Top Things to do in Donegal Town
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Top 9 Things to do in Donegal Town, Ireland
Donegal Town is a fairytale of a place, featuring a charming harbor, serene beaches and stoic stone remains of centuries past, like those of 15th-century Donegal Abbey. Stern-looking Donegal Castle, recently restored to its one-time Gaelic glory, is the crown jewel of the area. If you’re looking for souvenirs, snag a hand-woven tweed or carpet, the signature goods of the area. For a good craic, the pubs of The Diamond area are a sure bet.
Restaurants in Donegal Town
1. Lough Eske
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By t-bonetraveller - Saint Paul, Minnesota
Located a few miles north of Donegal town, Lough Eske is still very rustic and unspoiled. Numerous points to access. A walk from the Lough Eske Castle Hotel is a nice leisurely stroll through the woods to the lake.
2. 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.
3. Abbey of the Four Masters (The Abbey)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 83 reviews
The ruins of a Franciscan monastery founded in 1474.
Reviewed By JacqFromDunfie - Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Very peaceful place. Modern to ancient graves and ruins of 15th century abbey. Free to get in. Perhaps not suitable for elderly due to hills and steps. However I've deducted one star because there's very little info on the abbey.
4. Muckish Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Naureen Y
Well the "Seven Sisters" ....among them one is Muckish mountain all worth a visit ,but even if you can't climb still surrounded by beautiful sights and sounds of all Mountains ,Valley and the lake.In the vicinity of Glenveagh National Park they can be easily seen and approached and worth to take few nice clicks
5. Donegal Railway Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Our friendly staff offer a warm welcome to all visitors, individuals or in parties. Special discounts are available for pre-booked tours. Wheelchair friendly access to exhibits. What is there to see? restored coach 28 restored railcar trailer 5 restored goods van,Garden railway and working models, video and dvd room and much more memorabilia of the old railway.
Reviewed By Cavan007 - Cavan
We found this heritage centre rather by chance when looking for information about a heritage trail.Situated just a short distance from the castle we really enjoyed browsing the old photographs and memorabilia from a by-gone age. Sad to say that the Donegal railway no longer exists but we would certainly recommend people to visit the heritage centre.
6. The Deserted Village of Port
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By omfarrell2015 - County Kildare, Ireland
Not far from Glencolmcille is the deserted famine village of Port - sad to see what was once a small fishing community and now just the walls of a few clusters of cottages. It is in a very beautiful setting and well worth the drive to get there. It is also possible to walk along the cliff to Glencolmcille which is part of a longer sign-posted walking route. One enterprising person has actually renovated and extended a cottage there for rent, so if you have a book to write or really want to get away from everything, this is the place for you.
7. Barnesmore Gap
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
The road northwards from Donegal Town through Barnesmore Gap in the Bluestack Mountains is one of the great scenic routes in Ireland. Bearnas Mor, the "Big Gap" was created by a glacier, which carved a wide, deep valley in the mountain range. This highway has always been of strategic importance as a geographic link between the north and south of the county.
Reviewed By letterkennycaint - Letterkenny, Ireland
Barnesmore Gap translated from Irish means the "big gap", and its situated in the Bluestack Mountains between Donegal town and Ballybofey. The Donegal railway used to run through here, connecting south and north Donegal. It's a beautiful drive, but can be treacherous in bad weather. Treat yourself to a pint or some grub after, in Biddy's on the Donegal town side, if the weather is good.
8. Church of the Sacred Heart
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By 2020vision - Dundonald, Belfast.
The Church of the Sacred Heart is nestled at the foot of Mount Errigal, across the valley from the old Chuch of Ireland at Dunlewey. It's a lovely building, inside and out and was built about 1877. In the adjoining graveyard lies the grave of Mrs Nellie Crankshaw whose husband is buried across the valley in the old church. As she was Roman Catholic she did not want to be buried in the C of I graveyard with Mr. Crankshaw. Her grave faces in the opposite direction to all the others as she is looking over the valley to her husband.
9. Gola island
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By nickx51 - Co. Down
Spent a few hours exploring this now deserted island.
Most houses are in a dilapidated state, however a few are clearly maintained, possibly as holiday homes. Met one gentleman who runs a small coffee shop from what can only be described as a garden shed. Had a coffee here and he filled us in about the island.At the end of the island there is a viewpoint over an arched cliff with the sea crashing beneath it. Lovely island.
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