Letterkenny Town Map

Letterkenny is a vibrant market town wellknown for it’s busy nightlife, so it’s the perfect spot to hit the tiles after some happy days sightseeing.

So much to do in and around Letterkenny

Donegal County Museum

Donegal County Museum is based in a fine old stone building, which was once part of the Letterkenny Workhouse, opened in 1845. The Museum develops and cares for a comprehensive collection of original artefacts relating to the history of County Donegal. The first floor exhibition charts the history of Donegal from the Stone Age to the Twentieth Century. A series of temporary exhibitions and associated events are held throughout the year. Opening Times: All year. Mon. to Fri. 10am-4.30pm. Saturday 1pm-4.30pm. Closed for lunch 12.30pm-1pm. Closed on Public Holidays. Admission Free. High Road, Letterkenny. Tel: (074) 9124613 E: museum@donegalcoco.ie

Glenveagh National Park, Castle & Gardens

Set in some 16,500 hectares of County Donegal mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with a large herd of red deer, Glenveagh Castle is a 19th Century, castellated mansion built between 1867 and 1873. Surrounded by the famous Glenveagh Gardens, its construction in a remote mountain setting was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat. Church Hill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal F92 P993, Tel: 076 1002537 www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie | E: glenveaghbookings@ahg.gov.ie

Grianan of Ailigh

Grianan of Ailigh – On the road from Letterkenny to Derry is Grianan of Ailigh, a circular fort whose origins date to around 1700 BC. It is said to have been built by Dagda, an ancient king of the Tuatha De Danann. Burt Castle, a 16th century stronghold, can be seen in the distance. An Grianan Visitor Centre, An Grianan Hotel, Speenoge, Burt, Co. Donegal, F93 YA0P – Tel: +353 74 93 68900

The Colmcille Heritage Centre

The Colmcille Heritage Centre, in County Donegal, endeavours to give an appreciation of a period in Irish and European history at the end of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Medieval period. Europe had been overrun by pagan tribes from the east and was Christianised again by a resurgent Irish church. Saint Colmcille was the pre-eminent figure in this period, not just in Ireland but in all of Christendom. The story is told with beautifully reproduced artefacts and panels. There are also minor displays of artwork from local artists as well as a picture display of a local eviction in the 1860s. There is an audio visual display with a choice of four languages. A light lunch can be obtained if booked in advance. A tearoom, coach parking and toilets are also on site. For opening periods, times, facilities, etc, please see website. Colmcille Heritage Centre, Bellville, Church Hill, F92 WR6A. T +353 74 9137306 www.colmcilleheritagecentre.ie

St Eunan's Cathedral

With its ornate exterior built from white sandstone, the house of worship is the town’s dominant sight. It was constructed between 1891 and 1901 and features oak furnishings, a marble altar, colourful stained glass windows and richly decorative ceilings. Sentry Hill, Letterkenny, F92 V406 Tel: +353 (0) 74 9121021

Doe Castle

Doe Castle is situated near Creeslough and is the seat of the Mac Sweeney family. The central tower of the castle is surrounded by a powerful bawn wall overlooking the sea at three sides. As one of Donegal’s strongest fortifications, Doe Castle played a pivotal role in Irish history. Tours available during summer months. Sheephaven Bay, Co. Donegal. Email: info@heritageireland.ie

Newmills Corn & Flax Mills

One of the few monuments of industrial archaeology in state care in the Republic is the complex of mills at Newmills, 5km west of Letterkenny in County Donegal. The oldest surviving building here is said to be 400 years old. Indeed, the whole complex is an interesting reminder of a stage in the industrial development of this country which has now given way to a more sophisticated but usually far less fascinating technology. The complex of industrial buildings includes both corn and flax mills powered by the river Swilly. The visitor to Newmills can experience the pleasure of seeing one of the largest waterwheels in Ireland in action. Newmills Corn & Flax Mills – Churchill Road, Letterkenny, F92 F205 Tel: +353 74 9125115 E. newmills@opw.ie

Alcorns Tropical World

Be astounded by Donegal’s,not so mini zoo! Experience your very own slice of the Amazon,see amazing tropical butterflies in free flight, be serenaded by lorikeets, turacos, macaws and birds from around the world in our exotic aviaries. visit lemurs, tamarin monkeys, meerkats, racoons, tortoise and newly arrived squirrel monkeys. 80% of Tropical World is under cover so a great day out is guaranteed whatever the weather, and great experience has been enhanced again this year with replica dinosaurs in our new Jurassic Land plus Bug World, the amazing world of insects live. Opens seasonally: Friday 5th April – Sunday 29th September 2019 Loughnagin, Lette rkenny F92 H763 – Tel: 074 91 21541

Corravaddy Wood Walk

A varied and easy woodland walk in Coillte Forestry which is just 10 minutes drive from Letterkenny. Its elevated location ensures impressive views of Lough Swilly and the surrounding countryside.

