Come to County Donegal to revive the spirit

The perfect place to get away from it all

Long stretches of golden beach, soaring cliffs, spectacular mountains and idyllic lakes and glens, not to mention wonderful culture and heritage... this is an exceptional part of Ireland.

With soaring sea cliffs that plummet 300m, deserted white sandy beaches, jaw-dropping landscapes, excellent seafood and quiet cosy pubs, Donegal forces you to sit back, slow down and admire the view.

Whether you want to opt for long rambling walks over rugged terrain, laze around on a scenic beach, tour great visitor attractions or explore an ancient site, this spectacular county in Ireland's North West corner is hard to beat.

The county has some of the finest scenery in Ireland. A pattern of mountains, moors and inland waters crisscross its territory. You will be amazed by its long and much indented coastline, which has been carved into intricate shapes by the ravages of the great Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a walk along one of the 12 wonderful 'Blue Flag' sandy beaches that dot this dramatic coastline - one of the most memorable holiday experiences you can imagine.

For the sports and activity enthusiast, what a treat lies in store. You have a multitude of choices to pick from.

If you fancy taking to the water, there's marvelous surfing, kayaking, canoeing or diving, not to mention great angling.

Or perhaps it's a game of golf in one of the county's many fine links and parkland courses that attracts you. The great outdoors beckons in this special part of the world - what better setting for walking, hill-climbing or equestrian sports?

And you can wind down in so many different ways... enjoy a relaxing meal in a homely restaurant, soak in a sultry seaweed bath or even be inspired to paint the wondrous landscape all around you!

THE HIGHLIGHTS

Glenveagh National Park - a real treasure
Watch the great eagles soar high above the massive nature park - Glenveagh is home to Ireland's only wild eagles. This unique phenomenon is not the only rare sight you will see in this spectacular setting, however... the Park also plays host to the largest population of red deer in Europe.

Situated around beautiful Lough Veagh, it extends to 16,540 hectares of mountains, lakes, glens and woods. Around every corner is a wonder of nature. You can also tour the four-storey, 19th century Glenveagh Castle on the Park.

Slieve League - Europe's highest cliffs
Be prepared for an exhilarating experience as you embark on an incredibly beautiful walk to the top of Slieve League (600m) on Donegal's south-western Atlantic coastline.

What impressive scenery and sights you will encounter if you take the dramatic 16km coastal path connecting the little villages of Bunglass to Malinbeg at either side of Slieve League. Even from Bunglass, you can get classic views of the famous sea cliffs, which are the highest in Europe.

A truly exceptional coastline
From pristine waters and endless stretches of golden sand to dramatic headlands and sheer cliffs, the County Donegal coastline has it all. The choice is yours. Marvel at the many dramatic sights, like the stupendous Hell's Hole cave in the cliff face at Malin Head to the north. Experience Ireland's premier fishing village at Killybegs. Or enjoy one of the 12 beautiful Blue Flag beaches all along the coast.

The Donegal Gaeltacht - the heartland of Ireland
A visit to the Irish-speaking 'Gaeltacht' area of Co. Donegal brings you into intimate contact with the heart and soul of the real Ireland. Experience the warmth of the people in what is the largest Gaeltacht area in the country. Listen to the beautiful lilt of the native tongue and see the traditions and culture of the country as you've never seen them before.

The great outdoors
Just to breathe in the clear fresh air in this majestic part of North-West Ireland will give you a new lease of life. But there are many wonderful outdoor activities to savour, whether your interest lies in walking or cycling through spectacular countryside, casting line on a lake or off the coast, or taking a leisurely drive through the uncrowded byways to name but a few.

PLACES TO VISIT

Letterkenny
The largest town in the county, Letterkenny, on the banks of Lough Swilly had its origins as a tiny fishing village. An excellent base for some of the best salmon fishing in the county, it also boasts a fine theatre.

The Inishowen Peninsula
This magical north-eastern corner of the county is the biggest of its peninsulas. Linger here and enjoy the many scenic and historic gems which the area has to offer. Take in places like Buncrana on the River Crana, the peninsula's principal town, Ballyliffin - a golfer's paradise, Malin Head - Ireland's most northerly headland, and Kinnagoe Bay where, on a stormy night in 1588, the Spanish galleon Trinidad Valencera was lost.

