Guidebook for
Food Scene
Muck n Muffins
lovely desserts
The Olde Glen Bar, Restaurant & Bia Box
Seafood and wonderful pub.
There's a complete list of restaurants and cafés in the cottage. Not many of them are showing up on Air BnB's listings. But, Arnold's Hotel is one of them.
Another one is Cove in Dunfanaghy. It serves modern Irish food.
12 locals recommend
Arnolds Hotel Dunfanaghy Co. Donegal Ireland
Main StreetThere's a complete list of restaurants and cafés in the cottage. Not many of them are showing up on Air BnB's listings. But, Arnold's Hotel is one of them.
Another one is Cove in Dunfanaghy. It serves modern Irish food.
The Rusty Oven - Pizzeria
Main StOutstanding pizza made in a real pizza oven.
Yummy breads and cakes.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g212536-d12539046-Reviews-Wild_Fuschia_Bakehouse-Dunfanaghy_County_Donegal.html
Wild Fuschia Bakehouse
Yummy breads and cakes.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g212536-d12539046-Reviews-Wild_Fuschia_Bakehouse-Dunfanaghy_County_Donegal.html
Kealy's Seafood Bar
Milltown HarbourJohnny's Beach House, Buncrana
Charlie's West End Cafe
5 Main StDanny Minnies Country House
1 St Mary's ViewCaisleáin Óir Hotel
Atlantic WayExcellent fish and chips.
Popular modern Irish restaurant. Call ahead to make a reservation.
24 locals recommend
The Lemon Tree Restaurant
Popular modern Irish restaurant. Call ahead to make a reservation.
Gastro-pub seafood and local specialties. Serves great cocktails. Live music from time to time.
Spectacular views across to Tory Island, Mount Errigal and Magheroarty Beach.
12 locals recommend
Colls Bar
Gastro-pub seafood and local specialties. Serves great cocktails. Live music from time to time.
Spectacular views across to Tory Island, Mount Errigal and Magheroarty Beach.
Belles kitchen
Pier RoadGood bakery and lunch choices.
Yummy breakfasts and lunches. Good spot for a great cuppa.
16 locals recommend
Batch - Coffee House, Bar & Kitchen
Main StreetYummy breakfasts and lunches. Good spot for a great cuppa.
Coffee Go Leor
Main StreetNice for sandwiches and coffeess
Delicious burgers and gastro-pub food. Great pint too. Live music on the weekends. Warm cozy woodstove and a very warm welcome from all the staff. This is a great place to visit, especially after a chilly walk on the beach. (No dogs allowed inside the bar, but they are allowed on the patio outside.)
Strand Rd, Ballyconnell, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Delicious burgers and gastro-pub food. Great pint too. Live music on the weekends. Warm cozy woodstove and a very warm welcome from all the staff. This is a great place to visit, especially after a chilly walk on the beach. (No dogs allowed inside the bar, but they are allowed on the patio outside.)
Drinks & Nightlife
molly's bar
N56Great atmosphere
The Singing Pub
Great bar, music, and good pub food
Patsy Dan Bar
main streetIconic pub in the area. Live music some nights.
Parks & Nature
If you only go to one place during your stay, make sure it is here. Glenveagh is fabulous!
52 locals recommend
Glenveagh National Park Visitor Center
If you only go to one place during your stay, make sure it is here. Glenveagh is fabulous!
Tramore
Miles and Miles of sandy beaches
Horn Head
Lovely views by car or by foot.
Killahoey Beach
Portnablagh Pier
3 Patrick's HillMarble Hill Strand
Sea kayaking available during the summer.
This is a beautiful beach. The harbour is the location of the ferry to Tory Island.
Magheraroarty harbour station
This is a beautiful beach. The harbour is the location of the ferry to Tory Island.
Ards Forest Park
Fantastic views and lovely walks.
