dunlewey welcomes families with interesting stories and vast entertainment in a scenic rural setting, with stunning views of Lough Dunlewy (boat trips available) and Donegal's highest mountain, Errigal. Learn about the story of the haunted witch.

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Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Centre

Killybegs Maritime and Heritage Centre

The Killybegs Maritime & Heritage Centre was established to give visitors an introduction to the main industries in the region. Admire some hand-knotted carpets, many of which also appear at places as venerable as Buckingham Palace, learn about the know-how of the weaving industry, and try your skills at the world's largest loom!

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Donegal County Museum

Donegal County Museum

A rich collection of artifacts, galleries, and exhibitions showcasing the county's history, located in the former Warden's House dating back to the era of the Great Famine. Admission is free.

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Benbulbin (Dartry Mountains)

Benbulbin (Dartry Mountains)

Benbulbin is a large flat-topped rock formation in the Dartry Mountains (Sligo, Ireland). This magical scenery has long sparked the imagination - the site of many mythical tales. The area later inspired the evocative poetry of renowned Irish writer W.B. Yeats and is thus known as "Yeats Country". The mountain is certainly unique, home to Arctic-Alpine plants, and many species of flora not found elsewhere in Ireland. Fossils are also regularly found. Climbers should approach the mountain from the gentler and safer South Side (avoid the North Side and its dangerous Atlantic winds!) and are recommended to follow the Gortarowey Forst Loop to take in views of Donegal Bays.

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Lough Derg

Lough Derg

Not to be mistaken with the larger lake of the same name, which straddles the Tipperary-Limerick border, Lough Derg in Co. Donegal is visited for the St Patrick's Purgatory on Station Island, a renowned pilgrimage site still keeping thousand-year-old traditions alive. The three-day pilgrimage is open to anyone interested.

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Malin Head

Malin Head

Malin Head, known locally as Banba’s Crown, is Ireland’s most northerly point and an area of great scenic beauty with historical, scientific, and ecological importance. Visit the old Radio Station, try to spot the wreckage of Twilight that never made it to Derry, and admire the stunning view of the endless sea embracing Tory Island.

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Oakfield Park

Oakfield Park

Regarded several times among the best parks in Ireland, Oakfield Park welcomes its visitors with plenty of verdant beauty and family-friendly entertainment. Take a stroll among the ponds and sculptures, have a ride on the narrow-gauge train, admire the Longsleeper landmark, and don't forget to make a wish under the Faerie tree. For dining options, visit the Buffers on site.

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Grianán of Aileach

Grianán of Aileach

This impressive ring fort is a major landmark of the Iron Age. Although it was built during the Kingdom of Aileach around the sixth century, it is argued that the site had already been in use before. History has provided legends that fill the place with a mysterious atmosphere, but if sleeping giants don't scare you off, take a short drive (3 km) south of Burt, and admire the view of the scenic Inishowen peninsula.

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Doagh Famine Village

Doagh Famine Village

Attend a traditional Irish wake, visit Irish cottages still re-thatched every year, and join an informative guided tour to learn about how rural communities lived in the times of the Great Famine at this interesting outdoor museum.

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Salthill Gardens

Salthill Gardens

Set just a short distance from the sea near Mountcharles, Salthill Garden is a fine verdant selection of perennials, vegetables, and shrubs, individually styled by Elizabeth Temple. The garden also has a trail which can be done in less than two hours.

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Alcorn's Flower & Garden Centre

Alcorn's Flower & Garden Centre

Alcorn's is not only a garden shop with an impressive plant selection, but it also has a Tropical World zoo with playful lemurs and colourful birds and butterflies, giving you an impromptu performance. Finish your visit with a coffee at the ThymeOut on spot.

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Marble Hill Strand

Marble Hill Strand

Sheephaven's Bay's protected and probably most spectacular beach makes for a great stop with its white sand and The Shack, selling artisan coffee and ice cream.

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Bundoran Surf Co.

Bundoran Surf Co.

Surfing classes and rentals in what is also noted as the surf capital of Ireland. For beginners, the beach of Rossnowlagh is protected enough for a first try, while old-timers can ride world-class waves at The Peak.

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Tory Island

Tory Island

Home to Colmcille's monastery until the late 16th century, Tory Island today is renowned for its small art community (with a king elected up until today) and for being an interesting detour off the Wild Atlantic Way for its spectacular scenery, spotted with historical landmarks such as the lighthouse or the Balor's Fort. A five-km long island, easy to explore on foot.

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The Silver Strand

The Silver Strand

A sheltered horse-shoe shaped beach, in south-west County Donegal, with B&Bs and a coffee shop nearby, and the views only Slieve League can provide. Maghera, on the northern side of the peninsula, is also worth a dip.

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Five Fingers Strand

Five Fingers Strand

Just south of Malin Head, the Five Fingers Strand is unique in that it is located among some of the highest dunes of Europe.

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Inch Wildfowl Reserve

Inch Wildfowl Reserve

Located on the shore of Inch Lough, this reserve is a very important wetland site for migrating birds, gathering here every year from various parts of the world. Take a walk along the scenic 8-km long trail, spotted with bird hides waiting to be explored.

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Castle Adventure Farm

Castle Adventure Farm

An interactive open farm with plenty of entertainment for the whole family: drive a go-kart or a mini digger, feed the goats, and discover the indoor or outdoor play area! The place also has a café with delicious cakes and sandwiches.

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Waterworld Bundoran

Waterworld Bundoran

Indoor aqua park where everyone will find something to their taste (and swimming skills). Toddler pool for the youngest, gravity and twister for the bravest, and seaweed bath for those looking to relax, among many others.

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Fort Dunree Military Museum

Fort Dunree Military Museum

Fort Dunree does not only feature one of the largest artillery gun collections in the world, but also offers hiking and kayaking activities, exhibitions on wildlife, and what is regarded as the most scenic coffee shop in Ireland.

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The Gallery Dunfanaghy

The Gallery Dunfanaghy

A fever hospital-turned-national school from the 19th century, this art gallery features some of the best Irish watercolour paintings and antiques today, and also served as an inspiration to Frank Egginton, the famous landscape artist. With free admission, and an impressive gift shop.

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Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre

Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre

Housed in an old British defensive gun battery, this museum explains the Flight of the Earls, the departure of Hugh O’Neill (Earl of Tyrone) and Rory O’Donnell (Earl of Tyrconnell) from Ireland in 1607 after a prolonged conflict with English forces in the 16th century.

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Ballyliffin Golf Club

Ballyliffin Golf Club

Two scenic links courses and 36 holes await you to provide a one-of-a-kind golfing experience at what is regarded as Ireland's finest golf club. Equipment adjustment services and lessons are also available.

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