7 things to do and see in County Donegal
Is it a microclimate or just bad luck? It appears that most of my visits to County Donegal turn out to be “wet”, “drenched” or “moist”. Though to be realistic, no-one goes to the North of Ireland to get a tan. Despite all this, County Donegal remains beautiful, even in gloomy weather. Furthermore, Donegal people always seem to be friendly and in a good mood, which is some compensation for having to walk around in the puddles.
As you will see on this page, County Donegal has a lot to offer in terms of sights and activities…
Here are some photos and descriptions of places to visit.
1. Visit Donegal Castle…
If you arrive in Donegal Town when it’s raining, Donegal Castle would give you a great opportunity to remain dry and learn a little about Irish history at the same time. The castle was first built beside the River Eske in the 15th century by the O’Donnell chieftains, one of the most powerful families from the 5th to the 16th centuries. Sir Basil Brooke made extensive additions to the castle in the 17th century. The Office of Public Works (OPW) refurbished it in 1990.
The castle has two floors, which were recently restored. The first floor is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French tapestries (the Irish people have good taste
!). On the second floor, information panels chronicle the history of the castle owners from the O’Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family.
2. Visit Donegal Town…
For a town which gave its name to a county, you will be surprised just how small Donegal Town is. Two to three hours will be enough to go through its streets (coffee break included). In the middle of the town, you will see a square locally known as the “Diamond”.
3. Admire the view of the sea…
Donegal Town is located on the River Eske estuary. If you walk along the town’s harbour, you’ll be able to enjoy a nice view of Donegal Bay. NB: The photo is in black and white, because the weather was probably too miserable that day.
4. Pass by Killybegs…
On my first trip to Co. Donegal in 2002, the small town of Killybegs made a particularly strong impression. No… For once, it wasn’t the view that was outstanding, but the strong whiff of fish, which overpowered the whole town. The town is actually Ireland’s number one fishing port. Luckily, since then, big improvements have been made to the local fish factories, and indeed the fishy whiff had nearly disappeared when I passed by in 2009.
5. Visit the Grianan of Aileach…
This is a fort built on the Hill of Grianán, which is 244m high. The current fort dates from around 1000 AD, but was built on the site of a much older fort dating from 3000 BC. Its walls are around 4m thick and its diameter is 23m. When I passed by in 2006, restoration work was in progress, so I couldn’t visit the fort. Note that you can admire and enter similar forts on the Aran Islands (on Inishmore or Inishmaan in particular).
6. Admire the view from the fort…
Even if you can’t enter the fort, it is still possible to enjoy a view of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly, and understand the strategic importance of the site. Note that you can visit the City of Derry, located only a few kilometres away, in Northern Ireland.
10. Climb Mont Errigal…
Mount Errigal rises to 752 metres and is the highest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains in the North-West of Ireland. You have the possibility to climb it, provided that you have good equipment and a bit of experience. On top of Errigal, you’ll be able to see Glenveagh National Park, the Poison Glen and, on a clear day, Tory Island.
Are you looking for more ideas related to County Donegal? Feel free to visit that second page.
