Ballybofey

Travel Guide

Ifyou’re looking for a remote getaway, then the town of Ballybofeyin Donegal is a great place to visit. Located onthe west coast of Ireland, Donegal is one of Ireland'smost remote counties. Its deep lakes and untouched mountain ranges make it apopular destination with hikers and lovers of the outdoors.

Situatedon the River Finn – roaring upstream, and slower downstream – Ballybofeyis in the prime location for keen anglers. Combine its fishing with a fantasticrange of natural attractions, shopping, culture and great places to stay, and Ballybofeymakes an idyllic getaway for those wanting to explore everything on offer in CountyDonegal.

Historyin Ballybofey

Ballybofeyhas its origins as a market town and was once a part of the 18thcentury Glenmore Estate. During the 19th and 20thcenturies, the town experienced a fast rate of growth. While the nearbyGlenmore Estate manor house was demolished in the 1990s, the town continued toprosper, and today it is a popular riverside retreat. It is unusual for anIrish town in that it has neither a church nor a school.

Ballybofey’sDrumboe Woods

It’snot often you’ll find woodland so untouched by city life, but Ballybofey’sDrumboe Woods remain unscathed. Though not large, this riversidewoodland area is a prime example of how stunning Ireland can be. Home to manyspecies of wildflower, as well as rabbits, badgers, hedgehogs and threeprotected species of bat, you’ll discover that a trip to the DrumboeWoods feels a little like stepping into Wind in the Willows.

Balleybofey’s River Finn

As a prime fishing and beauty spot, the River Finnattracts anglers from all over Europe. Here you can enjoy the rippling watersof the river, bounded by the lush foliage of the Finn Valley. It boasts excellentsalmon and trout populations, and has areas of fishing perfect for both novicesand anglers. Since the river operates a ‘catch and release’ policy, a trip herewill do no harm to the environment.

Golf in Ballybofey

Iffishing isn’t your thing, the nearby Ballybofey &Stranorlar Golf Club is the perfect place to enjoy theIrish countryside whilst practicing your swing. You can enjoy the warmestwelcome in its top-notch clubhouse, built in keeping with the rolls of thenearby hills and the Finn Valley. Set in a mature parkland area, the fairwaysoffer stunning views over the nearby LoughAllen and BluestackMountain range.

Culture in Ballybofey

You could also check out the local arts scene atthe Balor Arts Centre, overlooking the River Finn in central Ballybofey.Rural though the town may be, this arts centre and theatre is modern both in itsevents and its architectural splendour. Promising a year round programme ofcomedy, drama, music, exhibitions and more, you’re certain to find a memorableshow.

Visit Ballybofey

The perfect central place to stay if you’revisiting County Donegal, book your break in Ballybofeywith Expedia today.

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Donegal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM389 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
RM389
RM441 total
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Balor Arts Centre and Drumboe Woods are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (114 reviews)
"Our room was clean and renovated. The restaurant had very good food and a variety on the menu. The location was a little different but there was parking at the rear."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2025

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club

4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
The price is RM467 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
RM467
RM530 total
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor ...
7.8/10 Good! (420 reviews)
"Staff very helpful and friendly always there to help"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
The Central Hotel Donegal

The Central Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The price is RM545 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
RM545
RM618 total
7 Oct - 8 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (514 reviews)
"Love the Central hotel Staff are very welcoming Rooms cosy and comfortable Excellent location"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

The Central Hotel Donegal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny

2 out of 5
Port Rd, Letterkenny, DL
Stay at this apartment in Letterkenny. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Letterkenny Leisure Centre and Donegal County ...
9/10 Wonderful! (41 reviews)
Letterkenny big space in town.
"Easy to reach staff, good communication. Very spacious suite. Bed was comfortable but pillows were flat."

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Rosie's Bar Apartment -

Rosie's Bar Apartment -

3.5 out of 5
Drumkeen
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Drumkeen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Newmills Corn and Flax Mills and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Rosie’s Is A Winner!!
"Was a beautiful new apartment, tastefully furnished with all of the amenities of home! Host was super friendly!"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Rosie's Bar Apartment -
Ellen's Cottage

Ellen's Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Mountcharles
Stay at this 3.5-star golf cottage in Mountcharles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Abbey of Donegal and Donegal Golf Club are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
"Excellent, Ideal for families, peaceful surroundings. Nice views. Owner were so helpful with everything. Many Thanks Tom and Elish"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Ellen's Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Ballybofey

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Bars within the Hotel were excellent some of the local bars where dirty and we refused to drink in some of them.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The townsfolk of Ballybofey are very friendly and welcoming