Things To Do in Donegal: A Guide to the Best Landmarks, Experiences and Activities 

County Donegal is located in the Northwest of Ireland and is well known for its stunning landscapes, rugged coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors will be impressed with the range of activities and experiences on offer. 

In this article, we have collated a guide for touring the county, providing you with a list of things to do in Donegal that you can tailor to your interests and hobbies. Whether you want to escape into the picturesque rural landscapes or feel transported into the traditional Irish lifestyle, you find it all here when you visit County Donegal.

Things to do in Donegal Ireland

Donegal boasts a plethora of stunning natural landmarks, coastal scenes, and historic and cultural landmarks. Visiting these locations is a worthwhile experience that will be hard to forget. 

Check out our recommendations for places to visit and things to do in Donegal below: 

Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park is one of Donegal’s most treasured natural areas, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s wild and untamed beauty. The park covers 16,000 hectares and is a haven for hikers, nature lovers, and those looking to escape into a serene environment. The park is home to Glenveagh Castle, a 19th-century mansion set against the backdrop of the Derryveagh Mountains and overlooking the tranquil waters of Lough Veagh.

Key Activities:

Wildlife Watching: Glenveagh is home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer and golden eagles. The park’s remote location makes it an ideal spot for birdwatching and observing animals in their natural habitat.

Hiking: The park features several well-marked trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The Glenveagh Lakeside Walk is particularly popular, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Castle Tour: Explore Glenveagh Castle, where you can take a guided tour to learn about its history and the stories of its former owners. The castle gardens are also a must-see, with their beautifully manicured lawns and exotic plants.

Derryveagh Mountains 

The Derryveagh Mountains are a rugged and scenic mountain range in County Donegal. These mountains are characterized by their dramatic peaks, deep glens, and remote valleys. 

The Derryveagh Mountains are a popular destination for hiking, hillwalking, and nature enthusiasts due to their natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Points of interest in these mountain ranges include Mount Errigal, the highest peak (752m), and The Poisoned Glen. 

The Poisoned Glen features a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush green vegetation. It is thought to have gotten its name from a mistranslation of “heavenly glen.”

Slieve League Cliffs

The Slieve League Cliffs are one of Donegal’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Towering over 600 metres (1,970 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean, they are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe and offer some of the most spectacular views in Ireland. The cliffs are less commercialised than the Cliffs of Moher, making them a perfect destination for those seeking a more tranquil experience.

Key Activities:

Photography: The dramatic landscape of the Slieve League Cliffs is a photographer’s dream, with endless opportunities to capture the rugged beauty of Donegal’s coastline.

Viewing Platforms: Several points provide stunning panoramas of the cliffs and the vast ocean below. The Bunglass viewpoint is prevalent and offers an incredible vantage point from which to take in the sheer scale of the cliffs.

Hiking: For the adventurous, the One Man’s Pass is a challenging hike along the top of the cliffs. The narrow and steep trail, but the views are well worth the effort. Less experienced hikers can opt for the Pilgrim’s Path, which is less demanding but offers fantastic views.

Glenveagh Castle

A notable feature of Glenveagh National Park is the Glenveagh Castle, which is mesmerizing and jaw-dropping once you see it in real life—the pictures simply do not do it justice. 

Mature trees shroud it and look over the shimmering lake below. You can also take an idly stroll around the Castle Gardens, which are split into two main parts: the Pleasure Gardens and the Walled Garden. Both gardens date back to the 1880s and still retain much of their Victorian-era design. 

Grianan of Aileach

Grianan of Aileach is an ancient stone fort on the summit of Greenan Mountain. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Lough Foyle, Lough Swilly, and the Inishowen Peninsula.

This is an important historical and archaeological site, measuring approximately 23 meters (75 feet) in diameter and 5 meters (16 feet) in height. It features three terraces and walls up to 4 meters (13 feet) thick. 

The Grianan of Aileach dates back to the early Iron Age, around 800 BCE. The structure was primarily built using dry stone masonry and was supposedly used for seating the rulers of the ancient kingdom of Aileach.

Things to do in Donegal for families

Donegal provides many experiences and activities to enjoy with your family, from castles to beaches to forest parks and dramatic coastal paths; there is something here for everyone, ensuring a brilliant family trip you will cherish for years to come. 

Donegal Castle

Situated in the heart of Donegal Town, Donegal Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in the county. Initially built in the 15th century by the O’Donnell clan, one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ireland, the castle has been meticulously restored to reflect its former glory.

