- The Homes of Donegal: A nostalgic ballad expressing an emigrant’s longing for the landscapes and communities of Donegal, particularly the Rosses and Cruit Island. It celebrates the county’s beauty and the pull of home, often sung at gatherings and by emigrants. Written by Seán McBride, written in 1955, a schoolteacher from Cruit Island; popularized by Bridie Gallagher and Paul Brady.
- Home to Donegal: A heartfelt anthem about returning to Donegal, capturing the emotional pull of the county’s landscapes and communities for wanderers and emigrants. It references local places like Kincasslagh and has become a modern Donegal classic. Written by Patsy Cavanagh, written in the late 1980s; recorded by Daniel O’Donnell and others.
- Cutting the Corn in Creeslough: A traditional song set in Creeslough, celebrating rural life and the communal harvest in Donegal’s countryside. It reflects the county’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. Traditional; popularized by Bridie Gallagher.
- Gleanntáin Ghlas’ Ghaoth Dobhair: An Irish-language song about emigration, expressing longing for the green glens of Gweedore (Gaoth Dobhair), a Gaeltacht area in Donegal. It captures the beauty of the region and the pain of leaving home. Written by Francie Mooney; recorded by Clannad in 1982.
- Noreen Bawn: A poignant ballad about a young woman from Creeslough who dies after emigrating, reflecting themes of loss and the Donegal diaspora. It resonates with the county’s history of emigration. Written by Neil McBride from Creeslough; popularized by Bridie Gallagher and Daniel O’Donnell.
- Arthur McBride: An anti-recruiting ballad set in Donegal, likely from the 17th century, telling the story of two young men resisting British military recruitment. It reflects Donegal’s independent spirit and historical resistance. Traditional; recorded by artists like The Pogues.
- Donegal Danny: A tragic tale of a Donegal fisherman, the sole survivor of a fishing boat disaster, reflecting the county’s maritime heritage and the hardships of its coastal communities like Killybegs. Traditional.; recorded by various artists.
- The Star of Donegal: A traditional song celebrating a beautiful woman from Donegal, often tied to the county’s pride in its people and landscapes. It captures local folklore and romantic themes. Traditional; recorded by Delia Murphy.
- Faoiseamh a Gheobhadsa: An Irish-language song from Donegal’s Gaeltacht, featured on Altan’s 2024 album Donegal. It reflects the county’s traditional music heritage and the emotional depth of its Irish-speaking communities. Traditional, arranged by Altan (Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Clare Friel).
- The Barley and The Rye: A traditional song included on Altan’s 2024 album Donegal, celebrating rural life and love in Donegal’s countryside. It highlights the county’s agricultural traditions and musical legacy. Traditional, arranged by Altan.
Songs
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Anthem
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Donegal:
Ireland’s county Donegal is a land of wild coastlines and Gaelic heritage, with Slieve League’s towering sea cliffs offering some of Europe’s highest coastal views. Glenveagh National Park features a historic castle and sprawling gardens amidst rugged mountains. The beaches of Bundoran and the traditional tweed workshops of Ardara make Donegal an engaging destination for nature and cultural enthusiasts. The Grianan of Aileach stone fort adds ancient intrigue and splendid views. Donegal is Ireland’s fourth largest county by size (4,830 square km) and 13th largest by population (167,084). Population peaked at 296,448 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 108,344 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Donegal is also Ireland’s 13th most visited tourist county with around 199,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – New – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
