County Donegal in northwestern Ireland is rugged, wildly beautiful and such an underrated destination! With jaw-dropping cliffs, turquoise beaches and charming towns, there is so much to see and so many fun things to do in County Donegal.
When you look at County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland on a map, it really doesn’t look that big. But there’s so much to see and do through every nook and cranny of the county!
From diving parts of the 2,600km / 1,500 mile Wild Atlantic Way and the northernmost point of Ireland at Malin Head to seriously incredible destinations inland, County Donegal has some real gems worth exploring.
I spent two weeks exploring the region, and still could have used more time, it’s that fabulous. But for now, let’s dive into my top places to visit in Donegal.
👉Real quick: the best way to explore Donegal is to rent a car – I recommend searching with Discover Cars. It’s a free search tool that finds the best rate from all the major rental companies. I saved over 30% during my trip using Discover Cars!
You can also take the Expressway Bus from Dublin Airport or fly directly to the Donegal Airport from Dublin for easy access.
Best things to do in Donegal, Ireland
If you’re planning a trip through Ireland and want to see the country’s untamed side, here are my favorite places to visit and things to do in County Donegal.
1. Soak in the views at Slieve League Cliffs (Sliabh Liag)
Let’s start with a showstopper, Sliabh Liag. These cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, at 601 meters, they’re almost 3x higher than the famous Cliffs of Moher, and among the highest cliffs in all of Europe!
Slieve League was one of the first places I visited in Donegal, and it quite literally took my breath away. With plenty of viewpoints, you can see the cliffs, that seem to go on forever. Hike up One Man’s Path for even better views. On a clear day, you’ll spot distant islands and maybe even sheep grazing right along the trail.
The wind and weather can be unpredictable here (and in all of Ireland, honestly), but I lived in this purple rain jacket during my trip to Donegal.
Note: stop at the visitor center and get a shuttle ride to the top. Alternatively, you can park in the lot and walk uphill to the viewpoints (about 20 minutes).
2. Enjoy the beach at Silver Strand Beach at Malin Beg
Just down the coast from Slieve League sits one of Ireland’s dreamiest beaches: Silver Strand. The beach is tucked into a horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by cliffs.
In the summer, you’ll see plenty of beach-goers enjoying the soft sand and water. To reach it, you’ll walk down a long staircase (and yes, it’s worth every step). During fall in Ireland through spring, the wind is chilly here but viewpoints are still worth it!
It’s a perfect stop for a picnic or a quick dip if you can handle the chilly water. With beauty like this, it’s certainly one of the best things to do County Donegal!
3. Revel in history and space at Glenveagh National Park (one of the most peaceful things to do County Donegal)
In the heart of Donegal County is Glenveagh National Park. It’s expansive beautify is unparalleled, with misty mountains, deep glens and of course, the fairytale-like castle.
Clenveagh Castle is straight out of a movie, with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The castle itself is moody, gorgeous and yet still underrated.
You can hike to the castle from the main parking area (about 30 min walk) or you can get shuttle tickets at the visitor center if you’re tight on time or don’t feel like hiking.
But don’t just visit the castle in Glenveagh National Park – there’s so much more to see of the landscapes surrounding the castle! I loved Glenveagh National Park and felt like I had the place all to myself (except the castle).
4. Go hiking in Laracus Forest
If you’re craving even more peace and greenery, Laracus Forest is between Glenveagh National Park and Mount Errigal. It’s a beautiful place to stretch your legs with several walking trails winding through dense woodland and along the river.
The main attraction here is the Laracus Skyline Trail. It’s about 10k and rated as strenuous. It will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. I’d recommend the 10 essentials, including good hiking shoes and rain protection for this trail.
But enjoy the calm – it’s a nice change of pace from the coastal routes!
5. Visit Dunfanaghy
Dunfanaghy is a charming village with a mix of beaches, shops, and cafés in Co. Donegal. Marble Hill Beach is nearby, and is ideal for swimming or paddleboarding, and the Horn Head scenic drive offers epic cliffs and viewpoints.
Dunfanaghy also has a great local art scene, and it’s a lovely spot to spend a night or two. It’s also close to Letterkenny and Glenveagh National Park.
I visited Dunfanaghy during the annual Jazz and Blues Festival, and it was so fun! This small town hosts festivals throughout the year, so be sure to check the Dunfanaghy calendar to help schedule your visit.
