Things to do in Donegal

There are two more beaches in Muckross: Trá Lobhair which is popular with surfers, and Trá Bhán, a family beach ideal for swimming and bathing. 

The local beach of 'Portahowley' is in a quiet inlet on the edge of Teelin Bay. It is a lesser known beach in thea area and you're in with a chance of having it all to yourself to enjoy the calm waters and sand between your toes.

Count the steps down to this horse-shoe shaped beach with pure white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Wild, mystical, spiritual and breathtakingly beautiful. Sliabh Liag, is Ireland’s Ultimate Sea Cliff Experience and Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs.

Wild, mystical, spiritual and breathtakingly beautiful. Sliabh Liag, is Ireland’s Ultimate Sea Cliff Experience and Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs.

Hop onboard to truly appreciate the magnificence of the Slieve League Cliffs. A boat ride from Teelin Pier will ferry you beneath the cliffs, giving you an incredible view from the crystal clear waters below, while Captain Paddy delivers local folklore and fun historical facts. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins.

With more Blue Flag beaches than any other county, it’s no surprise that Donegal beaches are regarded as Ireland’s most stunning.

Granny’s Pass is the road less-travelled but one we highly recommend for those seeking peace in the wide open wilds of south west Donegal. While venturing along, you will come across Assaranca Waterfall

Drive to An Port (pictured) and walk to Glenlough. It takes around 90 minutes and consists of grassy inclines and heather-filled bogland.

Glenlough Bay, one of Ireland’s most remote spots, is a sight to behold. It’s a truly breathtaking spot, with a cliff walk that takes you past the most incredible sea stacks and rock formations.

Reach Donegal's secret in under 10 minutes! Be careful, though, there are coastal tides.

Kilcar is home to the most authentic tweed hand-weaving mill, Studio Donegal. You’ll be able to see and buy some of the most gorgeous tweeds here, as well as learn about the traditional skill of hand-weaving, which is still practiced today.  

An Port is mystical in any type of weather and one of our favourite places to drive to. It's totally secluded and will give you a sense of calm from the times gone by.

If you've got your own, great. If not, contact Kilcar Kayaking to see if you can get out on the sea during your time here.

We love finding little gems ourselves and sharing them with guests to give you the best memories possible is important to us. We'll let you know where all the gems are on the roads less travelled too

For a fascinating insight into rural Donegal, a visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village is a great way to learn about how the Gaeltacht people lived years ago. A series of thatched cottage recreate different eras through Irish history and offer a glimpse into school and life, as it was lived in past centuries. 

A fine example of collaborative craftsmanship can be found opposite the Folk Village. A stone mason from each county carved a piece with stone native to their county

Reconnect with the elements by taking a dip in Teelin Bay and warm up with a wood-fired sauna experience in the Sliabh Liag Sauna.

Muse the majesty and wide open spaces of Ireland’s second-largest National Park: Glenveagh National Park and Gardens.

The peninsula is renowned as a rock climbing and abseiling destination, with around 50 climbs here to choose from!

If you are passionate about horses or would like to try, it is a 20-minute drive to Deane’s Farm. The Donegal Equestrian Centre in Bundoran offers one of the most scenic horse trails takes you onto the beach at Tullan Strand, as you ride the Wild Atlantic Way. The beginner’s trail takes you through the sand dunes as you take in the spectacular and dramatic scenery.

Built for the O’Donnell Clan in the 15th Century, you can take a short tour of this castle in Donegal Town.