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Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to See and Do in County Donegal, Ireland – OUR CROSSINGS
Last Updated on the 7th of August, 2025
While Trinity Library in Dublin and Blarney Castle in County Cork will leave any visitor in awe, there is no feeling quite like standing close to the edge of Slieve League cliffs, famed for their splendour and beauty.
County Donegal is filled with natural wonders that can fully capture the hearts and souls of all who encounter it.
Its dramatic coastal vistas, unrivalled beauty and hidden treasures make it a must-visit destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.
While the answer to what places and things you shouldn’t miss while travelling around Donegal will mostly depend on your interests, we created a small list of beautiful spots worth visiting for an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe.
Read More: How To Have a Fantastic Time Visiting Delightful Ards Forest Park in Donegal
County Donegal at a Glance
Where is County Donegal? Donegal is the most northerly county in Ireland, and Donegal Town is the largest town
What is Donegal Famous for? – wild moorlands, Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs, deserted white sand beaches, historical castles and ancient stone forts
Donegal Tweed – the traditional art of weaving is associated with Donegal, and you can find many excellent woollen shops in Ardara, Donegal Town.
Donegal nickname – Given how culturally, physically and even politically isolated Donegal is, it has often been referred to as Ireland’s Forgotten County
Read More: 10 Essential Items To Pack For An Unforgettable Trip To The Emerald Isle
Visit Fanad Head Lighthouse
Perched at the top of a windswept headland on the Fanad peninsula, Fanad Head Lighthouse is one of Ireland’s most photographed lighthouses, thanks to stunning views of the Wild Atlantic Ocean and Lough Swilly.
Originally built after the HMS Saldanha shipwrecked in the waters of Lough Swilly, the lighthouse now offers guided tours and accommodation for an experience of a lifetime.
During the summer, the waters around the lighthouse become a temporary home for porpoises, dolphins, whales and basking sharks.
- Location: Cionn Fhánada, Co. Donegal, F92VC2N
- Admission: €10 Adult (18+), €5 Children (5-17), under 5 – free
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Stop By Donegal Town
Located at the mouth of the River Eske and overlooking Donegal Bay, the lovely heritage Town of Donegal makes for a great stop, whether you are exploring Donegal or embarking on a trip along the Wild Atlantic Way.
As the largest town in the county, it offers plenty of opportunities to refuel, restock and replenish before you head out further into the rugged northwestern corner.
The best thing to do is to go for a walk around the town and see the old stone buildings lining the streets.
You can also pay a visit to one of the main tourist attractions, Donegal Castle, and get out on the water with Donegal Bay Waterbus to see the local seal colony.
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Ride the Waves in Bundoran
Situated in the South of Donegal, right on the oceanfront, Bundoran is a lively town with pristine beaches, mighty waves and cosy traditional pubs.
It is also home to the world-famous surf spot, The Peak.
Most of the beaches in the area are easily accessible, and nearby Tullan Strand is considered Ireland’s most consistent beach break and is suited for beginners.
If you wish to try out surfing, you’ll find lots of surf schools where you can hire equipment and bag a knowledgeable surf instructor.
If surfing is not your cup of tea, you can make a wish at the Wishing Chair, gawk at the Fairy Bridges or settle in one of the cosy pubs for a hearty meal.
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Be in Awe of the Imposing Slieve League Cliffs
Towering high above the raging Atlantic Ocean, Slieve League Cliffs are one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets.
At their highest point, the steep cliffs reach 600+ m, placing them among the highest sea-cliff faces in Europe.
While the cliffs are relatively off the traditional tourist trail, they are very easy to get to from Dongal town.
For the classic view of the cliffs, head out to the Bunglas Viewpoint. From there on a clear day, you can take in rolling green hills stretching out as far as the eye can see, the vast expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean and even Ben Bulben, Ireland’s iconic table mountain, in County Sligo.
For an even closer look, you can walk the lesser-known yet challenging Pilgrim’s Path to admire the full force of raw nature. The trail is 3km long, takes around 2-3 hours for a round trip and starts in the small village of Teelin.
Read More: Your Guide To Visiting Beautiful Slieve League Cliffs In County Donegal
Explore Inishowen Peninsula and Drive to Malin Head
One of the top things to do in Donegal is to embark on a drive around the Inishowen Peninsula as the well-signposted route – named the Inishowen 100 scenic route – passes most of the tourist attractions.
While the drive can be easily done within a day, it is best savoured over a couple of days.
The scenic drive starts in Bridgend, passes the coast of Lough Swilly and continues on to Blue Flag Beach Fanah and then onto Buncrana Town.
Along the way, you can stop at Ireland’s most northerly point – Malin Head, visit Glenevin Waterfall, stop at Gap of Mamore, be in awe of Grianan an Aileach Stone Fort and see as many of the rugged peninsulas’ stunning beaches.
Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: 8 Amazing Things To See And Do On A Trip Around Inishowen Peninsula
Visit Glenveagh National Park
With free entry and year-round access, visiting Ireland’s second-largest National Park, which offers plenty of fresh air and scenic backdrops for photos, makes for a wonderful day out.
Start your visit by watching the audiovisual presentations at the interpretative centre before catching the bus to the castle and gardens.
The blooming castle gardens still retain their original Victorian layout, including the Tuscan Garden, Gothic Orangery, and Italian Terrace.