The castle’s history is as fascinating as its architecture. Guided tours take visitors through the castle’s great hall, banquet hall, and tower house, offering a glimpse into the life of its former inhabitants. The beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the castle provide a peaceful retreat after your tour.

Donegal Town is worth exploring, with its charming streets, traditional pubs, and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy some local seafood in one of the town’s excellent restaurants.

Check out this article to find more Irish Castles you can visit. 

Glencolmcille Folk Village

Step back in time at this open-air museum, which showcases traditional Irish life through a series of restored thatched cottages and exhibits on local history and culture. It’s a great way to immerse the whole family in history and encourage the younger ones to appreciate the life of ancestors past. 

Downings Donegal

Downings is a small coastal village in the Rosguill peninsula of County Donegal. It encompasses the mesmeric scenery of the coast and boasts stunning beaches where you can take part in water activities or fishing ventures. 

Downings is also full of traditional Irish bars and restaurants that serve delicious dishes made with fresh seasonal produce. With a range of unique shops that sell handmade gifts and iconic Donegal tweed, Downings is just the perfect place with something for everyone. 

Bundoran

Bundoran is another excellent place to escape with your family. It boasts picturesque sandy beaches and is full of great family-friendly activities such as Waterworld, an indoor water park and amusements where you can also play arcade games or a round of bowling. If you’re feeling courageous, you can join the Surf School and cruise along the crashing waves of Bundoran. 

Letterkenny

Letterkenny is the largest town in County Donegal, Ireland, and serves as the county’s main commercial, cultural, and urban centre. It is situated along the banks of the River Swilly and offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors.

Points of interest in Letterkenny include St. Eunan’s Cathedral, a 19th-century Roman Catholic cathedral of neo-Gothic architecture, Glebe House and Gallery, Donegal County Museum and the An Grianán Theatre.

Things to do in Donegal for couples

Donegal is a great place for escaping on a romantic rendezvous. Whisk your loved one away and feel wrapped up in your world together, with only the picturesque surroundings to keep you both company. 

Malin Head 

As the northernmost point of Ireland, Malin Head is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Donegal. This rugged headland is a geographical landmark and a place of stunning natural beauty.

Malin Head is famous for its dramatic coastal scenery, with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and swirling seas. The area is a paradise for photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone who appreciates the raw beauty of nature. On a clear day, you can even glimpse Scotland’s distant shores.

In recent years, Malin Head has gained international fame as a filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Fans of the franchise will enjoy exploring the spots where scenes from the movie were shot.

Fanad Head Lighthouse

Standing sentinel on the northern coast of Donegal, Fanad Head Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque lighthouses in Ireland. The lighthouse, which dates back to 1817, is perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors to Fanad Head can take a guided tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history and the life of a lighthouse keeper. The tour includes a climb to the top of the tower, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the rugged coastline.

For those who want to immerse themselves in the lighthouse experience, Fanad Head also offers unique accommodation in the former lighthouse keeper’s cottages. Spending a night at Fanad Head is a magical experience, with the sound of the waves and the beacon’s light guiding you to sleep.

Check out this article to explore more famous Irish Lighthouses. 

Murder Hole Beach

Don’t let the violent name put you off having a romantic stroll on this pleasurable sandy beach. The waves lap onto the cliff edges, creating a truly stunning scene. However, due to the underwater dangerous currents, it is unsuitable for swimming or water-based activities. 

Tory Island

Take a ferry to this remote island just outside Donegal. You’ll find a unique community steeped in Irish culture and tradition here. Explore the island’s rugged landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and thriving seabird colonies. It’s the perfect escape for a couple on an adventure. 

A Donegal Visit You’ll Never Forget

Donegal is one of the most idyllic parts of Ireland, boasting awe-inspiring coastal views and dramatic landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth. If you want to explore more of Irish culture, check out this article on Irish blessings.

There are many more things to do in Donegal than we have mentioned above, but the best way to get to know the County is to book a Donegal Visit and soak up the culture and scenes yourself. 
If you plan on seeing more of the Emerald Isle, be sure to check out the following articles:

Things to do in Mayo | Things to do in Antrim | Things to do in Derry | Things to do in  Fermanagh | Things to do in Armagh | Things to do in County Down | Things to do in Tyrone | Things to do in Monaghan | Things to do in Roscommon | Things to do in Northern Ireland for Couples | Things to do in Northern Ireland for Families | Things to do in Sligo  | Things to do in Leitrim  | Things to do in Louth  | Things to do in Cavan.