Donegal Town

The ancient town of Donegal lies between the Barnesmore Mountains and beautiful Donegal Bay. Donegal Castle, its guardian of many centuries, sits on a picturesque bend of the River Eske. It reminds us of the past, and of the tribulations and peagentry of life in the middle ages. It is quite extraordinary that a structure built in 1474 has survived to be with us today, and we are fascinated by the fortunes of the O'Connell Family who built it. Their story is one of rebellion and swashbuckling adventures. It takes in imprisonment and escape, battles and alliances, and ultimately death in the infamous Tower of London. And it was the displacement of Red Hugh O Donnell and his compatriots that brought about the “Flight of the Earls” and the “Plantation of Ulster”, which so shapes the demographic of this part of Ireland to this day.

The Donegal Bay Waterbus is another of Donegal’s great attractions. It route takes in the fascinating seal colony on Seal Island, waterbourne panoramas of the Bluestack Mountains and, of course, the Bay’s many beautiful islands. Other treats in Donegal Bay are Atlantic dolphin and the occasional whale. The Waterbus has a fully stocked bar and a cabaret is shown on the return trip. Sailings are three time daily from Donegal Pier, depending on the weather and tides.

It was here in Donegal Town that Brother Michael O”Cleary with Peregrine O”Cleary, Peregrine O”Duignean and Fearfasa O”Maolconry worked on their famous manuscript “Annals of The Four Masters” which is a full account of Gaelic Ireland since what they took to be its birth until the Flight of the Earls. It took several years to compile but was actually written up from 1632 to 1636.

Donegal’s Blueberry Cafe is a perennial favourite among locals and visitors alike. This charming cosy cafe serves wholesome, simple, honest food in hearty portions. You can expect soup, toasties, quiche, panini, sticky cakes of all descriptions, and a warm, can-do atmosphere. Highly recommended.

How to get Donegal Town

By aircraft, bus, or car. Flybe and Loganair fly daily services from Heathrow and Glasgow to Donegal Airport. Route from Dublin via the A46 and N15.

Where to stay in Donegal Town

Donegal Town has many accommodation options including hotels, hostels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

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Donegal is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Inver and Killybegs if you are travelling north, and don't miss Rossnowlagh, and Ballyshannon, if travelling south.

Things to do in Donegal.

1. Visit Donegal’s Diamond Obelisk, a memorial to the four friars who chronicled the whole of known Celtic history from the Great Flood right up to 1618 AD. The “Annals of the Four Masters” is an extraordinarily important document, and is one of the most important sources of early Irish history. The obelisk remembers the four friars, and commemorates the their great work. Copies of the Annals of the Four Masters are available for view in the National Library in Dublin and should not be missed.
2. Enjoy traditional irish music in Biddy O Barne’s quaint and charming public house.
3. Recreations include swimming at several nearby venues, sea and river fishing, golf (18) on a championship course at Murvagh, boating, pony-trekking and tennis. Indoor amusements include cinema and dancing.