The castle, located on the edge of Lough Veagh, is a late 19th-century castellated mansion, originally built as a hunting lodge. You can book a guided tour to see the interior of the castle.
After exploring the grounds, you can relax in the courtyard cafe with a cup of coffee and freshly made scones.
- Location: Letterkenny, F92 P993
- Admission: Free admission to the castle gardens
Read More: How To Visit Glenveagh National Park In County Donegal: The Ultimate Guide
Explore Donegal’s Islands
If you love exploring islands, you are in for a treat, as the jagged coastline around Donegal is smothered with them.
Whether you desire to go for a walk, listen to traditional music or take a trip into history, you can hop on a ferry to one of Ireland’s most remote islands, see the puffins and meet the island’s artisans.
- Arranmore Island – a wild and untamed island located 5km off the coast of Donegal is still very much a hidden gem for visitors. On the island, you’ll find a lighthouse, plenty of white-sand beaches and a healthy dose of serenity.
- Gola Island – Located about one mile from the pier at Machaire Gathlán, Gola Island is a wonderful island where you can see original examples of Gabhla longhouses, walk along remote beaches and explore steep seacliffs on the western side of the island
- Tory Island – Steeped in mythology, folklore and history, Tory Island is one of Ireland’s most remote islands, located 14.5km from the mainland. It’s home to an Irish-speaking community of just 130 people. You can reach the island by the Tory Island Ferry from Bunbeg and Magheraroarty Piers
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Go For a Stroll In Ards Forest Park
With over 480 hectares of beaches and moorlands, the lush reserve at Ards Forest Park is a great place to visit for the whole family, as it is the most diverse of Ireland’s Forest Parks.
It is located on the shores of Sheephaven Bay and has a diverse range of habitats such as rocky shorelines, deciduous woodlands, saltwater lakes, sandy beaches and marshes as well as numerous viewing points.
There is also a small cafe, a children’s playground with access to a beautiful beach, a spacious car park and a picnic area.
You’ll find a fantastic choice of signposted trails at various lengths, ranging from buggy-friendly and short to a full 16km circuit.
- Location – between Creeslough and Dunfanaghy on the N56
- Admission – The entrance to the park is EUR 5.
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Stop by the Doe Castle Ruins
Once a stronghold of the MacSweeney Clan, who came to Donegal from Scotland as Gallowglasses, Doe Castle is surrounded by water on three sides and reminds one of the region’s rich history.
The fortress was built in the 1420s and served as a home and refuge for the MacSweeney chiefs, who witnessed some of the most unforgettable events in Irish history, for almost 200 years.
It is said that Maolmhuire an Bhata Bhu, who was the last chief of the castle, marched out with Red Hugh O’Donnell to fight in the Battle of Kinsale in 160 and that MacSweeney, chief Eoghan Og II, took in survivors of the 1588 Spanish Armada fleet.
The castle grounds are open all year round, but if you wish to go on a guided tour, you can book one with the local community group Moving Mevagh Forward.
- Location – off the R245 between Carrigart and Creeslough
- Admission is free, but guided tours cost 3 euros per person
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Be Amazed By Crohy Head Sea Arch
Rising around 150 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, Crohy Head Sea Arch is one of many hidden gems dotted along the rugged Donegal coastline.
Often referred to as “trousers” in Gaelic, this remarkable rock formation is one of the most captivating sea arches in the county.
The easiest route to the arch is via the coastal road from the town of Dungloe, from which Crohy Head Sea Arch is 8km west.
With no official car park or access to the arch, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research in advance to know exactly where the arch is.
To access the arch, you have to hop over the fence near the location sign and walk approximately 100 meters towards the sea.
*Good to know – You can hike down to the beach, but only during low tide.
- Check the tides: wet weather and high tide can make exploring the area dangerous and inaccessible
- Location: off the Mullaghmullan Peninsula
*Pro tip – always be cautious on cliff edges and keep an eye on the tides
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Go For a Dip in One of Its Stunning Beaches
While there are plenty of other walks, castles, villages and mountains I could include on the list, one more recommendation would be to visit one of Donegal’s beaches.
You may not be guaranteed the weather to go for a swim, but I can promise you’ll be blown away by the sheer natural beauty as some of Donegal’s beaches have been voted the best in the world.
The coastline around Donegal spans over 1,100 km, and along the way, you’ll find glittering blue water and stretches of glorious golden sand.
- Silver Strand (aka Malin Bag) – nestled in a moon-shaped bay, the beach offers otherworldly views and plenty of serenity. The beach is accessible by 200 steps that take you all the way to the sandy shore.
- Ballymastocker Bay – when it comes to beauty and views, it is hard to surpass Ballymastocker Bay, which is nestled on the western shores of Lough Swilly. The Blue Flag beach was once voted the second most beautiful beach in the world by the readers of the British Observer.
- Murder Hole Beach – Despite its grisly name, Murder Hole Beach is a wonderful white sand beach with crystal clear waters. It is home to various caves that are best explored at low tide. Due to strong currents and unpredictable riptides, swimming is prohibited.
Read More: 11 Amazing Things To Do In Sligo That Will Make You Stay For More
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Now, over to you!
Have you ever been to County Donegal? Let us know in the comments below!
Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Donegal and have travel-related questions!
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