- E Rentoul Esler: Born in Manorcunningham, County Donegal 1852–1926) A late Victorian and Edwardian novelist, Esler wrote works such as The Way They Loved (1894) and When the King Came North (1901), which often explored Irish social life and historical themes. Her novels, rooted in her Donegal upbringing, blended romance with commentary on class and gender. She later lived in England, contributing to the Anglo-Irish literary tradition.
- Hazel McIntyre: Born and lived in Culdaff, Inishowen, County Donegal unknown birth year–living) A contemporary novelist and storyteller, McIntyre has published six novels, including Bourne on the Wind (2004) and Secrets on the Breeze. Her works use Donegal’s wild Inishowen peninsula as a backdrop, weaving local history and personal narratives. Her storytelling reflects the county’s cultural and natural heritage, making her a significant local literary figure.
- Frank McGuinness: Born in Buncrana, County Donegal 1953–living) Primarily known as a playwright (Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme), McGuinness has also published two novels, Arimathea (2013) and The Woodcutter and His Family (2017). His novels explore Donegal’s landscapes and complex Irish identities, drawing on his Buncrana roots. A professor at University College Dublin, he is a versatile writer with international acclaim for his literary adaptations.
- Danielle McLaughlin (1969–): Born in Donegal Town. Primarily a short-story writer, McLaughlin’s debut novel The Art of Falling (2021) explores family secrets and art forgery in contemporary Ireland. Her collection Dinosaurs on Other Planets (2015) earned critical acclaim. Her Donegal roots influence her nuanced depictions of Irish rural life.
Novelists
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
Poets
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
Writers
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 –
