21 Best Things to Do in County Donegal
Discover all the best things to see and do in County Donegal. You'll find top attractions, must-see places, fun activities, scenic drives, hiking trails, and so much more!
Set in the historic province of Ulster, Donegal is the most northerly county of Ireland.
While it's impossible to say which Ireland's county is the most beautiful, Donegal is somewhere at the very top of the list.
Donegal is known for its rugged mountains, miles and miles of coastline, steep cliffs, beautiful beaches, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.
There is so much to see and do in County Donegal that you will have a hard time fitting all those amazing places into your Ireland itinerary.
Once you start planning your Donegal trip, you will realize this county is incredible.
Hike in Glenveagh National Park
County Donegal is home to one of Ireland's most stunning national parks. If you like nature, it would be a shame to skip this area.
Glenveagh National Park is known for stunning views of the Derryveagh Mountains, pristine lakes, Glenveagh Castle, and several hiking trails for all ages and abilities.
If you're interested in history, you can take a guided tour of Glenveagh Castle and its adjacent gardens.
There is one more reason why Glenveagh National Park is definitely one of Donegal's must-see places.
Keep in mind that all national parks in Ireland are free to enter. Glenveagh is no exception.
Therefore, this is a great addition to your itinerary if you're visiting Ireland on a budget.
Stargazing in Donegal
The sparsely populated County Donegal is a perfect destination for stargazing.
For the best night-sky viewing, you have to find a place that is really dark. As there are no large cities, there is plenty of dark sky in Donegal.
The coastal areas are ideal for stargazing, as they're quiet and remote. However, you can usually just look up to the sky after dark, no matter where you are.
Finding a place to see the stars, planets, and Milky Way in its full glory is not difficult while in Donegal.
It's the weather that makes things a bit more complicated. While stargazing is always a fascinating experience, don't forget that you need a bit of luck.
It was pretty cloudy and rainy while we were there, so we didn't see any stars on our first visit to Donegal.
Hike in Ards Forest Park
Situated in the northern part of County Donegal, Ards is a lovely place to visit.
This forest park is known for its fauna and flora diversity, sandy beaches, woodlands, rocky shorelines, marshes, and historical sites.
There are several trails for all types of hikers, with Sand Dune Trail, Heritage Trail, and Binngorm Trail being among the most popular ones.
If you have time, the 13-kilometer Red Trail is also a great choice.
There is a small entrance fee (contactless payments only).
While some of the easier walks require about an hour or two to complete, it's easy to spend a whole day in Ards Forest Park.
Marvel at the Slieve League Sea Cliffs
Without any doubt, Slieve League is the main attraction in County Donegal.
Also known as Sliabh Liag, these 600-meter sea cliffs dominate Donegal's southwestern edge.
If you love cliff walks, Slieve League should be on your list. This area offers something for everyone.
Some of the most impressive views are just right at the start of the trail, making the cliffs accessible to all types of travelers.
You can also walk all the way to One Man's Path, though this trail is mostly suitable for experienced hikers.
There is also a Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre you should visit if you're interested in the local history, culture, and geology.
Parking can be difficult during peak season, so taking a shuttle bus from here is recommended.
Together with the Cliffs of Moher and Kerry Cliffs, Sliabh Liag are among the most beautiful cliffs in Ireland.
See Errigal Mountain
With 751 meters, Errigal is the tallest peak in County Donegal.
It's also the highest mountain in the Derryveagh Mountains and the highest peak of the Seven Sisters mountain range.
From certain angles, it has an almost conical shape, making it one of the most recognizable mountains in the county.
The mountain's quartzite peak is known for its pinkish tint, which is especially beautiful during the sunset.
The mountain offers a relatively strenuous trail to the summit, which should be attempted by experienced hikers.
Even if hiking Errigal is not on your list, it's really worth a quick photo stop.
The starting point for the Errigal hike is from R251 near Dunlewey.
Visit Fanad Lighthouse
There are many beautiful lighthouses in Ireland. And then there is Fanad Lighthouse.
While you can see Fanad for free from the main road, it's really worth taking a guided tour while there. It's a long drive to reach this area.
Despite the fact that you need to purchase your own tickets, you can consider this tour with a knowledgeable guide as a small gift for your effort.
Fanad was built after HMS Saldanha sank at Carragi Dhonaill in 1811, and more than 250 died.
If you decide to step inside, you will get a chance to learn more about this tragedy as well as about the local people and the lighthouse itself. You can also climb the 22-meter tower to get even more incredible views.
The simply most amazing part about this site is that you can actually stay at the Fanad Lighthouse overnight.
Explore Fort Dunree
Situated on the Inishowen Peninsula, Fort Dunree is one of Donegal's must-see places for all history lovers.
