Location: Ballyshannon
Top Things to do in Ballyshannon
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10 Things to Do in Ballyshannon That You Shouldn't Miss
Ballyshannon (Irish: Béal Átha Seanaidh, meaning "The Mouth of Seannach's ford") is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. Located at the southern end of the county where the N3 from Dublin ends and the N15 crosses the River Erne, it claims to be the oldest town in Ireland.
Restaurants in Ballyshannon
1. Castle Adventure Open Farm
Overall Ratings
5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By Nambarie S - Belfast, United Kingdom
We love open farms they are brilliant days out for kids. This one is a nice size it's not massive and I see this as a plus point as the kids can run around and you don't have to worry about losing them! It has plenty to do and we spent the whole day here. There is a lovely and clean indoor soft play area inside the cafe. Toilets were very clean. The animals all looked well cared for and they have some unusual animals too a gorgeous alpacha , some exotic birds and 2 little joeys as my son called them. The main animal part has viewing windows low down this is brilliant for the babies and toddlers great idea. The kids get the chance to pet some animals and feed a goat a bottle. This is done 3 times a day the reception person who sold us the tickets told us the times so we were well prepared.
There is a fantastic outdoor play area with mostly wooden equipment all well maintained and sturdy. Has good soft flooring so any trips are no big deal. There are 2 tube slides that my kids must have done fifty times! There are real JCB diggers stationary and adjusted controls for kids so they can dig up gravel it's 2 Euro for 5 mins which makes a brilliant extra experience. They are generous with the barrel rides as well as many other farm charge extr for these but your go is included in the price here. There is also a pedal go kart area and zip line swing and If it's raining there is a lovely indoor sandpit, a mini football area and tractor shaped wooden slide. Also a whole barn with indoor nerf shooting area, a baby soft play area, a farm set, large Jenga, a house dolly role play area which went down a treat! Also a small indoor picnic area which a very helpful member of staff directed us too as when we tried eating outside we picked a blustery moment a member of staff passed by and told us about the indoor room so this was very much appreciated. Thank you! Leads me to mention that all Staff were lovely too. This a great value for money day out
2. Fairy Bridges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
As you begin the Roguey Walk Experience, you will arrive at the stunning Fairy Bridges – sea stacks thousands of years old, and and a star attraction of the Wild Atlantic Way Coastline. With scenic views for 360 degrees you can see back to Mullaghmore, County Sligo and across Donegal Bay to the magical Slieve League Cliffs. This is the playground of the legendary Little Folk, which coupled with the spectacular formations spanning the edge of the roaring ocean, prompted the local name “The Fairy Bridges”. While you’re there, take a seat on Bundoran’s own Wishing Chair. It is said that many of the town’s famous visitors over the years have sat here overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean – from poet William Allingham to golfer Christy O’Connor Jr to Viscount Enniskillen to 10 times world champion surfer Kelly Slater – they’re all believed to have sat in Bundoran’s famous Wishing Chair located at the Fairy Bridges at Tullan Strand. Sit, make your wish, relax & enjoy your time in Bundoran.
Reviewed By preglad - New York
County Donegal is blessed with a cornucopia of natural treasures. The fact that its access is moderately inconvenient given geography and fiscal adjustments (especially for those planning a traditional shorter holiday schedule) helps to maintain much of its pristine character and resistance to sprawl. Most...MoreWow! What can we say. you have said it all and more. Thank you! Hope to see you again soon. The Fairy Bridges team.
3. Rossnowlagh Surf School
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Anne C - Saint-Meme-les-Carrieres, France
My daughter and goddaughter took advantage of staying near Rossnowlagh to book lessons, as newbies, at Rossnowlagh Surf School. James was punctual and friendly and the instruction was efficient and informative. They enjoyed their time out in the surf, and would definitely use them again
4. Donegal Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 886 reviews
This 15th-century castle was fully restored in 1996.
Reviewed By TravellersGoldCoast - Palm Beach, Australia
Located virtually in the heart of Donegal town, the partially restored castle was one of the best spent entry fees of our trip (5Euros). This is self guided tour through the small castle - part ruins and partially restored, but gives a wonderful insight into the structure of the castle and how the residents would have lived.
Well worth the half hour or so that it takes to wander the Exhibitions.
