Donegal

Travel Guide

Photo by Jeff White
Photo by Dewayne Mathis
Photo by Jeff White
Photo by Patrick Mccallan
Photo by Gary Alcorn

Donegal sits onthe Atlantic-washed northwest coast of Ireland, straddling the Eske River inlush, green County Donegal.Nestled between the Barnesmore Mountains and the Eske as itflows into Donegal Bay,this charm-laden town serves up pastel-painted houses, a quaint harbourside andnarrow lanes edged with welcoming restaurants, shops, pubs and bars. Any walkaround Donegalwill bring you to The Diamond, the pedestrianised square at the heart of thetown, with its stone obelisk, and imposing Donegal Castle, dating from the 15thcentury.

Best of Donegal

Donegal is small enough to feel at home in right away, and there’s no shortage of things to do in this welcoming town. There’s something for history and culture buffs, keen walkers, foodies and night owls.

Explore the harbourside to enjoy the postcard-perfect views of the Eske and Donegal Bay admire enchanting St Patrick’s Church and view the Four Masters Obelisk at The Diamond, which honours the four monks who penned the ‘The Annuals of the Four Masters’, a historical account of Gaelic Ireland.

Take a guided tour of Donegal Castle, once home to the O’ Donnell family who ruled the area, to see its grandiose rooms and furnishings, and roam the atmospheric ruins of Donegal’s 15th century Franciscan Friary, set against beautiful bay views.

Other must-sees include the Railway Heritage Centre, a museum commemorating the long-gone local railways, and a cruise on the Donegal Bay Waterbus, a journey around the unspoilt islands, seal-inhabited crags and green hills that bound the bay, all backed by views of the Bluestack Mountains.

History of Donegal

The site of prehistoric forts, Donegal town was settled by the Vikings in the 9th century, becoming known as Dún na nGall, which translates as ‘Fort of the Foreigners’. After the Vikings were forced out by the Gaelic family of the O’Donnell clan, the town became the capital of the O’Donnells’ Tir Chonaill territories, before being seized by the English crown and developing into the town it is today between the 17th and 20th centuries.

Sights around Donegal

Donegal is an excellent gateway for the sandy beaches, craggy coastlines, mountains and untouched countryside. Head for the nearby lake of Lough Eske for scenic walks along its banks, go hiking in the Bluestack Mountains, relax on the Blue Flag beaches of Murvagh, Rossnowlagh and Bundoran, or hit the Wild Atlantic Way touring route to ogle Donegal’s magnificent coastline, including the Slieve League cliffs. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for angling, horse riding and golf, and Donegal town is a perfect base for those who love the outdoors.

Enjoying Donegal

Donegal bursts with shops, restaurants and pubs to keep you busy day and night. Stroll around Main Street and The Diamond to discover a great choice of traditional stores, including clothing, arts, crafts and book shops — all perfect for souvenir-hunting.

When you’re peckish, visit any of Donegal’s restaurants in the town centre or edging Donegal Bay. With everything from seafood, pasta and Chinese to fish and chips and fine dining on the menu, there’s something for everyone.

Later, sample the Irish craic at Donegal’s cosy pubs and inns. Along with a famously warm Irish welcome, traditional Irish music is a draw at most drinking spots, making Donegal great for nightlife.

The Abbey Hotel Donegal

The Abbey Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The price is RM690 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
RM690
RM783 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (656 reviews)
"Very cute hotel. Fantastic service, very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

The Abbey Hotel Donegal
The Central Hotel Donegal

The Central Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The price is RM738 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
RM738
RM838 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (492 reviews)
"The hotel and all the staff were lovely, helpful and friendly. Breakfast was great and the evening meal options were also very good. Great location and the harbour view was beautiful"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

The Central Hotel Donegal
Mill Park Hotel

Mill Park Hotel

4 out of 5
The Mullins, Donegal, Donegal
The price is RM824 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
RM824
RM936 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (954 reviews)
"Lovely 2 nights stay , with a fantastic evening meal"

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Mill Park Hotel
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.
Charming 2-bed Apartment in Donegal Town Centre

Charming 2-bed Apartment in Donegal Town Centre

3 out of 5
Donegal
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Donegal. Enjoy free WiFi, cable TV channels, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Diamond Obelisk and Killaghtee ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Perfect location in picturesque Donegal, overlooking the Diamond. Nearby coffee shops, stores, and pubs. Good launching point for exploring the spectacular cliffs and other scenic sites. The owner was informative and accommodating."

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Charming 2-bed Apartment in Donegal Town Centre
Cookies Cottage

Cookies Cottage

3.5 out of 5
Ballyshannon
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Ballyshannon. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Catsby Cave and Abbey Assaroe are located nearby.
"A short break, overall a good time had by all. However while the overall condition of the cottage was good it could have done with a real deep clean. Bedding was obviously used and the mattress was uncomfortable as you could feel the springs through it. Furniture inside also left a lot to be desired ..."

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2024

Cookies Cottage
Farm Stay Property Pets and Families Welcome

Farm Stay Property Pets and Families Welcome

3 out of 5
Ballyshannon
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ballyshannon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Abbey Assaroe and Catsby Cave are located ...
Wonderful stay
"Absolutely lovely. Sweet family hosts, very helpful and great communication. Roomy living area and plenty of beds for a family."

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2022

Farm Stay Property Pets and Families Welcome
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.

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