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10 Good Reasons to Visit County Donegal

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

Mount Errigal Donegal in the background, surrounded by a vast, grassy landscape. The sky is partly cloudy, casting soft light over the scene

Hi Everyone. This week we're going to take a trip to where the Wild Atlantic Way begins, the incomparable County Donegal.  The county's motto, "Up here it's different", captures its distinctiveness and isolation from the rest of the country. Lonely Planet quite aptly describes County Donegal as the "wild child of Ireland" and with good reason.

A four-hour drive from the capital, Donegal rewards the long journey many times over. With castles, cottages and 300 miles of coastline, it is a truly unforgettable place. So here are 10 (of many!) good reasons to visit County Donegal

10 Reasons to Visit County Donegal

1. Slieve League Cliffs

 

A rainbow arcs over a dramatic coastline, where steep cliffs meet the dark waters of the sea. The sky is partly cloudy, with stormy clouds contrasting against the vibrant colors of the rainbow.
Slieve League, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Typical of the drama of the Donegal landscape, Slieve League are the highest sea-cliffs in Europe, 600m - nearly 2,000 feet! - above the sea. That makes the Slieve League cliffs higher even than their famous neighbors the Cliffs of Moher. 

Looking down from Slieve League, keep an eye out for two interesting rocks known as the 'school desk and chair'. Slieve League is most spectacular in the evening when the Atlantic Ocean reflects the last of the daylight.

Aran sweater pick for clifftop walks; Women's Traditional Crew Neck Aran Sweater.

2. The Poisoned Glen

 

The Poisoned Glen. A stone church stands on a grassy hillside under a dramatic sky. Two rainbows arch over a distant mountain, enhancing the serene landscape. The scene captures a blend of natural beauty and historical architecture.

Visitors to the Poisoned Glen often wonder at how inappropriate this somewhat dark name seems for such a beautiful place. Legend decrees that the hollow of the glen got its name when the one-eyed king of Balor was killed by his grandson Lughaidh. 

The poison from his eye reportedly flowed into the glen! More likely it is a simple translation error. Only one letter separates Heaven - 'Neamh' and Poison - 'Neimhe' in Gaelic, the original Irish language. And looking at the landscape, 'Heavenly Glen' certainly seems more apt.

Aran sweater pick for ancient wanderings; Men's Signature Half Zip Irish Wool Sweater.

3. Glenveagh National Park

 

Glenveagh National Park. A serene landscape featuring a calm lake surrounded by rolling hills and trees. The sky is partly cloudy, with patches of blue visible. Golden and green vegetation line the water’s edge, creating a picturesque view of nature.

Ireland’s second-largest national park covers 16,000 hectares and is a walkers paradise. Feast your eyes on the Derryveigh Mountains and discover the stunning 19th-century Glenveagh Castle and gardens in its fairytale setting on the shores of Lough Veagh.

Aran sweater pick for for lakeside strolls; Women's Hooded Aran Zipper Classic Coat

4. Glenveagh Castle

 

Glenveagh Castle. A stone castle with a tower and surrounding buildings sits near a tranquil lake, bordered by lush greenery and rolling hills. The sky is clear, reflecting the natural beauty of the landscape.

Glenveagh stands in stark contrast to the rugged Donegal landscape that surrounds it. The Castle and its grounds are a carefully cultivated tribute to the design of Balmoral Castle, the British Royal Family's holiday retreat in Scotland. Its recent history has been equally star-studded. Past guests include Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo and Clark Gable.

Irish cape pick for country elegance; Women's Traditional Irish Wool Country Walking Cape

5.  The Inishowen Peninsula

 

The Inishowen Peninsula. A scenic view of a sandy beach bordered by green hills and rocky cliffs. The calm blue water gently meets the shore, while a few people are visible on the beach.

Time to head to Ireland’s largest peninsula, Inishowen. More magic awaits here with a wealth of stunning beaches, the highest sand dunes in Europe, charming fishing villages and countless relics of ancient Ireland.

Aran sweater pick for bracing beach walks; Women's Heritage Crew Neck Aran Sweater

6. Rossnowlagh beach

 

Rossnowlagh beach. A panoramic view of a sandy beach with low tide revealing wet sand patterns. In the distance, people walk along the shore .The scene is bathed in warm, late afternoon light.
View from Smuggler's Creek Inn, Rossnowlagh, County Donegal, Ireland

Rossnowlagh or 'The Heavenly Cove' is one of Europe's top Blue Flag surfing beaches. The force of the Atlantic ocean and the unique funnel shape of Donegal Bay combine to create towering waves, especially in winter, when waves can reach a staggering 7 meters!

