1. Glenveagh National Park and Castle
In the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains you’ll find a beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, unspoiled lakes, plunging waterfalls and charming native oak woodlands filled with a large herd of red deer. This National Park is a feast for the eyes, a real pleasure to walk through. The planting ensures that there is always something to delight, whatever the season. The park surrounds Glenveagh Castle, a late 19th century embattled mansion.
Admission to the Park and Gardens is free. Open every day of the year from dawn to dusk.
2. Slieve League Sea Cliffs
Feel as though you are on the very edge of the world on one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, which rise over 600m above the swirling Atlantic Ocean below. Beyond the viewing point, experienced walkers may follow One Man’s pass, which loops around to the Pilgrim’s Path. The pathway from Bunglas to Malinbeg is suitable for those looking to take a gentler route.
Slieve League is embedded with history such as the remains of an early Christian monastic site, with chapel and beehive huts. Close to the viewing point you can see stones, which marked out the word ‘Éire’ as a navigation aid for aircraft during WWII.
The last stop before the cliff is a family-run centre packed with local history and culture. The centre boasts Tí Linn Café which is renowned for its home baking. The craft shop stocks locally made knitwear and artworks and, during the summer months, you can even catch a traditional Irish music session.
3. Fanad Head Lighthouse
Weave your way through the narrow and winding coastal roads of this Wild Atlantic Way point, home to the iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse.
Following a tragedy in December 1811, resulting in a ship wrecked off the northern coast – the only survivor being the ship’s parrot, the lighthouse was built to help guide ships and sailors safely on their voyages.
Voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, it is one of 70 lighthouses operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights around the coast of Ireland.
4. Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair
These magical sea stacks are hundreds of years old and Bundoran’s original tourist attraction back in the 1800s. It is said that as far back as the 1700s locals believed these to be haunted by the fairies with the result of the name “The Fairy Bridges”.
5. Blue Flag Beaches
Donegal's coastline boast thirteen beautiful Blue Flag beaches. To be given Blue Flag status a beach must have a high standard in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information, and safety and services.
These beaches include Bundoran- the surf capital of Ireland, and Rossnowlagh- perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers.
Blue Book Houses in Donegal
With its stunning location beside the sea, you will find a 2 mile sandy beach at the bottom of the beautifully maintained front garden.
Inside has a comfortable and informal country house style with rooms to suit everyone, from romantic garden rooms with freestanding bath tubs to large garret rooms for whole families.
The award winning Cook & Gardener restaurant relies, as the name suggests on locally sourced produce and the knowhow of dedicated and experienced chefs. The walled organic garden at Rathmullan House provides many of the ingredients that you will find in your evening meal.
Castle Grove is a family-run Georgian house, built in 1695 and set is its own 250-acre estate with gardens designed by “Capability” Brown. Situated at the end of a mile-long avenue on the shores of Lough Swilly it’s the perfect base to explore beautiful Donegal and Wild Atlantic way.
Two drawing rooms with open fireplaces, library, cosy bar and bedrooms are furnished with antiques and luxury fabrics. The award-winning fine dining restaurant serves excellent cuisine prepared by Master Chefs, who combine locally sourced produce with organically grown fruit and vegetables from the four acre Walled Garden.
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