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A trip to Ireland will sooner or later take you to the gorgeous Donegal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re here for fast-track travel or leisurely sightseeing; there is an endless supply of things to do and sights to see in Donegal.
Amble along with me as my Donegal blog will help you find some of the top things to do in Donegal.
Going on a 3 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Donegal. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Here is a combined list of best tourist places in Donegal as well as some of the best things to do in Donegal.
1. Donegal Castle
Donegal Castle is a medieval fortified structure perched over a hilltop.
It is an important place to see because of what it represents in the annals of city’s history. The visitor center, at the entrance, will help you get started and answer any questions.
Quick Facts:
- The castle was built somewhere around 15th-century.
Address: Saint Helenes, 11 Castle St, Milltown, Donegal, F94 E3W5, Ireland
2. Donegal Railway Heritage Centre
An interesting railroad museum, Donegal Railway Heritage Centre showcases the history of railway in the region.
With over thirty trains, including steam engines and diesel trains, Donegal gives unique insight into rail travel in the region.
In my opinion the rustic steam engines are the highlight of the museum.
Quick Facts:
- The rail museum is dedicated to the narrow gauge Donegal Railways which operated from 1863 until 1959.
A natural crowd puller, Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is right up there in the list of best things to do in Donegal.
Address: The Old Station House, Tyrconnell St, Donegal, Ireland
3. Lough Eske
Lough Eske is an enchanting lake with natural wooded surroundings.
If you are feeling lazy, you can idle away time sitting on a bench and looking at the tranquil waters. Here you can indulge yourself in paddle boating, swimming, biking or simply walking along the paved path.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over a total area of 3.642 km², it stretches for around 3.7 km on the longer side.
4. Slieve League
A cliff along the miles long coast.
. The rugged limestone shore, which plunges into the sea from vast heights is what everyone comes to see.
Quick Facts:
- The cliff is located at an elevation of 601 m.
- the place is as good as the great Cliffs of Moher, so don’t miss it!
With so much to offer, no wonder Slieve League is one of the top things to do in Donegal.
5. Glenveagh
Glenveagh is a protected natural area, harboring a variety of flora and fauna.
A whole world of discovery and adventure awaits you upon your visit to Glenveagh.
The park was formed to protect the invaluable ecosystems and residents living there. There are walking and cycling trails throughout for you to actively enjoy the place.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 169.6 km², it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
Address: Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland
6. Donegal Abbey
Donegal Abbey are the remains of an old, dilapidated church.
The church built ages ago, couldn’t withstand the test of time, and slowly degraded.
Quick Facts:
- The church ruins was built somewhere around 15th-century.
7. Glenveagh Castle
Glenveagh Castle is a grand mansion with an expansive central courtyard.
Quick Facts:
- It is John George Adair who conceptualized and turned it into a reality.
- The mansion was built somewhere around 1870.
- The mansion was opened on 1869.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Donegal trip.
Address: Glenveagh National Park, Gartan Mountain, Church Hill, Co. Donegal, F92 HR77, Ireland
8. Grianan of Aileach
Offering fantastic views of the area, Grianan of Aileach are the remains of an old fort perched atop a cliff.
You can follow the hiking trail which leads to this old fort. Not much to see actually only the foundation stones lying bare in this historic fort ruin.
Quick Facts:
- The fort ruins traces its origin back to 2000 years back.
- This 5 m tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
9. Donegal Town Church of Ireland
If you have a thing for cozy little churches Donegal Town Church of Ireland will definitely interest you.
You can buy a candle and light it, it feels so peaceful. All in all this small church makes for a quick stop.
Add it to your Donegal trip if you have time.
Address: Tirchonaill St, Milltown, Donegal, F94 Y902, Ireland
10. The Diamond
The Diamond, as it is officially known, is the beating heart of the old town.
The city has a fantastic vibe going on for it, which can be clearly felt at The Diamond.
Take a peek at the landmark buildings which were built here centuries ago. Wander up to the old statue, dedicated to one of the important figure in city’s history, and admire it from all angles.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things The Diamond features include extensive pedestrian area with seating.
But beyond the famous attractions in Donegal, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Donegal for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Donegal. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Donegal, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.