Glenish Pass is just outside lovely Ardara.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/ardara/attractions/glengesh-pass/a/poi-sig/1573611/359636
25 locals recommend
Ardara
Glenish Pass is just outside lovely Ardara.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/ardara/attractions/glengesh-pass/a/poi-sig/1573611/359636
Ballymastocker Beach: Once named the second most beautiful beach in the world by the British newspaper the Observer, this tawny-coloured Blue Flag beach is a supremely fine place to while away the hours. It is indeed stunning as you drive round the high headland on the R268 and it rears into view, but put the brakes on – there's a viewpoint you can pull into to take mesmerising shots.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/portsalon-fanad-head/attractions/ballymastocker-beach/a/poi-sig/1518127/359636
20 locals recommend
Portsalon
Ballymastocker Beach: Once named the second most beautiful beach in the world by the British newspaper the Observer, this tawny-coloured Blue Flag beach is a supremely fine place to while away the hours. It is indeed stunning as you drive round the high headland on the R268 and it rears into view, but put the brakes on – there's a viewpoint you can pull into to take mesmerising shots.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/portsalon-fanad-head/attractions/ballymastocker-beach/a/poi-sig/1518127/359636
Inishowen Peninsula is the northernmost point in Ireland. It is well known for its outstanding beauty, beaches and harbours, some of which are used for commercial fishing purposes, including Greencastle, Bunagee and Leenan. A seasonal ferry service crosses the Foyle, connecting Greencastle with Magilligan in County Londonderry, while another crosses the Swilly, connecting Buncrana with Rathmullan.
Inishowen was successfully selected as one of the Star Wars filming location in Ireland for the new movie, episode 8 - The Last Jedi being released in Ireland on the 15th December 2017.
8 locals recommend
Inishowen
Inishowen Peninsula is the northernmost point in Ireland. It is well known for its outstanding beauty, beaches and harbours, some of which are used for commercial fishing purposes, including Greencastle, Bunagee and Leenan. A seasonal ferry service crosses the Foyle, connecting Greencastle with Magilligan in County Londonderry, while another crosses the Swilly, connecting Buncrana with Rathmullan.
Inishowen was successfully selected as one of the Star Wars filming location in Ireland for the new movie, episode 8 - The Last Jedi being released in Ireland on the 15th December 2017.
Check out their website for lots of workshops and activities in Ulster.
Event details
Sat, 25/08/2018 - 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Join Ulster Wildlife and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group for a guided watch for whales, dolphins and porpoises from one of the best Porpoise watching spots in Northern Ireland.
Please bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes if you have them.
FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes – under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
SURFACE: Coastal car park but be aware we will be watching adjacent to cliffs.
CLOTHING: Check forecast beforehand and dress suitably.
Ulster Wildlife
10 Heron RdCheck out their website for lots of workshops and activities in Ulster.
Event details
Sat, 25/08/2018 - 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Join Ulster Wildlife and the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group for a guided watch for whales, dolphins and porpoises from one of the best Porpoise watching spots in Northern Ireland.
Please bring binoculars and/or spotting scopes if you have them.
FAMILY FRIENDLY? Yes – under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
SURFACE: Coastal car park but be aware we will be watching adjacent to cliffs.
CLOTHING: Check forecast beforehand and dress suitably.
Wild Ireland
Sightseeing
There is a good museum which gives a lot of history of the area. The gardens are stunning and the castle is just beautiful. You can also walk along the louch for many kilometres.
35 locals recommend
Glenveagh Castle
There is a good museum which gives a lot of history of the area. The gardens are stunning and the castle is just beautiful. You can also walk along the louch for many kilometres.
8th century church with one of the highest Irish crosses in the country. You can see the church in the distance from our house. It is located near the Ray River.
Ray
8th century church with one of the highest Irish crosses in the country. You can see the church in the distance from our house. It is located near the Ray River.
Interesting museum of local history. Good play area for children. Cafe in the building.
8 locals recommend
The Workhouse
1-6 Church MeadowsInteresting museum of local history. Good play area for children. Cafe in the building.
Ards Friary
Beautiful setting and lovely atmosphere.
Muckish Railroad Walk: •http://www.dunfanaghy.info/places/Muckish-Railway/42
10 locals recommend
Muckish
Muckish Railroad Walk: •http://www.dunfanaghy.info/places/Muckish-Railway/42
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1007742-d260051-Reviews-Glencolmcille_Folk_Village-Glencolmcille_County_Donegal.html
42 locals recommend
Glencolumbkille Folk Village
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1007742-d260051-Reviews-Glencolmcille_Folk_Village-Glencolmcille_County_Donegal.html
Immerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago.
