Fanad Head Lighthouse in County Donegal, Ireland

Things to do in  Donegal

The edge of the Wild Atlantic Way

Donegal isn’t typically the first place on an international traveler’s Ireland itinerary. But this northwestern county should be; its sea cliffs, hiking trails, sandy beaches, and national park rival any other in the country. Its remote location, several hours away from Dublin, prevents some visitors from making the trek. But put in the effort to visit County Donegal and you’ll be richly rewarded. Of all the things to do in Donegal, don’t miss hiking in Glenveagh National Park and visiting the Fanad Head Lighthouse.

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Explore Donegal by interest

Top activities in Donegal

Donegal Coast One Day Self-Guided E-Bike Tour

Donegal Coast One Day Self-Guided E-Bike Tour

star-5
45
From
$48.87
Lough Eske Castle Hotel To Dublin Airport or Dublin Private Chauffeur Transfer

Lough Eske Castle Hotel To Dublin Airport or Dublin Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$705.89
per group
Mysteries of Inishowen private day tour

Mysteries of Inishowen private day tour

star-4.5
23
From
$1,031.68
per group
Sliabh Liag Cliffs and Glencolmcille Tour

Sliabh Liag Cliffs and Glencolmcille Tour

star-5
23
From
$841.64
per group
eBiking Glenveagh National Park. Donegal. Self guided. 3 hours.

eBiking Glenveagh National Park. Donegal. Self guided. 3 hours.

star-5
2
From
$45.61
Glenveagh National Park and Gaeltacht Tour

Glenveagh National Park and Gaeltacht Tour

star-5
8
From
$841.64
per group
Malin Head and Inishowen Tour

Malin Head and Inishowen Tour

star-5
18
From
$841.64
per group
Cycling Glenveagh National Park. Donegal. Self guided. 3 hours.

Cycling Glenveagh National Park. Donegal. Self guided. 3 hours.

From
$31.49
Oakfield Park Day Pass and Train Ride

Oakfield Park Day Pass and Train Ride

star-4.5
84
From
$15.20
Private Transfer from Donegal Town to Belfast Airport (BFS)

Private Transfer from Donegal Town to Belfast Airport (BFS)

From
$291.04
per group
Donegal Town To Dublin Airport Or Dublin City Private Luxury Car Transfer

Donegal Town To Dublin Airport Or Dublin City Private Luxury Car Transfer

From
$814.49
per group
Lough Eske Castle Hotel Donegal to Glenlo Abbey Galway Chauffeur Car Service

Lough Eske Castle Hotel Donegal to Glenlo Abbey Galway Chauffeur Car Service

From
$705.89
per group
Harveys Point Donegal To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer

Harveys Point Donegal To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer

star-5
1
From
$617.42
per group
Lough Eske Castle Hotel To Dublin / City Private Chauffeur Car Service

Lough Eske Castle Hotel To Dublin / City Private Chauffeur Car Service

From
$749.33
per group
Villa Rose Hotel Ballybofey To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer

Villa Rose Hotel Ballybofey To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer

From
$801.45
per group
Private Transfer from Letterkenny Town to Belfast Airport (BFS)

Private Transfer from Letterkenny Town to Belfast Airport (BFS)

From
$291.04
per group
Private Transfer from Lifford to Belfast Airport (BFS)

Private Transfer from Lifford to Belfast Airport (BFS)

From
$229.14
per group
Lough Eske Castle Hotel To Ashford Castle Chauffeur Driven Car Service

Lough Eske Castle Hotel To Ashford Castle Chauffeur Driven Car Service

From
$705.89
per group
Fanad Lighthouse and Doe Castle Tour

Fanad Lighthouse and Doe Castle Tour

star-5
2
From
$841.64
per group
Private Transfer from Donegal Airport (CFN) to Belfast Airport (BFS)

Private Transfer from Donegal Airport (CFN) to Belfast Airport (BFS)

From
$395.30
per group
See all Donegal tours

All about Donegal

When to visit

Without a doubt, the most popular time of year to visit County Donegal is during the months of June through August. Summer offers the best chance of sunshine and warmer temperatures—though, in Ireland, this is never guaranteed. In recent years Donegal has developed a shoulder season, with visitors arriving in the spring and fall as well. At any time of year, come prepared with waterproof jackets, shoes, and hats. Popular annual events include a folk music festival in September and a literary festival in October.

Getting around

County Donegal is a remote region in Ireland; a rental car is the best way to get around. While it’s possible to reach the larger towns in Donegal via train or bus, it would then be quite difficult and time-consuming to continue a coastal trip via public transport. Group tours or tours with a private driver provide convenient alternatives, or you can rent a car to discover peninsulas, beaches, and hiking trails at your own pace.

Traveler tips

Donegal is a mainly Irish-speaking county in Ireland, with many street signs only in the Irish language. The Irish word trá' translates to beach. Following trá signs will likely lead you to lesser-known and stunning beaches. Donegal offers pink-sand beaches, peaceful bays, and empty stretches of sand for walks to explore the many nooks and crannies of the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll need to hike to reach Murder Hole Beach, but the views are much nicer than the name.

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
IST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+353
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
47
Reviews
321
EN
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People Also Ask

Is Donegal Ireland worth visiting?

Yes, Donegal in Ireland is worth visiting. This county in the northwest of Ireland is known for its beaches, hikes, and sea cliffs. It’s a good match for visitors seeking a wild, local version of Ireland away from popular tourist destinations. Expect friendly pubs and fresh seafood here.

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What is the most scenic area of Donegal?

There are several contenders for the most scenic area of Donegal. These include the Slieve League sea cliffs, which are dramatic in height and setting, and the county’s northern stretches, home to the scenic Murder Hole Beach. Most of the coastline here is worth exploring.

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What is Donegal Ireland known for?

County Donegal in Ireland is known for its remote beauty and varied outdoor activities. Hiking along sea cliffs, setting out on beach walks, and renting bikes or kayaks for coastal tours are all popular things to do. The Slieve League sea cliffs and Glenveagh National Park are also famous attractions.

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What is the main town in Donegal?

The largest towns in County Donegal are Donegal Town to the south and Letterkenny further north. This Irish county is made up mostly of small towns and villages; some of the most charming are Bundoran, Downings, and Dunfanaghy.

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Can you see the Northern Lights in Donegal?

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights in Donegal seasonally. The best chance to see the Northern Lights is away from the larger towns, on the peninsulas that jut out into the sea. The months of September and March offer the best chance to see the Northern Lights in Donegal.

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What are the top attractions to visit in Donegal?

The top attractions to visit in County Donegal include the Slieve League sea cliffs, golf courses such as Rosapenna Golf Links, and beachside villages like Downings. People interested in hiking may want to explore Glenveagh National Park. Top tours include e-bike experiences, fishing excursions, kayaking tours, and lighthouse visits.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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