Other Attractions & Activities

Regional Cultural Centre

Situated behind An Grianan Theatre on the Port Road, this is a stunning, new glass and aluminium arts centre. Visual art exhibitions can be seen in the Gallery and foyer areas. Opening Times: All Year Open Tuesday to Friday 11am-5pm. Saturday 1-5pm. Closed Mondays. Port Road, Letterkenny F92 C8HD – Tel: 074 9129186

Glebe House and Gallery

Art enthusiasts will love a visit to Glebe House and Gallery. Located 18km from Letterkenny, County Donegal, visitors can view the Derek Hill collection which includes more than 300 works by Picasso and Kokoshka, as well as Irish and Italian artists. Glebe Art Gallery, Glebe, Church Hill, F92 WP70 Tel: +353(0)74 9137071

Ards Forest Park

Ards Forest Park is situated between Creeslough and Dunfanaghy and has 480 hectares of park containing, beaches, rivers, viewing points, nature walks, picnic and play areas as well as a huge diversity of plants and wildlife.

Surfing

Hit the beach, ride the waves and surf the swells to the shore

Wild atlantic way

Out at the very edge of Europe, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches for 2,500 km (1,500 miles) along Ireland’s western seaboard. From Malin Head in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, through regions like Connemara, Galway Bay and Kerry – it’s the longest defined coastal drive in the world. Here, the ocean’s force has carved a coast of wild, raw beauty. Huge Atlantic rollers crash and churn, shaping jagged ocean crags, archipelagos and inlets, sea loughs, surfing strands, and the sheer granite walls of cliffs that are amongst some of the highest in Europe. Rare sea eagles circle over glacial mountains, dolphins leap the waves, seals bask on the shore, puffins nest on cliff faces and geese gather in great estuaries. And lighthouses safeguard sailors all the way up the coast – from Fastnet to Malin Head. www.wildatlanticway.com

Kinnegar Brewery

Ballyraine Industrial Estate, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny Tel: +353 74 9103890 E: info@kinnegarbrewing.ie www.kinnegarbrewing.ie

Lurgybrack Open Farm

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: +353 74 9122683 E: lurgybrackopenfarm@town.ie www.lurgybrackopenfarm.town.ie

Walking

Take a walk and you’ll find superb scenery, with mountains to conquer, forest paths, coastal walks, and town routes to roam. Whether you want a walking holiday, or a simple stroll, you’re definitely in the right place. A full list of walks can be found on www.irishtrails.ie | www.discoverireland.ie

Fishing

From freshwater rivers, loughs, and coastal waters, Donegal has it all when it comes to fishing. More information can be found on www.discoverireland.ie

Golf

Letterkenny Golf Club has a beautiful, 18-hole, 6,430 yards, par-70, parkland, championship course. It is one of the most scenic parkland courses in the north west. It takes advantage of natural variances of elevation, with four holes wrapped around the banks of Lough Swilly and the top seven holes affording the golfer a panoramic view of the Lough, and the picturesque garland hills and wooded countryside. Barnhill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal – Tel: +353 74 9121150 Email: admin@letterkennygolfclub.com www.letterkennygolfclub.com

Donegal Garden Trail

The Trail is comprised of 22 private and publicly owned gardens open for visitors at differing times during the gardening season. www.donegalgardentrail.com Brochures available in garden centres and tourist centres. Contact: Joan +353 (0) 87 9895099 or Dorothy +353 (0) 87 9131393

Driving Tours

The Fanad Peninsula scenic tour is a 72km circuit of the area, which is well signposted and is a splendid drive. Follow the R247 from Ramelton and enjoy the views of Lough Swilly all the way to Rathmullan. A fully equipped sea angling boat can be hired at the nearby pier at the glorious Rathmullan beach. Follow the Fanad Drive and Portsalon signs. Keep right at the fork for Portsalon. As the road rises around Knockalla Mountain enjoy the breathtaking views across Lough Swilly. Below you is Ballymastocker Bay bedecked with a trilogy of golden beaches and punctuated by fingers of grassy dunes. Portsalon lies across the bay. Resume your drive turning left into Portsalon. A left turn in the village will take you to Fanad Head via the coast. Follow the signs for the lighthouse. From the attractive lighthouse grounds you can see the rugged horn of Dunaff Head across the bay and further east, the long finger of Malin Head, the most northerly point in Ireland. Retrace your steps, this time ignoring the sign for Portsalon and keep the coast on your right. Turn left, signposted Kerrykeel 13km. Keep following the Fanad Drive signs past the inner lakes of Mulroy Bay and over a small bridge. Joining the R246 follow the sign, right, for Milford, which lies at the foot of Mulroy Bay. At the T – junction a left turn takes you into the village of Milford and right is the road to Carrigart ( R245 )