Wander through the thatched cottages and log cabins and meet costumed characters who will show you traditional crafts, tell you a few stories and maybe even share a bit of their good food.
Board a full-scale emigrant ship to experience the conditions faced by many as they set sail for a new life in America. With 30 buildings and exhibits to explore, masses of things for the kids to do, the Ulster American Folk Park is a wonderfully unique experience.
59 locals recommend
Ulster American Folk Park
2 Mellon RdImmerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago.
Wander through the thatched cottages and log cabins and meet costumed characters who will show you traditional crafts, tell you a few stories and maybe even share a bit of their good food.
Board a full-scale emigrant ship to experience the conditions faced by many as they set sail for a new life in America. With 30 buildings and exhibits to explore, masses of things for the kids to do, the Ulster American Folk Park is a wonderfully unique experience.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186601-d582480-Reviews-Grianan_Of_Aileach-County_Donegal.html
58 locals recommend
Grianan Of Aileach
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186601-d582480-Reviews-Grianan_Of_Aileach-County_Donegal.html
Gardens, tea room, stunning views.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g3299691-d4996255-Reviews-Oakfield_Park-Raphoe_County_Donegal.html
Raphoe Castle
Gardens, tea room, stunning views.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g3299691-d4996255-Reviews-Oakfield_Park-Raphoe_County_Donegal.html
One of the most important Irish saints is from this area.
http://www.colmcilleheritagecentre.ie
Colmcille Heritage Centre
One of the most important Irish saints is from this area.
http://www.colmcilleheritagecentre.ie
Doe Castle
Small castle set in a stunning landscape.
History or the railway in Donegal. Great fun for the whole family.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g315868-d2534086-Reviews-Fintown_Railway-Dungloe_County_Donegal.html
9 locals recommend
Fintown Railway
History or the railway in Donegal. Great fun for the whole family.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g315868-d2534086-Reviews-Fintown_Railway-Dungloe_County_Donegal.html
Donegal Castle
11 Castle StInteresting museum in charming Donegal Town.
7th century Donagh Cross
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/carndonagh/attractions/donagh-cross/a/poi-sig/1518129/359636
13 locals recommend
Carndonagh
7th century Donagh Cross
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/carndonagh/attractions/donagh-cross/a/poi-sig/1518129/359636
Once known as Northburg Castle and then known as Greencastle, apparently from the stone it was constructed from (but today it very well describes the copious ivy that covers its walls), this imposing but badly crumbling edifice is east of town. You can just wander up from the roadside and explore the ruins, which are sizeable. The views out over to the beach at Magilligan Point in Londonderry on the far side of Lough Foyle are supreme.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/greencastle/attractions/northburgh-castle/a/poi-sig/1572954/359636
Northburg Castle, Greencastle
Once known as Northburg Castle and then known as Greencastle, apparently from the stone it was constructed from (but today it very well describes the copious ivy that covers its walls), this imposing but badly crumbling edifice is east of town. You can just wander up from the roadside and explore the ruins, which are sizeable. The views out over to the beach at Magilligan Point in Londonderry on the far side of Lough Foyle are supreme.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ireland/greencastle/attractions/northburgh-castle/a/poi-sig/1572954/359636
Walled city, museums, history, beautiful old churches, good shopping, good pubs. Great place to wonder for a day.
104 locals recommend
Londonderry
Walled city, museums, history, beautiful old churches, good shopping, good pubs. Great place to wonder for a day.
Outstanding museum in Belfast on the Titanic Experience. Plan to spend half a day there. Best time to go is early in the day.
145 locals recommend
TEC Belfast
17 Queens RdOutstanding museum in Belfast on the Titanic Experience. Plan to spend half a day there. Best time to go is early in the day.
Carrickfergus Castle is the quintessential medieval castle. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike. Plan to spend a couple of hours there.
8 locals recommend
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus Castle is the quintessential medieval castle. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike. Plan to spend a couple of hours there.
Lying at the most northwesterly part of the Wild Atlantic Way, picturesque Tory Island is steeped in history, mythology and folklore, and today is home to a community of artists inspired by its wild and rugged beauty. What’s more, in a nod back to ancient times, this Irish-speaking community of just over 130 people is led by a king; a fellow islander elected by the people.
