Malin Hotel

Slieve League

by globetrott

are a great cliff scenery , about 30 km west of the town Donegal !
.
You have to go up the mountains and will finally come to a gate that closes the street - but simply open the gate, drive through AND CLOSE THE GATE AGAIN !
.
You will have to pass several gates that way before you reach the big parking on the top and have a look for the great panorama.
.
There is also a "one man path" not recommendable to persons who are not totally fit and accustomed to climb...

Visit ancient Kilclooney Dolmen

by lee.evelyn

Take the R261 from Ardara towards Portnoo, just before you get to Kilclooney you will see the Dolmen to your right in a field. Park your car at the Dolmen Centre (Eco-Tourism Centre, see tip) and walk over to Kilclooney Church. to the left of it, there is a path in the grass that will lead you up to the Dolmen. It is on the land of a farmer, who is well used to people visiting the Dolmen, just close the gate behind you and don't be afraid of the friendly dog that will lead the way for you!

This Dolmen is a Portal Tomb, dating back to approx. 2000 BC.

In the Dolmen Centre you will find more information on local History & Geology.

Rathmullen & Ramelton, Lough Swilly, Donegal

by ladyanne

This is an area that is very easy to miss, and should be concidered when planning a visit to Donegal County.

It is full of history and very lovely. Set apart by distance as is Inishowen Peninsula, this area is on the Fanad Peninsula just above Letterkenny.

I enjoyed it very much.

County Donegal, Ireland

by lee.evelyn

"County Donegal, Geographical Location"

Geographically, Co. Donegal is almost completely cut off from the rest of the Republic. It is part of the province of Ulster but not part of Northern Ireland- as some people sometimes mistakingly think. The most northern point of Donegal (Malin Head) however, is far more north than the most northern point in Northern Ireland.

North Donegal:
This area offers stunning coastline and blue flag beaches (The Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label awarded to over 3300 beaches in 36 countries)
West Donegal:
Gaeltacht, beautiful sandy beaches, fishing villages, islands, lakes, wild mountain terrain
East Donegal:
Letterkenny, the only large town in Donegal, whith:
The County Museum, The Library which also provides internet access, An Grianan Theatre and The Regional Culture Centre

In the South of the County the famous Donegal Bay stretches from Bundoran's beautiful blue flag beach (ideal waves for surfing as well at Rossnowlagh beach) to Donegal Town, Killybegs (Irelands biggest fishing harbour) and onto Carrick, and Slieve League, the highest sea cliffs of Europe, which fall 600 metres (1800 ft) into the ocean.
It is the rugged, unspoiled landscape and the laid-back welcoming attitude of the people that makes this part of Ireland so attractive.
Donegal has more coastline than any other Irish county and quite often there is no one there but you.

"An Ghaeltacht - Irish speaking communities"

The Gaeltacht is the term used to refer to those areas of Ireland where the Irish language (Gaeilge) is spoken as a community language beside English.

The Irish-speaking communities are situated mainly along the western seaboard, and the Gaeltacht covers extensive areas of counties Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Kerry.

Oideas Gael in Glencolumbkille or Gleann Cholm Cille, holds Irish language courses & cultural activity programmes in the summer.

Quite often signposts in the Ghaeltacht are in Irish and can cause confusion among tourists. If you are not sure, it is better to stop ask someone

A few examples:

Dhun na nGall : Donegal
Ard an Ratha : Ardara
Na Gleanntea : Glenties
Alt An Chorainn : Burtonport
An Clochan Liath : Dungloe
Leitir Mhic an Bhaird : Lettermacaward
Gaoth Dobhair : Gweedore
Croithli : Crolly
Cnoc Fola : Bloody Foreland
An Charraig : Carrick
Cill Chartaigh : Kilcar
Sliabh Liag : Slieve League

"Festivals"

May 30th - June 1st: Melting Pot multicultural music & arts festival - Ardara
June:
Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival - Ballyshannon
Mich & Miceal Carr Memorial Traditional Music weekend - Meenanary
Tory Island Film Festival
July:
Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival - Ballyshannon
August:
Traditional music festival - Tory Island
September:
Donegal Bay & Bluestack Festival - South &SW Donegal

Eszter's Donegal Page

by Eszter

The sunset over Donegal Bay

O'Donnell's Castle in Donegal Town
The Castle was rebuilt many times in the past. Its tower, for example, was extended in the 15th century, and a three-storey house was added in the 17th century.