- Leo’s Tavern (Crolly): A family-run pub in the Gaeltacht village of Crolly, established in 1968 by Leo Brennan, father of Enya and Clannad members. Birthplace of Clannad and Enya, with platinum albums displayed. Offers live traditional music, a front bar with high-quality food, and a backroom for events like weddings. Known as a mecca for Donegal fiddle music. Expect a cozy, music-filled atmosphere with hearty pub grub and a warm welcome. Ideal for music lovers and those seeking a cultural experience in the Gaeltacht.
- The Rusty Mackerel (Teelin): A rustic pub near the Slieve League cliffs, recognized by Lonely Planet as one of Ireland’s top 20 pubs. Offers fresh fish caught nightly, seasonal dishes, and a cozy open fire in winter or outdoor seating with mountain views in summer. Its scenic location is unmatched. Visitors can enjoy delicious seafood, great pints, and breathtaking views. Perfect for a meal after hiking Slieve League, though some note inconsistent food quality (e.g., undercooked chips).
- The Reel Inn (Donegal Town): A renowned pub in Donegal Town, famous for its nightly traditional Irish music sessions. Features a cozy front bar with a coal fire, a terrace overlooking the River Eske, and a reputation for excellent Guinness and lively “craic.” Expect a vibrant, music-driven atmosphere with great service and a mix of locals and tourists. Ideal for an evening of trad music, though it can get crowded.
- Teach Hiúdaí Beag (Bunbeg): A traditional pub in the Gaeltacht heart of Gweedore, known for its legendary music sessions. Hosts traditional music every Monday and Friday, with a guesthouse upstairs. Located near Gweedore’s famous beaches, it’s a cultural hub. Visitors can enjoy authentic trad sessions, a cozy setting, and the chance to hear Irish spoken. Great for a cultural immersion, with beach walks nearby.
- The Olde Glen Bar (Glen Village, Carrickart): A historic pub dating back to the 1700s, offering an authentic Irish experience. Known for its stonework, wood panelling, roaring fire, and perfectly chilled Guinness. Offers traditional pub grub and a cozy, intimate feel. Expect a warm, traditional atmosphere with excellent pints and simple food. Ideal for a quiet, authentic pub visit near Glenveagh National Park.
- Biddy’s O’Barnes (Barnesmore): A traditional roadside pub at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains, overlooking the Lowerymore River. Famous for its hospitality, hearty menu (fish and chips, homemade soups), and a cozy setting. A perfect pitstop for road trippers. Visitors can enjoy a welcoming vibe, delicious comfort food, and scenic views. Great for a relaxing stop during a Donegal road trip.
- The Singing Pub (Downings): Located in the seaside resort of Downings, this pub is a hub for music and community. Offers nightly sing-along trad sessions, classic pub grub, and a children’s playground, set amidst superb beaches. Expect a family-friendly, lively atmosphere with music and good food. Perfect for a fun evening after exploring Downings’ beaches.
- Dicey Reilly’s (Ballyshannon): A historic pub and microbrewery in Ballyshannon, dating back over 300 years. Combines a public house, off-licence, and microbrewery with live music and a versatile crowd. Known for its mighty craic and craft beers. Visitors can enjoy a lively, historic pub with unique brews and music. Great for a night out in South Donegal.
- Smuggler’s Creek Inn (Rossnowlagh): A cliff-top pub and restaurant overlooking Rossnowlagh Beach and Donegal Bay. Offers stunning views of the Blue Stack Mountains, locally sourced seafood, and a cozy interior with a roaring fire. Ideal for scenic pints. Expect breathtaking vistas, delicious seafood, and a warm atmosphere. Perfect for a romantic or scenic dining experience.
- The Drift Inn (Buncrana): A popular pub in Buncrana, known for its warm atmosphere and quality food. Features 24-hour slow-roasted Sunday meats, reasonable prices, and a welcoming vibe. A favorite for its Michelin-quality ethos. Visitors can enjoy hearty, high-quality meals and a friendly setting. Ideal for a Sunday roast or casual dining in Inishowen.
- Olde Castle Seafood Bar (Donegal Town): A traditional bar and restaurant in Donegal Town, specializing in locally sourced seafood. Known for its seafood pie, mussels, and perfectly chilled Guinness. Offers a pet-friendly, lively atmosphere across from Donegal Castle. Expect delicious seafood, a great pint, and a bustling vibe. Some note inconsistent dishes (e.g., bland fish pie), but overall a top spot for foodies.
- Nancy’s Bar (Ardara): A cozy, seventh-generation family-run pub in Ardara, a heritage town on the Wild Atlantic Way. Offers live music sessions, highly recommended bar food, and a traditional setting with a warm, community feel. Visitors can enjoy a friendly, music-filled evening with tasty food. Perfect for experiencing Ardara’s vibrant culture.
- Farren’s Bar (Malin Head): Ireland’s most northerly pub, located at Malin Head, family-run since 1825. Offers stunning Atlantic views, personalized Guinness pints, and great sandwiches. Live music adds to the charm, with potential Northern Lights sightings. Expect a remote, scenic pub with a warm welcome and simple fare. Ideal for a unique pint at Ireland’s northern tip.
- Blake’s Bar (Letterkenny): A cozy, quirky pub in Letterkenny with a living room-like interior and vibrant music scene. Features a charming beer garden, regular trad sessions, and “Blake’s Unplugged” gigs. Known for great Guinness and friendly owner Kevin. Visitors can enjoy a unique, welcoming atmosphere with live music and excellent pints. Great for a lively night in Letterkenny.
- Dom’s Pier 1 (Donegal Town): A stylish pub and restaurant on the River Eske, known for its scenic views and modern decor. Offers boating-themed decor, a bare stone wall, and exceptional dishes like fish and chips or steak meals at reasonable prices. Highly praised for attentive staff. Expect a contemporary, inviting setting with delicious food and river views. Perfect for a relaxed meal or drink in Donegal Town.
Pubs
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 –