Fort Dunree is known as Dun Fhraoigh in Irish, which means Fort of the Heather.
Thanks to its strategic location on Lough Swilly, this fortress played an important role in coastal defense for centuries.
The fort was built during the Napoleonic wars to protect this area from French invasion.
A visit to Fort Dunree includes access to the museum, underground bunkers, restored land battery, and a private collection of military memorabilia.
You can also enjoy a few scenic walks and learn more about fauna and flora while here.
Fort Dunree is only a short drive from Buncrana. There is a small admission to enter.
Drive to An Grianan of Aileach
If you're interested in stone forts, then consider visiting An Grianan of Aileach.
This 23-meter stone fort sits on a hilltop between Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle, about 250 meters above sea level.
As you would expect, the 360-degree views from the top are breathtaking and well worth the drive.
The 5-meter high and 4-meter thick walls were built without using mortar.
It's believed that the fort was built around the 8th and 9th century CE, though evidence suggests that the Aileach's history dates back to prehistoric times.
An Grianan of Aileach is located on the way from Letterkenny to Derry, only a few kilometers from the borders.
Enjoy the views at Malin Head
Malin Head is the northernmost point of Ireland's mainland and an incredible place to visit.
While you will find more spectacular areas in Ireland, Malin Head is one of those places where you can easily disconnect from all daily life stresses and problems.
Standing on the edge of Ireland while enjoying the uninterrupted views of the Atlantic is an experience like no other.
And what is there to see and do on Malin Head? You can see a WW2 lookout post, a signal tower built during the Napoleonic Wars, and an 80 EIRE sign here.
You can also walk the easy Malin Head Trail to Hell's Hole or visit nearby Ballyhillin Beach.
Still, it's the serene atmosphere and stunning views that make Malin Head so special.
There are dozens of interesting Signature Discovery Points along the Wild Atlantic Way worth seeing, with Malin Head being one of the most memorable ones.
Learn to Surf at Bundoran
Bundoran is one of the best surfing spots in Ireland. So if you love surfing, you need to visit Bundoran.
Bundoran is a great place to learn surf, but it is also home to a world-class reef break known as The Peak.
Well, this place is worth seeing, even if you're not a die-hard surfer.
This area consists of several beautiful beaches, which is why Bundoran became one of Ireland's premier seaside destinations.
If surfing is not your thing, there is a lovely Bundoran Beach, Rougey Walk, Fairy Bridges, Tullan Strand, and more.
Sail to Tory Island
Finding a quiet place in County Donegal is easy. But what if you're tired of the mainland?
You can consider taking a boat trip to Tory Island.
Sitting about 15 kilometers off Donegal's coast, Tory Island is one of the most unique places you can visit in Ireland.
The island is home to ancient and modern history, a small Irish-speaking community, abundant bird life, spectacular scenery, and unique Gaelic culture.
You can see a monastic Tau Cross, the 6th-century Bell Tower, and the Wishing Stone here.
Walking the Tory Island Loop is one of the best ways to see the island.
If you like to go off the beaten track, Tory Island is well worth the effort.
We don't need to mention that staying on Tory Island overnight is by far the most immersive experience.
Stay in Killybegs
One of the things we loved so much about our Wild Atlantic Way road trip was that there was no shortage of seaside towns and villages along the way.
Killybegs might not be the prettiest of the bunch, but the town still has its own charm.
The town has a major seaport, so it's often possible to see trawlers and even large cruise ships.
You can find a few nice hotels in Killybegs, as well as some lovely seafood restaurants.
Killybegs's main draw is the excellent location, allowing you to explore south Donegal easily.
Explore Donegal Town
Thanks to its location, Donegal is one of the first places most visitors see after their arrival to this county.
The town is one of Donegal's tourist hot spots, so you can expect to find a good selection of hotels and restaurants here.
There are a few things to see and do in Donegal. You can see the Donegal Friary, the Red Hugh O'Donnell Commemorative, the picturesque town center, or the medieval castle.
As the town is easily explored on foot, we suggest also exploring the easy Bank Walk.
The small heritage town of Donegal is one of the jewels of this region, and it's definitely worth seeing.
Explore the Maghera Caves
Situated only a short drive from Adara, Maghera Caves are one of the most interesting places you can see in Donegal.
These natural caves consist of tunnels, arches, rock formations, water pools, and caves. They are easily accessible on foot and get really busy during the summer.
However, there are a couple of things you should know about Maghera before you go.
Firstly, the beach looks very promising and the crystal waters tempting, but there is a dangerous rip tide.
Therefore, it's not safe to swim at Maghera Beach. When it comes to the caves, you can enter them on your own, but only when the sea is out.
Always check the tidal timetable before you go.
