Experience the real Ireland – in the Donegal Gaeltacht

Ireland’s largest Irish-speaking community

Visit this Irish-speaking 'Gaeltacht' area and come into intimate contact with the heart and soul of the people. Experience the beautiful lilt of the native tongue, the traditions and culture.

If you're looking to get a sense of the real Ireland and what makes the country so different, there's only one solution. Head for the Donegal Gaeltacht.

Here you'll find the well-spring of Irish culture and heritage. A people steeped in the social, cultural and linguistic heritage of the Irish nation for centuries.

What a treat lies in store as you visit and mingle with Ireland's largest Irish-speaking population, who live out a life rich in folklore, customs and traditions.

Traverse this special, and most beautiful, part of North-West Ireland and get a rare insight into the Irish psyche.

See how the language is lovingly spoken, kept alive as an everyday tongue, and promoted by young and old. Watch how ancient crafts and skills, such as hand-woven tweed making, are cultivated. Let the evocative traditional music, song and dance of this area captivate and entrance you.

Very soon you will realise why this part of Ireland has inspired some of Ireland's greatest artists... artists like Enya and Clannad, who grew up in this unique environment and have since enthralled audiences the world over with their unique Irish melodies and compositions.

Travel through the Donegal countryside, from Fanad Head in the north to Kilcar in the south-west, to experience the Gaeltacht at first-hand. Along the way, you will come across a great variety of interesting sights and examples of Irish heritage, including Glencolumbcille, with its prehistoric remains and folk village.

Not only will you experience Irish culture at its best but some of Ireland's most stunningly scenic views will unfold before you. Dramatic cliffs, imposing mountains, and spectacular sandy beaches combine to leave an unforgettable impression.

As you gaze out to sea from the haunting Donegal coastline, you will catch sight of a number of timeless islands. Here are some further priceless jewels in the crown of the Donegal Gaeltacht... magical islands where the Irish language and traditional way of life are preserved today in a very special way. Why not catch a ferry from one of the Donegal ports and make the short trip to one of these islands, such as Tory or Arranmore, to round off your 'trip of a lifetime' to the real Ireland?

For county profiles, suggested drives and great holiday ideas, click here

FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above, or on the county in general, please contact:

Fáilte Ireland North West
Aras Reddan
Temple Street
Sligo
Tel: 00353 (0) 7191 61201
Fax: 00353 (0) 719160360

Email: northwestinfo@failteireland.ie
Web: www.irelandnorthwest.ie