6. Take a scenic route on Mulroy Drive
Forget the crowded Ring of Kerry! Mulroy Drive is Co. Donegal’s answer to a scenic coastal loop. This 35-kilometer route winds around bays, beaches and bridges with plenty of pull-offs for photo stops.
The drive connects Kerrykeel, Milford, and Fanad Head, so you can easily pair it with a stop at Ballymastocker Beach (coming up next). I loved the slow pace and the fact that there’s hardly any traffic…it’s pure Ireland!
The coastline and scenery reminded me of Kahekili Highway in Maui, Hawaii, only with slightly wider roads. It’s a must do when visiting County Donegal!
7. Swim or lounge at Ballymastocker Beach (one of my favorite places to visit in Donegal)
Voted the second most beautiful beach in the world, Ballymastocker Beach (also known as Portsalon Beach) is truly breathtaking. The golden sand stretches over a mile, framed by green hills, bright blue water and striking mountains in the distance.
On calm days, it’s great for swimming or kayaking. And pretty much any day, it’s a photographer’s dream.🤩 It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Donegal.
Ballymastocker Beach is a Blue Flag Beach, which means it meets the highest standards of environmental protection and safety.
Pro tip: be sure to stop at the viewpoint above the beach where you can take postcard-perfect photos (along Milroy Drive).
8. Savor the views and brews in Ballyshannon
Known as Ireland’s oldest town, Ballyshannon has a deep sense of history and a laid-back vibe. It’s the birthplace of musician Rory Gallagher, and there’s a festival each year in his honor.
I loved wandering the colorful streets and all the pubs! If you like Irish beer or whiskey, be sure to check out Donegal Brewing Co in t he heart of Ballyshannon. My friends and I did a tour and it was fun!
If you want to get active, you can walk the Ballyshannon Heritage Trail, which is a 4km loop with 10 points of interest along the way.
Note: Ballyshannon is just about 20 minutes drive from Donegal town so you could pair the two up in the same day or stay in one town and plan to visit the other.
More things to do in Donegal Ireland
Gah! Can you even believe this list?! And all of this (and so much more) is located in one small county in the Republic of Ireland. Truly mind-blowing.
One of my favorite spots is up next…
9. Catch the views at Malin Head
No trip to Donegal is complete without visiting Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland! The dramatic cliffs and wild Atlantic waves make it one of the most photogenic spots in the country.
There’s a scenic walking trail called Hell’s Hole, and you can even see where part of Star Wars: The Last Jedi was filmed.
Be sure to bring a jacket because the wind up here is no joke, but the views are worth every gust. This was by far one of my favorite things to do in Donegal Ireland, and since it’s so far off the beaten path in Ireland, it’s not busy!
10. Delight in charming Culdaff
After your visit to Malin Head, you absolutely need to check out the town of Culdaff. During the day, be sure to check out Culdaff Beach is another gem with powdery sand and great for swimming, surfing and fishing. It’s popular with locals, surfers, and families alike.
The nearby village has a great pub, McGuiness’ Bar with hearty food and of course – good beer. I highly recommend stopping in Culdaff for the night.
My friend and I sat and talked to the owner on a late night by the fire. The bar has been in the same family since 1792! 🤯 If you’re looking for places to visit in Donegal that are a true reflection of the region, this is it!
11. Shop, dine and tour Donegal Town
Of course, no trip to the county would be complete without spending time in Donegal Town. Located in the valley between the Bluestack Mountains and Donegal Bay, this is a must-visit when in the county (obviously!).
Donegal Town perfectly captures the charm of the region, with small-town warmth. Wander the cobbled streets and browse the craft shops. Check out the Donegal Railway Museum while you’re there, too. The cute buildings remind me of Carrick-on-Shannon, which is in County Leitrim and is another underrated spot in Ireland!
The centerpiece of Donegal village is Donegal Castle, which dates back to the 15th century and sits near the River Eske. After all, what’s better than visiting an Irish castle?
Note: parking in the city centre can be difficult; I recommend grabbing a spot by the water!
12. Explore Grianán of Aileach (a fun gem on this list of places to visit in Donegal)
One of County Donegal’s coolest historic sites is the Grianán of Aileach, a stone ring fort dating back more than 1,200 years. Sitting high on a hill, it offers panoramic views across 5 counties: Donegal, Derry, Tyrone, Antrim and Fermanagh. On a clear day you can even see Scotland!