Tory Island
Lying at the most northwesterly part of the Wild Atlantic Way, picturesque Tory Island is steeped in history, mythology and folklore, and today is home to a community of artists inspired by its wild and rugged beauty. What’s more, in a nod back to ancient times, this Irish-speaking community of just over 130 people is led by a king; a fellow islander elected by the people.
With soaring cliffs, untouched crags and an untamed spirit, Donegal’s Northern Headlands are a marvel. The Wild Atlantic Way’s most remote region, its terrain is peppered - between Malin Head and Donegal Town - with megalithic sites, glaciated valleys, buzzing Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) communities, and that northern sense of enduring wild wonder.
8 locals recommend
Atlantic Way
Atlantic WayWith soaring cliffs, untouched crags and an untamed spirit, Donegal’s Northern Headlands are a marvel. The Wild Atlantic Way’s most remote region, its terrain is peppered - between Malin Head and Donegal Town - with megalithic sites, glaciated valleys, buzzing Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) communities, and that northern sense of enduring wild wonder.
Saint Patrick's Catholic Cathedral
41 Cathedral RdLovely views from a historic building.
Check Amanda's Cathedral Quarter Tours of Letterkenny on Air BnB to make a booking.
Conwal Parish Church
Lovely views from a historic building.
Check Amanda's Cathedral Quarter Tours of Letterkenny on Air BnB to make a booking.
Getting Around
Donegal Airport
Bus Eireann station
Bus service from Dublin to Letterkenny.
https://www.google.ch/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=mcginley%27s+bus+dublin+to+letterkenny&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=om0vWty7FomaX9K9ivgD
7 locals recommend
John McGinley Coaches
Bus service from Dublin to Letterkenny.
https://www.google.ch/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=mcginley%27s+bus+dublin+to+letterkenny&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=om0vWty7FomaX9K9ivgD
Check out the bus schedules from Letterkenny to Falcarragh. The bus will stop at the crossroads of Ballyboe, our township. The cottage is just a 3 minute walk up the road.
http://getthere.ie/letterkenny-falcarragh/
Patrick Gallagher Travel
Check out the bus schedules from Letterkenny to Falcarragh. The bus will stop at the crossroads of Ballyboe, our township. The cottage is just a 3 minute walk up the road.
http://getthere.ie/letterkenny-falcarragh/
Wild Atlantic Cycles Bike Hire Donegal
Bike rentals.
http://www.wildatlanticcycles.com
The Bike Stop & small engine repairs
East EndAtlantic Motorcycle Hire
7 Main StMotorcycle rental
Entertainment & Activities
Dunfanaghy Golf Club
You can rent golf clubs from:
http://www.clubs4hire.com
Water sports and more! Great for the whole family.
http://www.gartan.com
14 locals recommend
Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre
Church HillWater sports and more! Great for the whole family.
http://www.gartan.com
Tropical World
Fun for the family at Tropical World.
Rock climbing, sea kayaking, sea stacks, hill walking, mountain training. Excellent safety record.
http://uniqueascent.ie
Unique Ascent
Rock climbing, sea kayaking, sea stacks, hill walking, mountain training. Excellent safety record.
http://uniqueascent.ie
Dunfanaghy Stables Ltd
Rides can be arranged on the beach or further afield.
Portstewart Golf Club
117 Strand RdCastlerock Golf Club,
65 Circular RdRoyal Portrush Golf Club
Newtownstewart Golf Club
38 Golf Course RoadGolfers have been travelling to Rosapenna since the late 19th century when the Old Tom Morris Links was ranked 3rd in the British Isles behind only The Old Course at St.Andrews and The Royal County Down Golf Club. With the addition of the hotel soon after the Old Tom Morris Links opened in 1893 Rosapenna is the true first golf resort in the world. In 2003 Rosapenna opened the second course the Sandy Hills Links designed by Pat Ruddy of The European Club fame. In its relatively short lifetime the Sandy Hills Links has been met with rave reviews and steadily climbed the rankings as it matures into one of the worlds finest modern links courses.
