Donegal is in the Republic of Ireland but is almost cut off from the rest of it, joined by a strip only a few kilometres wide and bordered for most of its length by Northern Ireland. That isolation has kept it apart from the main tourist trail — and is exactly its appeal. The county has the longest mainland coastline in Ireland, deeply cut by sea loughs, and the Wild Atlantic Way begins (or ends) at its northern tip.
In the south-west, the cliffs of Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) rise about 600 metres from the sea, nearly three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher. In the north-west, Glenveagh National Park surrounds a lakeside castle beneath the quartzite cone of Errigal. Beyond are the Fanad and Inishowen peninsulas, with Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point. Much of the west is Gaeltacht, with a strong tradition of fiddle music and tweed weaving.
Highlights
- Slieve League — among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, with a viewpoint reached by road and shuttle.
- Glenveagh National Park — castle, gardens, red deer and golden eagles.
- Malin Head — the top of Ireland, and on dark winter nights a place to look for the northern lights.
- Fanad Head lighthouse — one of the most photographed in the country.
- Beaches — Portsalon, Silver Strand at Malin Beg, Narin and many more.
- Donegal town — a castle, a friary and the home of Donegal tweed.
Quick facts
| Where | The far north-west of the island; the county town for visitors is Donegal town, the largest town Letterkenny |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Republic of Ireland — euro (€), km/h; large Gaeltacht areas |
| Gateway | Derry~Londonderry (30–60 min); Belfast (2 hours); Dublin (about 3 h–3 h 30 min); Donegal Airport at Carrickfinn; Ireland West (Knock) Airport |
| Ideal stay | 2–3 nights, ideally in two bases |
| Best for | Wild scenery, hillwalking, surfing, road trips, getting away from the crowds |
| Getting around | A car is strongly advised; there is no railway |
How long to stay & where to base yourself
Donegal is big — it takes over two hours to drive from Slieve League to Malin Head — so two bases work best: one in the south-west, at Donegal town, Killybegs or Ardara, for Slieve League and Glencolmcille; one in the north, at Letterkenny, Dunfanaghy or Rathmullan, for Glenveagh, Fanad and Inishowen. With only one night on a longer loop, stay in Donegal town and see Slieve League.
