Two pretty Donegal places named as Ireland’s most charming towns

Leading travel experts have nominated two towns in Donegal to top spot places in a list of The 20 Most Charming Towns in Ireland.

TravelMag.com, an online magazine, had 300 writers, photographers and travel professionals with a love for all things Irish choose their favourite scenic spots – and Donegal has two winners on the list.

Ardara and Donegal Town are in the Top 20 most charming in the country, celebrated for their communities and pleasant surroundings.

Ardara. Image: Pauric Ward via Flickr

Ardara’s natural landscape and quiet atmosphere were deciding factors for the town’s nomination.

“An unassuming coastal town in County Donegal, Ardara (pronounced ‘Ardra’) is a great place to experience a gentler pace of life in Ireland,” according to Travel Mag.

The hidden heritage gem is hailed as a good base for visiting the nearby Maghera Falls or viewing the Atlantic Ocean from Loughros Point

The iconic Kilclooney Dolmen is recommended as “one of the few Celtic monuments that you won’t have to share with droves of other tourists.”

Donegal Town made the list as an interesting and more lively hub of the county, where culture and sport thrive. The strong GAA presence in the area is featured – “even at amateur level Gaelic sports showcase a remarkable level of physical prowess and power.”

Donegal Town, image: dr_urbanus via Flickr

The rich history of Donegal Town is counted as a strong draw for visitors:

“The town’s early history predates written records, and is instead written in the stone circle formations that are common in this part of Ireland. Donegal Castle is in the town centre and it is near this centrepiece that many of the hotels and pubs can be found.

“Donegal Town is a great base for hikers looking to tackle the Blue Stack Mountains.”

Where do you think are the most charming towns in Donegal? Do you live in a beautiful village or town that you think should be on the list?