Donegal Town Map
Cosseted in Ireland’s far northwest corner, Donegal is a county of contrasts and a holidaymaker’s paradise. With deserted sandy beaches, rugged mountains, challenging golf courses, big surf & a vibrant Gaeltacht region, your action and relaxation choices are endless.
Donegal has many relics to remind people of their proud heritage. The town is set in a valley girdled by the Bluestack Mountains and Donegal
Bay. There is a record of an early Danish fortress being destroyed in the town by Murtagh Mac Lochlainn, High King of Ireland in 1159. The O’Donnell castle in the town was built by the rst Red Hugh and his wife Lady Nuala. They also brought the Franciscan Monks to Donegal. The Abbey was built in the same year – 1474. Donegal Town is situated in the North West of Ireland in Co. Donegal. It is 200km from Galway City, 230km from Dublin & 175km from Belfast.
Some must see attractions around Donegal
Donegal Castle
The centrepiece of Donegal Town is without a doubt O’Donnell’s Castle better known as Donegal Castle by the banks of the river Eske. The castle was built by Red Hugh O’Donnell in 1474 when he also built the Franciscan Abbey further down the river Eske. Tel: (074) 9722405. Check for opening times. Admission: applies. Group rates available.
Donegal Bay Waterbus
Fully narrated 75mins cruise of Donegal Bay, its Islands & Seal Colony. Live music on every trip. Fully wheelchair accessible Purchase tickets in advance from ticket office on Quay Street. Contact 074 9723666 for further details. E. info@donegalbaywaterbus.com
Donegal Railway Museum
Includes historical presentations, artefacts & a shop dedicated to reawakening interest in Donegal’s railway history. Tel: (074) 9722655. Open all year. Admission Applies.
Donegal Craft Village
Reputedly the best collective of contemporary art,craft & design in Ireland. Tel: (074) 9725928. Open all year. Free admission
Grianán of Aileach
Burt, Donegal – The Stone Fort of Grianán of Aileach sits on a hilltop in Inishowen County Donegal. The view from Aileach is breathtaking. The glistening waters of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly are clear, as is the form of the entire peninsula. Grianán has been a silent witness to the history of Ireland.
Malin Head
Inishowen Peninsula – Donegal Malin Head, in County Donegal, is renowned for its rugged coastal landscape and attractive beaches. The area is steeped in history and folklore. Malin Head is an area for all tastes, including walking, fishing, swimming, photography, studying rock formations or rare flora and it is close to Inishowen’s splendid golf courses.
Fanad Head - Cionn Fhánada
Fanad Peninsula Donegal – Cionn Fhánada on the Fanad Peninsula lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay on the north coast of County Donegal. The Fanad Head lighthouse sits on the western shore of the Peninsula.
Glencolmcille Folk Village
The museum is built in the form of a village where each house is a replica of the dwellings used by people in each of the three centuries, 18th, 19th and 20th. Tel: (074) 9730017
Donegal Abbey
Overlooking Donegal Bay, Donegal Abbey was erected in 1474 for the Franciscan Friars by Red Hugh O’Donnell and his wife Lady Nuala. It prospered for over 150 years & produced one of Ireland’s most important records of history – The Annals of the Four Masters. Open all year. Free admission
Statue of Red Hugh O Donnell
Located on the pier, this statue was erected in 2007 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the “Flight of the Earls“.
Napoleonic Anchor
Located on Quay Street this anchor belonged to a French ship, the Romaine, which moored here in 1798. The anchor lay under water until the early 1850’s when it was moved and placed on the Quay.
Children’s Playground
Located near the Donegal Railway Museum, this playground is equipped with safe, brightly coloured amusements.
The Obelisk
This monument in the town centre was erected in the late 1930’s to commemorate the Four Masters – the four Franciscan Friars who wrote the Annals of the Four Masters.
Sliabh Liag (Slieve League)
Approx 1 hours drive from Donegal Town, these cliffs are the highest marine cliffs in Europe with the sheer cliff face stretching straight down to the wild Atlantic waves below.
Glenveagh National Park
Located just over 1 hours drive from Donegal Town, this park encompasses some 16,000 acres in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. Tel: 076 100 2537
Fun stuff for all....
Family Fun
There is something for all the family to enjoy from Indoor Play Centres, Open Farms, Adventure Parks, Leisure Centres, Bowling, Forest Parks, Heritage Centres to taking in one of the up to date films in the Cinema, the list is endless.