12 locals recommend
Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort
Golfers have been travelling to Rosapenna since the late 19th century when the Old Tom Morris Links was ranked 3rd in the British Isles behind only The Old Course at St.Andrews and The Royal County Down Golf Club. With the addition of the hotel soon after the Old Tom Morris Links opened in 1893 Rosapenna is the true first golf resort in the world. In 2003 Rosapenna opened the second course the Sandy Hills Links designed by Pat Ruddy of The European Club fame. In its relatively short lifetime the Sandy Hills Links has been met with rave reviews and steadily climbed the rankings as it matures into one of the worlds finest modern links courses.
Donegal has excellent surfing opportunities. Here's one company that's well known in the area.
Bundoran's Conor Maguire is featured here:
http://www.surfaroundireland.com/category/conor-maguire-2
20 locals recommend
Bundoran Surf Co
Main StreetDonegal has excellent surfing opportunities. Here's one company that's well known in the area.
Bundoran's Conor Maguire is featured here:
http://www.surfaroundireland.com/category/conor-maguire-2
Perfect Day Surf School Strandhill Sligo
Airport RoadIn the next county down, but when you want to surf....
Sea kayaking and surfing, this guy knows his stuff. In fact, it's his fault we bought our house as he took us on such an amazing paddle!
Good websites for checking on surfing opportunities:
https://magicseaweed.com/County-Donegal-Surfing/91/
or another is:
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/explore-the-best-surf-spots-in-north-donegal
10 locals recommend
Jaws Watersports
Sea kayaking and surfing, this guy knows his stuff. In fact, it's his fault we bought our house as he took us on such an amazing paddle!
Good websites for checking on surfing opportunities:
https://magicseaweed.com/County-Donegal-Surfing/91/
or another is:
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/explore-the-best-surf-spots-in-north-donegal
At Shandon spa you'll find a luxurious range of heat and cooling experiences to cleanse and relax the mind, body and soul. The Vitality Pool has carefully positioned water jets to massage different areas of your neck and body. Discover the three heated loungers and two state of the art lifestyle showers, where you can experience tropical downpours or gentle mists. The sauna eliminates toxins from your body before you step over to the Salt Grotto to experience its amazing mist, infused with Sea Salt and Eucalyptus. Outside you will discover the Canadian hot tub. Lie back in the comforting warmth of the water and enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.
23 locals recommend
Shandon Hotel & Spa
Marble Hill StrandAt Shandon spa you'll find a luxurious range of heat and cooling experiences to cleanse and relax the mind, body and soul. The Vitality Pool has carefully positioned water jets to massage different areas of your neck and body. Discover the three heated loungers and two state of the art lifestyle showers, where you can experience tropical downpours or gentle mists. The sauna eliminates toxins from your body before you step over to the Salt Grotto to experience its amazing mist, infused with Sea Salt and Eucalyptus. Outside you will discover the Canadian hot tub. Lie back in the comforting warmth of the water and enjoy the sights and sounds of the area.
Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa
Shore RoadSpa, massages, facials, etc.
Cycle Inishowen
Pound StreetBike rental on Inishowen
Come and spend the evening with me, a local folk musician, singing a collection of old-meets-new acoustic songs. This is an evening not to be missed if you want to experience that bygone Irish tradition of visiting. The music is of an old-world style but with a modern dialogue, and melodic finger-style guitar playing that compliments the vocal melody, and is not just an accompaniment. The venue is a beautiful old cottage in the mountains overlooking Lough Salt Lake. Inside there will be a roaring open fire and relaxed seating, You will also receive a selection of snacks and beverages.
https://abnb.me/73ATvPFesM?user_id=2288048&s=50
6 locals recommend
Lough Salt
Come and spend the evening with me, a local folk musician, singing a collection of old-meets-new acoustic songs. This is an evening not to be missed if you want to experience that bygone Irish tradition of visiting. The music is of an old-world style but with a modern dialogue, and melodic finger-style guitar playing that compliments the vocal melody, and is not just an accompaniment. The venue is a beautiful old cottage in the mountains overlooking Lough Salt Lake. Inside there will be a roaring open fire and relaxed seating, You will also receive a selection of snacks and beverages.
https://abnb.me/73ATvPFesM?user_id=2288048&s=50
Arts & Culture
Music, plays, art exhibitions and more.
http://www.angrianan.com
21 locals recommend
An Grianan Theatre
Port RoadMusic, plays, art exhibitions and more.
http://www.angrianan.com
The Playhouse
5-7 Artillery Sthttp://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk