Donegal is one of Ireland’s most beautiful counties and is a must-see for anyone visiting the emerald isle!
Popular website ‘Ireland Before You Die’ reviewed the ten best places you can visit in Donegal!
Below is their top 10 places to see in our amazing county, do you agree with their selections, or have they made some glaring omissions.
10. Glenevin Waterfall (Clonmany)
This amazing waterfall is located at the top of a short 2km hike through the woods in Clonmany. There is newly installed picnic areas on the way to the waterfall which blends in beautifully with the natural landscape. Footbridges towards the waterfall are dotted along the track as visitors criss cross the stream using the stepping stones. This place is definitely worth a visit.
9. Malin Head:
Malin Head is located on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal. Here you will find the most northern point of the whole island of Ireland. The northernmost tip is the headland named Dúnalderagh (Banba’s Crown). The views in this area is spectacular and it is a place that any tourist must visit when they come to Donegal.
8. Dunree Bay:
Photo courtesy of www.guide-irlande.com
This gem can be found about five miles north of Buncrana in Inishowen and is close to the military museum of Dunree Fort. Here you will find breathtaking scenery, a secluded beach and tranquil country walks make this bay an absolute beauty to visit, particularly when the sun is shining. Duncree Bay is well worth a place on the top 10 places to see in Donegal.
7. Mount Errigal:
Mount Errigal is a beautiful mountain near Gweedore in County Donegal. It is both the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains and of all the peaks in County Donegal. Errigal is also the most southern, steepest and highest of the mountain chain, called the “Seven Sisters” by locals. The mountain is beautiful in both Summer and Winter and is a must see for anyone going to Co. Donegal.
6. Carrickfinn Beach:
Carrickfinn Blue Flag Beach is one of Donegal’s finest beaches and is located close to Annagry on the western coast of County Donegal in the heart of the Irish speaking Rosses. Carrickfinn beach is an extensive sandy beach with excellent sand dunes. The beach is exposed at times during the tidal phase throughout the day. It is a beach that is well-deserving of a top 10 place.
5. Tory Island
Just 14km off the Donegal coast, is a magical island called Tory. This place is steeped in history and folklore, and is Donegal’s Gaeltacht areas – locals speak Irish fluently, so it would be advised to learn a few words before visiting here. Interestingly, on this island, the people elect a king, who acts as the community’s spokesperson. He’s a friendly fellow who greets each passenger ferry that lands and personally welcomes visitors! The island is also known for its passion for traditional music and culture, and you’re likely to find a lively session or two taking place in its local pubs! This place is definitely one of the best places in Donegal.
4. Narin & Portnoo Beach
One of Ireland’s finest beaches! This beach has everything: beautiful sand, peninsulas and hills in the background. It is an absolute gem and should not be under-estimated. Anyone who has been there will know what we are talking about!
3. Portsalon beach
Portsalon Beach is a beautiful sandy beach on the shores of Lough Swilly. It gently slopes towards the Atlantic ocean and is located in a Natural Heritage Area. The beach at Portsalon can be reached by travelling north east in the R246 from Carrowkeel to Portsalon. It is widely-recognised as one of Donegal’s finest spots and therefore, well worthy of a top 10 place.
2. The Slieve League Cliffs
These cliffs are ranked Number 1 attraction on tripadvisor for County Donegal and well deserving of that place. Climbing to the top of these cliffs and looking down is a truly memorable experience as the views are splendid. We highly recommended to add this place to the list of places to visit!
1. Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh National Park is one of the six beautiful national parks in Ireland. Situated in the Northwest of Co. Donegal, Glenveagh encompasses some 16,000 hectares in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. Such a great wilderness is the haunt of many interesting plants and animals. These lands were managed as a private deer forest before becoming a national park in 1975. With the completion of public facilities Glenveagh National Park was officially opened to the public in 1986. A fabulous place and it is our favourite place in County Donegal.
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