5. Rory Gallagher Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By StanM53 - Ballyshannon, Ireland
The statute in the centre plaza of Ballyshannon, oft referred to as "The Diamond" is a life size and realistic effigy of the world famous guitarist, and most popular with visitors who wish to take a selfie with their idol. It is easily accessible and to date treated with great respect by those coming to view.
6. Dizzy's Den
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
"Dizzy's Den is Bundorans only indoor play children's centre, We provide a top quality service in a safe environment for you and your children's entertainment
7. Fin McCool Surf School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Fin McCool Surf School based in Rossnowlagh, Co.Donegal on the north-west coast of Ireland, provides an enjoyable and safe introduction to the ever growing exhilarating sport of Surfing.Our shop and changing facilities are located right on the shorefront in Rossnowlagh so you literally stroll straight down on to the beach. No Buses or long walks.....
Reviewed By DeetheDub - Dublin
The girls took two lessons with Fin McCool and have fallen in love with Surfing! The holiday went from boring to brilliant in a nanosecond. Lessons last 2 hours, €25 per child, safety instruction and basics on the sand first then straight into the water...MoreThanks so much Dee! Can't wait to take you guys out again next year. Regards Neil
8. Ballyshannon and District Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
The Ballyshannon and District Museum is a grass-root project driven by community spirit and inspired by the town and hinterland’s rich heritage. The museum is dedicated to the preservation of the shared histories of the local community and to the presentation of such histories through our exciting Exhibitions and collections. Why not stop by today and journey through time in Ireland’s oldest town.
Reviewed By SparkyG72 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Located inside Slevins department store this museum is a hidden gem. So many interesting things to see about Ballyshannon and the local area and if you get into conversation with one of the volunteers you will learn so much more. Worth an hour of your time...and it's free (donation box)
9. Bundoran Waterworld
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 252 reviews
Waterworld Bundoran is Ireland's Premier Indoor Aqua Adventure Playground There's lots to do for all the family with more than 15 water features including Three Lane multi lane slide, Pirates Galleon ship, Whizzer slide, Toddler pool, Wave machine and more! We also host Bundoran Seaweed Baths. Our Vision is to create a unique experience that provides treatments with visible benefits that are both relaxing and rejuvenating in a tranquil environment. With Seaweed harvested freshly from the wild Atlantic and boasting stunning views our Donegal Bay from our lounge what better way to spend your afternoon!
Reviewed By Rodney A
Great fun here! Go early in the morning and avoid all the queues for the slides! Well run and would definitely return! Fun for adults even!Good afternoon Rodney A, Thank you for such a lovely review. We work hard to provide a great family day out and appreciate getting positive feedback, so thank you! kind regards
10. Dicey Reilly's Pub & Off-Licence
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Venues as popular as Dicey Reilly's just don't come into existence overnight. The hostelry dates back to 1856 when Micheal Gavigan first open the doors of the pub.Indeed the building was also the home of Margaret Delap who was later to become the wife of Thomas Barton of Barton and Guestier fame. No trip to Ballyshannon could be complete, without a visit to one of the towns longest established and finest hostelries, Dicey's as it is affectionately known by the locals. The family run bar, off licence & microbrewery is now in its third century of trading as a Public House and has come up for mention in publications all over the Globe. Winter Opening Hours Bar: Monday - Thursday from 4pm to close. Friday to Sunday from 1pm to close Off-Licence: Monday - Sunday 12pm to 10pm Brewery: Tours by appointment Summer Opening Hours Bar: Monday - Sunday from 1pm to close. Off-Licence: Monday - Sunday 12pm to 10pm Brewery: Tours by appointment
Reviewed By Mark W
Established in 1856 Dicey Reillys is one of those typical Irish bars offering a good selection of beers and whiskeys. They serve a range of beers from their Donegal Brewing Company: excellent quality and well worth trying one, two or three. Friendly, warm welcoming staff and quick service - even though it's always busy in there.
Its a live music venue too and one of the many bars featuring talent as part of the annual international tribute to blues/rock supreme Rory Gallagher (born in Ballyshannon 1948, died 1995) which takes place the first weekend in a June (search Roryfest for info about 2018 festival)
They have a shop on site and online too selling craft beers and whiskeys as well as cool T shirts
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