Aran sweater pick for coastal meanderings; Men's Traditional Crew Neck Aran Sweater

7. Fintown Railway

 

Fintown Railway. A railway track runs alongside a lake, stretching towards the horizon under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Rolling hills can be seen in the background. The landscape features grassy areas and shrubs near the track.

Donegal's only functioning railway comes highly recommended by the late great Brian Friel, one of Ireland's most celebrated playwrights. Friel attests:

“What is on offer is a unique journey along the shores of a lake as grand as any in Switzerland or Minnesota”. 

A three-mile return trip on the Fintown Railway takes you through mountains and along the shores of Loch Finn, offering a unique perspective on Donegal's spectacular landscape.

Aran sweater pick for railway adventures; Womens Fisherman Lightweight Crew Neck Heritage Sweater

8. Glenevin Waterfall

 

Glenevin Waterfall. A waterfall cascades down rocky terrain, surrounded by lush green foliage. The water flows into a shallow stream with smooth stones along the banks. Clear blue skies peek through the trees above, creating a serene natural scene.
Standing at over 40ft tall, Glenevin's wedge-shaped fresh mountain waterfalls onto a black rock called Pohl–an-eas. The name translates as ‘ferment pool’ due to the foam that can be seen on the surface of the pool's waters.

Aran sweater pick for waterfall wanderings; Womens Signature Hooded Aran Waterfall Cardigan

9. Glencolmcille

 

Glencolmcille. A panoramic view of a coastal landscape featuring traditional thatched-roof cottages set against a backdrop of green fields and rolling hills. The calm sea is visible in the distance, with rugged cliffs lining the shore. Soft natural lighting highlights the scene.

This stunning corner of south-west Donegal is ruggedly beautiful and tradition, culture and the Irish language are preserved and cherished here. Take in the ever-changing landscape and soak up the unique atmosphere. A veritable treasure chest of stone-walled fields, awesome sea-cliffs and breathtaking beaches.

Aran sweater pick for picture postcard strolls; Women's Signature Aran Celtic Zipper Hooded Cardigan

10. Silver Strand, Malinbeg

 

Silver Strand, Malinbeg. A serene beach scene featuring soft, sandy shores bordered by gentle waves. In the background, lush green cliffs rise against a clear blue sky. The image captures a tranquil coastal landscape, emphasizing the natural beauty of the area.
Silver strand; Malinbeg; Donegal

So if I was absolutely forced to name my favorite Irish beach then this would have to be it. This stunning horseshoe bay with its sandy white strand and bottomless blue waters is such a treat. Descend the many stone steps and find yourself wrapped in majestic cliffs with exceptional views.

Aran sweater pick for Atlantic coastal outings; Men's Traditional Fisherman Irish Wool Sweater

If you get the chance then I urge you to make the trip and experience this stunning county!
And, don't forget to take your Aran sweaters with you if you're there in the cooler months. Actually take it whatever the weather!
Happy travels!
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.The Irish Store banner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Lulu O'Sullivan, Founder & CEO of The Irish Store, is a woman with wavy, shoulder-length blonde hair is smiling gently at the camera, wearing a blue top and white shirt. The background features a weathered wooden surface, suggesting an outdoor or rustic setting.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!

4 comments

Lulu O'Sullivan Feb 15, 2021 at 15:31

Hi Kim,

I’m so glad you’re still enjoying your Aran sweater. A wall made Aran lasts for years! I don’t know which woo lthey would have used but I’d guess it was merino or pure new wool.

Kind regards,

Lulu.

Reply

Kim Gossage Feb 13, 2021 at 16:59

Several years ago Kathleen Meehan made for me and mailed to me a hand knitted sweater after I visited there from Nashville. I ordered it at the visitors center. I cant remember the type wool that is used. Any idea about the wool the ladies would have used?
I’m from nashville TN so I dont get to wear it very often. But this week is extremely cold and I am enjoying it.

Reply

Lulu O'Sullivan Nov 13, 2019 at 15:17

Hi Sean,

Thanks for reading and thanks for the heads up. The lighthouse sounds great-I’ll be sure to check it out on one of my regular trips. I just love County Donegal!

Best regards,

Lulu.

Reply

Sean Mullan Nov 11, 2019 at 20:26

Lulu,
It’s such a pity that you did not make it to Fanad Lighthouse where you can do wonderful tours and even stay in one of the 3 lovely apartments. This is a non-profit community project.
www.fanadlighthouse.com
Hope to see you back again
All the best
Seán Mullan

Reply

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