While you're here, you can also visit the nearby Assaranca Waterfall.
Take a Guided Tour of Donegal Castle
The 15th-century fortress is a highlight of every visit to Donegal Town.
Donegal Castle was built by Red Hugh O'Donnell. He was a ruler of Tyrconnell, which was a kingdom of Gaelic Ireland.
Throughout the centuries, the fortress underwent several renovations and additions.
Over the course of the years, the castle fell into disrepair but was renovated by OPW during the 1990s.
The castle can be explored on both guided and self-guided tours. There is a small entry fee.
While the castle doesn't attract crowds the same way as Blarney or Rock of Cashel, it's still a great addition to every itinerary.
Visit Doagh Famine Village
The outdoor folk museum, Doagh Famine Village, is another interesting place to visit while touring Donegal.
The site consists of traditional thatched-roof houses; it's very compact and offers an insight into Ireland's history.
As the name implies, Doagh Village tells the story of the Irish Famine, focusing on the years 1845 to 1848.
But it is also a story of remoteness and isolation and gives a fascinating insight into the lives of the local families from this area.
You will learn about the community's local traditions, customs, and daily life hardships.
There are a few similar places in Ireland, like Bunratty or Muckross House.
Doagh Famine Village is popular among families with kids. As this is basically a museum, it's a good place to visit even on a rainy day.
Drive the Col Glengesh
One of Ireland's biggest draws is the endless choice of scenic roads. The mountainous pass of Col Glengesh is one of the best examples.
Col Glengesh is located on R230, a rural road between Glencolumbkille and Ardara.
The views of the glacial valley from the road are stunning.
If you're visiting Slieve League, it's worth following this route.
The views are incredibly rewarding, and driving on a typical narrow Irish road full of bends and twists is an experience on its own.
Driving in Ireland requires extra caution in certain areas, and this is one of them.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Drive the Horn Head
With a looped scenic drive, 180-meter cliffs, great hiking trails, and a serene atmosphere, Horn Head is one of Donegal's most beautiful places.
The starting point to Horn Head is the small village of Dunfanaghy, a popular seaside destination.
This beautiful peninsula can be easily explored by car, bike, and on foot.
The dramatic views from Horn Head include Sheephaven Bay, Rosguil Peninsula, Errigal, the Atlantic, beaches, and rugged cliffs itself.
You should be able to see also Tory Island on a clear day, the most remote inhabited Ireland's island.
Simply put, the views from Horn Head are breathtaking.
To get the most out of the peninsula, make sure to follow the easy Horn Head Walk that will take you to the old signal tower from the Napoleonic wars.
Just remember to pack according to the current weather. If you need some help in this regard, check out our complete Ireland packing list.
Visit Arannmore Island
If you want to explore another island, hop on a ferry from Burtonport to explore Arannmore's stunning landscape.
Arannmore, or Arainn Mhor in Irish, is only three kilometers off the coast.
The ferry runs all year round, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes.
Despite its small size, there are plenty of things to see and do on Arannmore Island.
From kayaking, cycling, wreck diving, sea angling, and sea stack climbing to scenic walks or food, Arannmore Island has it all.
Some experiences, such as Arannmore Glamping, are also getting more and more popular.
The island is also known for warm hospitality, traditional music, and relatively good nightlife.
Arannmore is, most importantly, a place where you can unwind, relax, and forget about day-to-day stresses.
See the Doe Castle
County Donegal is full of hidden gems. The medieval fortress known as Doe Castle is definitely one of them.
If you love exploring historical sites, consider including Doe Castle in your Donegal itinerary.
It has a rich history, but the setting is arguably even more impressive.
As the castle sits on the shores of Sheephaven Bay, it makes a great photo stop.
Speaking of history, it's still not known whether O'Donnels or McSweeneys built the castle. Either way, it's believed it was built during the 1420s, though the first historical reference is from 1544.
The castle is tucked away from the main road N56 but well worth a short detour.
Currently managed by OPW, Doe Castle is free to enter. Guided tours are sometimes available during the summer season.
Stay at Letterkenny
There is no denying that County Donegal is full of amazing places. The only drawback is the lack of large cities.
Letterkenny's main draw is the fact that it's the largest town in Donegal County.
Even though nightlife and frequency of cultural events are not on the same level as in Dublin or Galway, Letterkenny is the nearest thing to that.
Letterkenny has a fantastic location, and there are plenty of things to see and do for all visitors.
The town also has good accommodation options, and you will find several nice restaurants there as well.
The main reason why staying in Letterkenny for a day or two is a great idea is that there are many stunning places within an hour's drive from the town.
As the town is fairly close to the borders, Letterkenny is also a great starting point for your Northern Ireland adventure.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
