- Ardara: Voted Ireland’s best village to live in, Ardara is a charming Gaeltacht village on the Owentocher River, known for its Donegal tweed heritage and vibrant festivals like the Cup an Tae. Surrounded by rolling hills and Loughros Bay, it offers scenic coastal walks, Maghera Strand, and nearby Assaranca Falls.
- Glencolmcille: Located in a glen near Slieve League cliffs, Glencolmcille is a Gaeltacht village with a folk village museum showcasing historic cottages. Its dramatic coastal scenery, including Silver Strand Beach and hidden waterfalls, makes it a haven for hikers and those seeking Irish heritage in a stunning setting.
- Portsalon: A hidden gem on Ballymastocker Bay, Portsalon boasts a Blue Flag beach ranked among the world’s most beautiful. Its stone harbor and proximity to Fanad Lighthouse offer breathtaking coastal views, ideal for surfing, kayaking, and serene getaways amid the Fanad Peninsula’s cliffs.
- Carrick: A wee Gaeltacht village near Slieve League, Carrick offers coastal walks and views of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Its rugged landscape, traditional pubs, and proximity to Donegal’s secret waterfall make it a perfect base for exploring South Donegal’s dramatic scenery.
- Dunlewey: Dominated by Mount Errigal, Dunlewey is a tiny village by two scenic lakes in the Poisoned Glen. Its serene valley, Ionad Cois Locha visitor centre, and proximity to Glenveagh National Park make it a picturesque spot for hiking and cultural exploration.
- Kilcar: A picturesque Gaeltacht village west of Killybegs, Kilcar is a hub for Donegal’s handwoven tweed industry. Set between mountains and the Atlantic, it offers scenic coastal walks, Muckross Head, and views of Slieve League, blending culture and natural beauty.
- Dungloe: The main town of the Rosses, Dungloe is a lively Gaeltacht village on an island-studded bay, hosting the Mary from Dungloe Festival. Surrounded by the Atlantic and Lough Dunglow, it offers scenic water views and access to Arranmore Island.
- Bunbeg: A pretty fishing village in the Gweedore Gaeltacht, Bunbeg’s sheltered harbor and pier offer stunning views of Mount Errigal and golden beaches. As a departure point for Tory Island, it’s a serene coastal spot with vibrant Irish-speaking culture.
- Fintown: A small village in the Finn Valley, Fintown overlooks a scenic lake framed by the Bluestack Mountains. Its tranquil setting and narrow-gauge railway offer a charming rural escape, perfect for fishing and countryside walks.
- Inver: A noted angling village on Inver Bay within Donegal Bay, Inver features a fine beach and scenic peninsula views toward St. John’s Point. Its quiet coastal charm and wildlife-rich surroundings make it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Villages
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
Towns
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
Awards
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 –