Donegal Town
An attractive market town, located on a quiet inlet of Donegal Bay, it is at the heart of the traditional Irish tweed industry. The renovated Donegal Castle is one of many historic buildings locally.

Ramelton
A scenic village set along the banks of the River Lennon, many of its buildings date back to the 17th century. Steeped in history, this charming village is one of Ireland's Heritage Towns.

Ardara/Glenties
Take in the delightful sights at Ardara, located at the neck of three peninsulas near Glenties. Ardara is renowned for its arts and crafts, as well as being a Heritage Town. Marvel at the view in Glenties, where two glens meet with the Blue Stack Mountains to the south. This village is famous as a four-times National Tidy Town Award-winner.

LOTS TO DO

A remarkable county of contrasting landscapes, spellbinding natural attractions, and great visitor centres, County Donegal has much to offer by way of varied activities and leisure pursuits.

The following are just a few of the interesting options:

For golfing enthusiasts, Co. Donegal is a veritable paradise. There are 12 magnificent links courses dotted around its beautiful coastline (see golf page), as well as three fine parkland and six 9-hole courses. Each offers particular challenges in outstanding scenic surroundings at very reasonable costs.

Fishing and Donegal are synonymous. If you fancy casting a line during your holiday break, then this is the place for you. You may well capture that 'Donegal Catch' which is famous all over Ireland. It's all here... great facilities for coarse, game and sea angling (plenty boats available), as well as unlimited opportunities for shore fishing.

Enchanting walks: what better way to explore this enchanting countryside than on foot? You can choose from a wonderful selection of way-marked walking trails that take you to the most beautiful and spectacular parts of the county. Try perhaps the 142km Blue Stack Way around the wondrous mountain terrain of the same name. Or one of the four circular routes of Bealach na Gaeltachta (The Gaeltacht Way).

Saddle up! They have a saying in Donegal that, when you take a horse for a gallop on a beach there, you'll run out of horse before you run out of beach! A leisurely gallop on a quiet beach is just one of the many equestrian delights possible in this part of the world. Approved riding and trekking centres are scattered all over the county - what better way to explore the superb scenery than from the saddle!

Whatever the season, whatever your mood, you can do it all on Donegal's majestic golden beaches. Take in breathtaking views of dramatic seascapes and mountain tops. Head off on refreshing walks over undisturbed beaches where you are literally on your own with nature. Or catch a wave in the swirling Atlantic surf.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE

Travel back in time
A visit to Glencolmcille Folk Museum will take you back through the centuries to see what life was like in rural Ireland in bygone days. A series of cottages authentically represent the 18th, 19th and 20th century periods. Find out about the other aspects of life locally, from the schoolhouse to a shebeen (illegal pub)!

Donegal County Museum
Drop into Donegal County Museum at High Road, Letterkenny and see a fascinating range of artifacts covering all aspects of life in the county. Hear about how the building is located in what was once part of the town's workhouse, established to relieve the poor during the Great Famine in Ireland in the 1840s.

Take to the water!
And now for something that will especially interest younger folk... and indeed the not so young! Bundoran Waterworld is an indoor aqua adventure playground for all ages - with two leisure pools, a wave pool with rapids, a slide pool with flume and a super fast 'whizzer slide'.

HOT TIPS

Capture the magic and unique traditional values of the West of Ireland by visiting a number of islands that are accessible from the Donegal coast. The mystical islands of Arranmore, Tory, Gola, Inishbofin and Inishfree off Donegal call to mind images of an earlier civilisation.

Take up the outdoor challenge and climb majestic Mount Errigal, 751m above sea level. Experience the thrill and excitement as you conquer the summit and gaze down on the ravishing beauty of mountains, forests, wild parkland and shimmering lakes all around you.

What better way to wind down after a strenuous mountain climb than to step into a hot seaweed bath! Relax and pamper yourself with the very best of health nutrients that nature can offer at Bundoran Seaweed Baths.

With such a vast expanse of open countryside, uncluttered roads and breathtaking scenery, Donegal is perfect driving tour territory. Take a leisurely drive through spectacular surroundings - there are many suggested routes you can follow (Holiday Ideas section). Stop off to see and experience the many fascinating sights and visitor attractions on the way.

Experience the rich culture and heritage of the people. Whether it's the wonderful music and song that is so vibrant still in the pubs and villages or fascinating ancient history at sites like Grianan of Aileach (almost 4,000 years old), you will find much to explore 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