Spanning nearly 5,000 square kilometres, County Donegal is one of the most beautiful regions in Ireland. Famed for its dramatic coastline, emerald hills, and historic attractions, Donegal offers a one-of-a-kind journey through northwestern Ireland.
Its expansive landscapes are primed for exploring, whether you want to embark on a hiking expedition, an excursion into history, or a voyage into Atlantic waters.
Travelling across Donegal by car is possible thanks to the well-connected roads, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore the countryside by foot or bike.
Our Donegal travel guide will answer all your questions about visiting this breathtaking county. If you’re interested in exploring via two wheels, check out our eBike Tours in Donegal or feel free to contact us about our other bike tours across Ireland.
Now, continue reading for helpful travel advice for your time in Donegal and our recommended Donegal attractions.
The best time of year to visit Donegal is between May and September when the sun peeks through the clouds and the weather warms. Temperatures range between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius and while you can still expect rain, there are fewer days on average where there will be a shower.
These ideal conditions beckon visitors to Donegal, meaning you’ll likely experience more crowds. If you want a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder months of April and October, when temperatures are slightly cooler. For a true Irish experience, arrange your visit for March to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day!
There are plenty of accommodation options in County Donegal, ranging from campsites on the Wild Atlantic Way to castle hotels. In Gweedore, where WeWheel Donegal is based, set yourself up in An Chúirt Hotel Gweedore for stunning views of Mount Errigal, or enjoy a more rustic stay at the Sleepy Hollows Campsite.
Immerse yourself in Donegal’s rugged coastline and pitch your tent at Sliabh Liag Camping, or opt for a glamping experience at Wild Atlantic Camp. If you’d prefer not to be too exposed to the elements, you can stay in a traditional thatched cottage, such as the Donegal Thatched Cottage in Loughanure. For a truly unique experience, you could also stay the night at the Fanad Head Lighthouse in one of the cottages! Alternatively, embrace historic luxury at the 5-star Lough Eske Castle. Stay in rooms dating as far back as the 1600s or in the Tower Suite, and enjoy a rejuvenating experience at the hotel spa.
Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or a history buff, Donegal sightseeing is unmatched. Explore the county’s breathtaking landscapes in Glenveagh National Park, where you can enjoy numerous walking paths and cycling trails, spot wildlife, and even visit a stunning castle.
Surrounding Glenveagh are the rugged Derryveagh Mountains. The highest peak in this range and Donegal is Mount Errigal at over 750 meters. You can hike to the summit or enjoy panoramic views of the mountain along a Guided eBike Tour through the Hills of Donegal if you’d prefer an easier trip. At the foot of Mount Errigal is the Poisoned Glen, a breathtaking valley home to a ruined church and a number of legends.
Donegal’s coastline is a must-see. Forming part of the famed Wild Atlantic Way, major highlights in Donegal include Slieve League, Malin Head, and Fanad Head, where you can tour the iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse. Go beyond the shores by taking a ferry to Arranmore Island. Here, embark on a sea safari, climb coastal rocks, or explore the community’s history.
For a more relaxing excursion, head to Bunbeg Beach. At low tide, you can walk along the sprawling golden sands and discover rock pools and coves. A highlight of Bunbeg Beach is the iconic Bád Eddie shipwreck. Since it washed ashore in the 1970s, this wreck has become a major feature of the Donegal landscape, inspiring photographers and artists to capture its unusual beauty.
Donegal is dotted with historic castles and attractions. One of the most famous is Donegal Castle, overlooking the River Eske in Donegal Town. Originally built in the 15th century, Donegal Castle offers a fascinating journey through Irish history.
Further north on the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula, you’ll find Fort Dunree. Overlooking Lough Swilly, Fort Dunree has played a crucial role in Irish military history since the 1800s. Tour the Military Museum to learn more about this important site or explore more of the Inishowen Peninsula. You can travel further back in time with a visit to Grianán of Aileach, a burial chamber dating back to the Neolithic Age that has featured in Irish legends.
Explore a major turning point in Irish history at the Port Abandoned Famine Village. This is one of the many ghost villages in Ireland that people abandoned as a result of the Great Famine. As potato crops were infected, millions of people starved and died while millions more fled the country.
Another major Donegal attraction not to be missed is Wild Ireland. Located in Dundrain in a Celtic forest, this park creates a natural sanctuary for rescued animals and species which were historically hunted to extinction. While rehabilitating animals such as red foxes and wild boars, Wild Ireland has also created a home for brown bears and wolves, which once roamed Ireland before going extinct in the wild.
Across Country Donegal, you can find a collection of artisanal stores that reflect local craftsmanship and creativity. At the Donegal Craft Village in Donegal Town, browse an array of artworks, from paintings and pottery to jewellery and glassworks. If you’re looking for a classic Irish flat cap, make a stop at Hanna Hats, which has been making tweed caps for 100 years. For a behind-the-scenes look, you can go on a guided tour of their workshop.
Uncover Irish traditions in Ardara at the Triona Donegal Tweed Visitor Centre, where handweaver Denis Mulhern is preserving the tradition of handwoven tweed. Watch handweavers at work and learn about their techniques. You can then purchase one of their creations, made with the utmost care.
You won’t have to look far to find a bar in Donegal. The county has over 300 pubs, offering plenty of watering holes for whiskey, beer, or cider. Some of the best bars in Donegal include The Reel Inn, where you can enjoy live traditional music while washing down a pint. Head to Sharkey’s Bar in Annagry for a Guinness, or McCafferty’s Bar in Donegal Town for a whiskey sour. No matter where you step, you’ll be sure to experience the warmth of Irish hospitality.
Wherever you go in Donegal, a plate of fish and chips will certainly be on the menu. Thanks to the county’s location near the Atlantic Ocean, you can expect fresh seafood at just about any eatery. And there are plenty to choose from!
From cosy bistros such as Ahoy Cafe in Killybegs to The Narrow Quarter Bistro & Coffeehouse in Kerrykeel, you’ll find a delicious plate of food and a warm drink on a rainy day. For a true Irish pub experience, head to the Olde Castle Seafood Bar in Donegal Town. Dine on fresh fish and drink a craft beer in this stone building that has stood since the 1700s.
If you’re looking for some culinary excellence, head to the Michelin-starred Lemon Tree in Letterkenny. This family-run restaurant uses locally-sourced produce to serve some of the most delectable dishes in Donegal. You can find one other Michelin-starred restaurant in Donegal – the Olde Glen Bar in Glenmenagh. This 250-year-old pub now dishes out 4-course dinners of the highest quality.
If you’re needing to keep the kids entertained while in Donegal, there are plenty of family-friendly activities. Visit the Donegal Railway Heritage Museum in Donegal Town to discover models of trains and learn about the railways of Donegal. Children will love the interactive exhibits, as well as a ride on one of the trains!
For even more fun activities in Donegal, you can visit the Errigal View Pet Zoo. Kids can meet animals such as meerkats, llamas, emus, and wallabies, and even feed a few of them. In the unlikely event they get bored of interacting with these creatures, there is a jumping castle, slides, and an indoor playground for them to enjoy!
We hope our Donegal travel guide has given you the inspiration you need to make your trip happen! At WeWheel, we believe one of the best ways to truly get acquainted with Donegal’s attractions is on a bike tour. There’s nothing quite like having the wind blow in your hair as you traverse some of the dreamiest landscapes. Whether you opt for a self-guided or guided tour, our Donegal eBike tours from Gweedore will show you the region like never before. Get in touch with the team at WeWheels and we’ll take you on the tour of a lifetime!