31/03/2020

DONEGAL 

Outdoor Activities 

Tory Island

Visit the beautiful and traditional island of Tory, off the coast of Donegal and meet the last remaining King of Ireland - Patsai Dan Rodgers. The island also has its own painting school, founded by Derek Hill where you can see the work of some local artists - including Patsai Dan. This is a day trip not to miss.

Dolphin Watching

To get the full benefit of any visit to Donegal Town, a trip on the Donegal Waterbus is a "must". During an 80 minute cruise that explores the history, environment and wildlife of the unique estuary of Donegal Bay, the boats skipper, Billy Bustard, gives a lively commentary on the sites of special interest, freely illustrated with his own humorous asides and anecdotes. If you're lucky, you will spot some dolphins swimming alongside the boat during the cruise.

 

Water Sports 

Rathmullan Sailing & Watersports

Learn to sail on beautiful Lough Swilly. Rathmullan Sailing & Watersports School offers classes for children and adults on the beautiful waters of Lough Swilly.

Eco Atlantic Adventures

Based on Lough Swilly (Rathmullan & Portsalon), Mulroy Bay and SheepHaven Bay. Eco Atlantic Adventures offer the most Scenic Kayaking where the Atlantic ocean has spent its lifetime shaping this wonderful playground for you to enjoy.

 

National Parks

Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north-west of Co. Donegal. It is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. The Park, over 14,000 acres in extent consists of three areas. The largest of these is the former Glenveagh Estate, including most of the Derryveagh Mountains. To the west are the quartzite hills around Crocknafarragh and to the south, the peatlands of Lough Barra bog, Meenachullion and Crockastoller.

Glenveagh is the haunt of many rare and interesting plants and animals and is famous for it’s fine herd of red deer. The Park contains the peaks of the two highest mountains in Co. Donegal, Errigal (752m) and Slieve Snaght (683m). The steep sided valley of Glenveagh holds the 5.5km-long Lough Veagh.

Much of the land which comprises modern Glenveagh National Park was originally consolidated into a single holding in the 19th Century by John George Adair, a wealthy land speculator from Co. Laois. The holding was managed as a private deer forest until 1975, when it was sold to the state and placed in the care of the Commissioner of Public Works to become a national Park.

A fine Victorian castle surrounded by beautiful gardens is picturesquely located on the eastern shore of the lake and provides the focal point for visitors to the Park. The last private owner Henry P. McIlhenny donated the castle, including much of its contents in 1983. The Park and gardens were officially opened to the public in 1984 and the Castle in 1986.

 

Historical Attractions 

Dunlewey Lakeside Centre

DÚN LÚICHE is a small rural community in the Donegal Gaeltacht, lies in unique scenery at the foot of Mount Errigal, the highest mountain in the County.

Ionad Cois Locha is situated on the shores of Dunlewey Lough in the shadow of the haunting and mysterious Poison Glen.

Welcome, step back in time to the homestead of a famous weaver, hear local tales on our boat trip. Visit our cafe and craft shop.

 

Walking Tour of Derry

Join a scheduled guided walking tour of the historic Derry city walls. Find out about this city, both in the part during troubled times to the present peaceful times. The tour lasts for 1 ½ hours.

Equestrian 

Donegal Equestrian Centre

Providers of high quality horse riding experiences for all ages and abilities. Visit us to experience some of the best beach riding Donegal has to offer. Horse riding lessons, beach/trail rides & pony camps available.

 

Golf Courses 

Portsalon Golf Club

Portsalon Golf Club was established in 1891 and is one of the founder members of the Golfing Union of Ireland, the oldest golfing union in the world.

Portsalon offers golfers an opportunity to play golf on an original golf links design. Unspoiled, uncrowded, natural links land, surrounded by the spectacular Knockalla mountains and white sanded beaches on the shores of Lough Swilly, visitors are treated to agolfing experience that will flood their senses and bring them back for more.

Portsalon A Golfing Oasis.

Course is a Par 72, SSS 72.

Course is 6191 Meters off the white, 5973 mtrs off the yellow and 5494mtrs off the green.

Ladies 4968mtrs (red)

Letterkenny Golf Club

Letterkenny Golf & Social Club has a beautiful 18-hole parkland course situated on the shores of Lough Swilly. Its undulating layout affords the golfer and visitor a panoramic view of the lough side and the picturesque wooded countryside.

Peace and quietness about 2km from the bustling town centre. The 1st eleven is flat untiring terrin and the last nine undulating. The fairways are fairly generous but designed to present a challenge to even the most advanced golfer. Practice area and putting green all within 59ha (146 acres) of wooded estate.

The fairways are bordered by mature trees and the course is open all year round.

The new state-of-the-art 10000sq.ft. clubhouse was opened in 1998 with full restaurant and conference facilities. Function room available. Trollies available.

Ballyliffen Golf Course

Ireland's most "northerly" club was founded in 1947. Described by Nick Faldo as "the most natural golf links". Fred Daly described it as "a hidden jewel". The newly designed Craddock & Ruddy Links course provides the average golfer with a fair test of ability amid the rolling sand dunes and spectacular scenery of the Inishowed Peninsula.

Glashedy Course - Yardage: 7102. Links course provides fair test of golfing ability amid the rolling sand dunes and scenery of the Inishowen peninsula. The 7th hole is a par 3 played from the top of a sand dune to a green well-guarded by bunkers on three sides and a lake on the 4th.

Old Course - Yardage: 6384. Ireland's most northerly links course. It was founded in 1947. Offers undulating fairways. Spectacular scenery and a true test of golf.

Rosapenna Golf Course

Rosapenna Golf Links two 18 hole courses. The original course designed by Old Tom Morris of St. Andrews in 1893 and a new course Sandy Hills Links designed by Pat Ruddy. Private pool, whirlpool, steam room, spacious lounges and a magnificent dining room overlooking the bay all contribute to a relaxing atmosphere. Fresh seafood, locally caught, served daily. Rosapenna, a place to remember and return to.