Golfing
If Golfing is your pleasure, County Donegal o ers some of the best courses to play. Tee-o at one of the numerous Championship Links all over the county, not only will you enjoy some great golf you will also be able to take in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Country.
Angling
The Atlantic Coast o ers some of the best angling around – from game, coarse and sea, the avid ¬sherman is spoilt for choice. Surfing – With excellent beaches Donegal caters for this sport any time of the year. If you’re only a beginner there are many surf schools around with fun surf sessions and board hire packages available.
Equestrian
Canter along some fabulous beaches or just trek through great countryside. Beginners and advanced catered for. If an equestrian holiday is something that interests you a full list of centres is available at the local tourist office or log onto www.govisitdonegal.com
Culture, Arts & Heritage
Donegal has all in abundance…
GREAT BLUE FLAG BEACHES
Bundoran Beach, Bundoran, Co Donegal
Carrickfinn Blue Flag Beach, Carrickfinn, Co Donegal.
Culdaff Beach, Culdaff, Co Donegal
Downings Beach, Downings, Co Donegal
Fintra Blue Flag, Killybegs, Co. Donegal
Killahoey Blue Flag Beach, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal
Marble Hill Blue Flag Beach, Donegal County Council.
Murvagh Blue Flag Beach, Donegal Town.
Narin/Portnoo Blue Flag Beach, Narin, Portnoo, Co Donegal.
Portsalon Blue Flag Beach, Portsalon, Co. Donegal.
Rossnowlagh Beach, Rosnowlagh, Co. Donegal.
Stroove Beach, Strove, Greencastle, Inishowen, Co. Donegal.
For full and detailed information contact www. govistdonegal.com
T. 074 9153900 E: beaches@donegalcoco.ie
Walking and Hiking
Donegal has some great hidden gems. Whether you’re a serious mountain hiker or just like to stroll you won’t be disappointed. Fabulous landscape, great coastlines and an abundance of golden beaches, Donegal won’t disappoint.
Adventure & Watersports
Boasting a lot of blue flag beaches there is something to suit all tastes. Windsurfing, deep sea diving, sailing to kitesurfing, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Scenic Drives
There are a number of scenic drives and routes – too many to mention here but a full detailed list can be obtained from Donegal Tourist Office or by logging onto www.govisitdonegal.com.
Relax, Unwind & Indulge Yourself
Numerous Spas and Health Clubs will revitalise you and help you unwind, relax and switch off. Donegal Gardens – Check out our full list on www.govisitdonegal.com
Cycling
The Reel Inn
The Reel Inn – Bridge Street, Donegal Town – The award winning Reel Inn Bar is one of the best loved and most popular Traditional Irish Pubs in Donegal town. This family run business is located on the beautiful coastal drives and signature discovery points of the northern leg of the Wild Atlantic Way. Voted One of the top TripAdvisor attractions in Donegal town and renowned internationally as the best pubfor Traditional Irish Music and Dancing in Co.Donegal. The only bar that can guarantee Live Irish Traditional Music seven nights a week all year long. Call in and experience the Reel Inn soon. Winner of Pub/Inn of the year Irish Hospitality Awards 2017 T.+353 87 4119994 E. thereelinn@eircom.net
CHANDPUR INDIAN RESTAURANT
DONEGAL TOWN T+353 74 97 25252 www.chandpurdonegal.com chandpurdonegaltown@gmail.com Chandpur Indian Restaurant in Donegal Town have had unprecedented success winning 4 ALL IRELAND TITLES IN 5 WEEKS from 4 Prestigious Industries. These awards are the culmination of 10 Years in business for this superb restaurant and takeaway, add to this all the other Awards they have won in 2019, it has been an amazing year for Chandpur. In September 2019 they won Best Takeaway in Ireland from the Takeaway Awards. In October 2019 they won Best Indian Restaurant of the year from Yes Chef. One week later they won Best Chef in Ireland from the Irish Curry Awards. In November 2019 they won Best Indian Establishment of the Year from the Food Awards Ireland. This Multi Award winning, family owned restaurant, are so proud to share these awards with their fantastic customers in Donegal Town. This restaurant is very popular with locals and visitors alike and you are always guaranteed a very warm welcome, an authentic meal and a lovely evening in Chandpur.