Getting to the top is a bit tricky as there aren’t any handrails and the steps are super uneven and steep. But, walking around the circular stone walls truly makes you feel like you’re in another world.
An unexpected perk of this Donegal attraction? I practically had the place to myself! It helped I stopped between rainstorms.
13. Live a little in Letterkenny
Donegal’s largest town, Letterkenny, makes a fun stop between outdoor adventures. It has a lively main street lined with shops, restaurants and traditional pubs with live music. Check out the Letterkenny Castle, built over 400 years ago, or the Donegal County Museum.
Just like my time spent in Dublin, it really seems like great musicians are everywhere in Ireland, and there’s no shortage of live music in Letterkenny.
Letterkenny is also a great base if you’re exploring Glenveagh or the northern coastline. I really enjoyed my stay at the Station House Hotel Letterkenny. Not super close to downtown, but further out from the traffic.
14. Have fun at Oakfield Park
For something a little whimsical, visit Oakfield Park near Raphoe in Co. Donegal. It’s a beautifully landscaped estate with tranquil gardens, beautiful lakes, and even a small train that loops around the property.
It’s great for families or anyone who loves peaceful strolls among flowers and sculptures. During the holidays, the park transforms with light displays that locals rave about.
15. Fall in love with Portnoo Beach at Marin (one of my favorite places to visit in Donegal)
If you love long, sandy stretches with views for days, Portnoo Beach is your spot. The water sparkles under the Donegal sun, and when the tide is low, you can even walk out to Inishkeel Island.
This beach is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply strolling along the shoreline. And in the summer there’s usually an ice-cream truck parked nearby, which is the perfect treat after a walk.
I was lucky enough to be graced with a spectacular rainbow during my time at Portnoo Beach, and it’s one of my favorite memories of Ireland.🥰
The town is pretty small, but if you time it right you can grab a meal at the pub! Visiting this area is definitely of the best things to do County Donegal.
16. Rest, dine and enjoy Glenties
Heading inland, Glenties is a sweet, small town known for its charm and friendly locals. It’s also one of the tidiest towns in Ireland, often winning awards for its beauty.
I had some of the best soup I’ve ever tasted at The Highlands Hotel, so make sure to stop in for something delicious to eat! And if you need a place to stay overnight, I found the rooms to be a great spot for an overnight stay!
It’s a great home base if you’re exploring the southwest of the county or nearby Portnoo Beach, or even if you’re coming from Sliabh Liag or Malin Beg.
17. Go hiking or enjoy the town and views at Glencolumbkille
A few minutes drive from Silver Strand, the village of Glencolumbkille (also Glencolmcille) feels like stepping back in time. The name Glencolmcille translates to “Valley of Saint Columba” in English.
This area is rich in Irish culture and history, with many locals speaking traditional Irish instead of English. In the village, there are a handful of cozy pubs and cafés, and the surrounding scenery is unreal.
If you’re into hiking, the Glencolmcille Tower Loop offer stunning coastal and mountain views. This hike will take you about 3 hours and is 7.6km, with moderate intensity. But what a beautiful way to see this rugged coastline!
18. Learn about wildlife at Wild Ireland
If you’re traveling with family (or just love animals), don’t miss Wild Ireland near Burnfoot. This wildlife sanctuary is home to bears, wolves, lynx, and wild boars — animals that once roamed Ireland thousands of years ago.
The sanctuary focuses on conservation, and you’ll also see native deer, swans, and ducks in the wetlands. It’s both educational and heart-warming to visit.
What to do in Donegal Ireland – that’s a wrap!
County Donegal is wild, authentic and awe-inspiring. It’s so thrilling to stumble upon empty beaches, charming villages and wide open spaces and feel like you’ve discovered something special.
Donegal shows off Ireland at its most authentic. If you’ve been dreaming of rugged coastlines, cozy pubs, and that unmistakable Irish magic, put Donegal at the top of your list! You’ll be so glad you did.
Related:
10 Reasons Why Leitrim is Ireland’s Best-kept Secret
Leitrim County Ireland: 15 FUN Things to Do in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
Ireland in the Fall: What You Need to Know (+ What to Pack for September/October)
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