Things To Do
in Donegal
Donegal, Ireland sits on the rugged northwest coast, where sea, cliffs, and green landscapes meet the Atlantic. The county is famed for its dramatic headlands, such as Slieve League, and its patchwork of peat bogs, beaches, and mountains. Small towns like Letterkenny and Donegal Town anchor the region with welcoming pubs, traditional music, and hearty, seafood-focused cuisine.
Visitors should expect a warm welcome, powerful coastal scenery, and a pace of life that invites lingering over meals and views alike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Donegal Airport and take in the stunning vistas of the countryside as you drive to your accommodation. Settle in and enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast at a local café. Visit the charming town of Donegal for some initial exploration.
Wander through Donegal Castle, where you can learn about the rich history of the area. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby pub, trying local specialties such as seafood chowder. Take a stroll along the picturesque River Eske to relax and immerse yourself in the surroundings.
Dine at a restaurant featuring local cuisine, perhaps sampling some of Donegal's famous lamb. After dinner, enjoy live traditional Irish music at a local pub, where you can mingle with locals. Capture the beauty of the town illuminated at night before heading back to your accommodation.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to Glenveagh National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. Get lost in the park’s serene beauty through a morning hike along the many scenic trails. Stop at the tranquil Glenveagh Castle and take a guided tour to learn about its history.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the picturesque gardens of the castle, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Explore more of the park by either walking or taking a guided tour of the surrounding wilderness. Glimpse native wildlife as you wander through the vibrant flora.
Return to your accommodation and freshen up before heading out for a relaxing dinner. Savor the flavors of Donegal with a meal at a cozy bistro, followed by a dessert made with local ingredients. Wind down the evening with a peaceful stroll under the stars, soaking in the tranquil Irish night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-60 |
| 🍺Pint of local beer | $5-7 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short distance) | $10-15 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $120-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning coastal scenery and outdoor recreation
- Warm, friendly hospitality and strong culinary scene focused on seafood
- Rural, winding roads can be slow to traverse
- Weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly
- "Dia dhuit" - Hello
- "Sláinte" - Cheers
- "Le do though/Le do thoil" - Please
- "Go raibh maith agat" - Thank you
- "An mbeidh tú go maith?" - Are you well?
Places to Visit in Donegal
Visit one of these nice places.
One of Europe’s highest sea cliffs with dramatic Atlantic views; sunrise and golden-hour photography opportunities are exceptional here.
Iconic lighthouse over rugged shorelines; excellent compositions of lighthouse, coast, and waves.
Lakes, mountains, and a stately castle; forests and wildflowers provide varied landscape shots.
Ireland’s northernmost point offering rugged coastal scenery and dramatic skies, especially at sunset.
Charming river and harbor views with pastel townscapes and castle silhouettes.
Food in Donegal
Donegal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy chowder loaded with fresh fish, prawns, and shellfish, often served with brown bread at coastal pubs.
Must-Try!
Irish potato pancake versatile for breakfast, lunch, or dinner; often served with bacon, eggs, or in a lighter form with smoked fish.
Seasonal shellfish sourced from nearby shores, commonly highlighted in seafood-focused eateries.
Traditional, hearty brown bread served alongside soups, stews, and seafood dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls offering seafood, local cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts; great for tasting regional specialties.
Coastal and countryside produce, fresh fish, crafts, and ready-to-eat snacks in a relaxed market setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly greeting and a courteous attitude go a long way; it’s common to say hello and thank you. Respect local privacy on narrow roads and give way to oncoming traffic when necessary on single-track lanes.
English is predominant; Gaelic phrases are appreciated but not required. When asking for directions, politely engage and avoid assumptions about local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Donegal
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ireland, a service charge is not always included; leaving a tip of 10-15% in restaurants and pubs with table service is customary if you’re satisfied. For takeaway or casual venues, rounding up is common but not required.
Cash and card payments are widely accepted, including contactless and mobile payments. ATMs are common in towns, and many places accept chip and PIN or contactless payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours and relatively mild temperatures; expect busy coastal routes and peak tourist season. Bring a light rain jacket for sudden showers and enjoy outdoor activities late into the evening.
Changing foliage and fewer crowds; crisp days with frequent autumn rains. Great for coastal walks and photography with moody skies.
Cold, windy, and wetter conditions; daylight is limited, so plan indoor activities or short outdoor forays with appropriate layering. Coastal storms can be dramatic but require caution on cliffs.
Milder days, blossoming landscapes, and increasing daylight; wildlife and birdlife are active, making it a good time for gentle hikes and scenic drives.
Donegal at Night
Hiking in Donegal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal hike with dramatic sea views; trail options range from easy viewpoints to longer cliff-edge routes.
Moderate hike with lake and alpine scenery; well-marked trails through forests and moorland.
Iconic peak inland with rockier paths and rewarding panorama; best with proper gear and conditions.
Airports
How to reach Donegal by plane.
Small regional airport near Carrickfinn; mainly domestic flights and seasonal service to larger hubs.
Larger regional airport with international connections; about a few hours by road from Donegal depending on route.
Major international gateway in Northern Ireland; accessible by road or rail connections from the region.
Ireland’s largest international hub; offers extensive international and domestic connections; longer transfer from Donegal but a frequent arrival point for international travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Gaeilge-speaking households and cultural groups exist alongside predominantly English-speaking residents.
Rural communities with strong ties to farming, fishing, and tourism.
A mix of domestic and international visitors who contribute to town economies during the summer months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A major summer and autumn sport across clubs and county teams; many local grounds host matches and training.
Common in the broader region; community clubs often run youth and adult teams.
Scenic links courses along the coastline offer challenging rounds with sea views.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Donegal.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in pubs and cafes; look for hearty vegetable dishes, soups, salads, and mushroom or cheese-based mains. Don’t hesitate to ask for the veggie version of a dish or for a mushroom-stuffed pie or pasta.