Ireland Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Donegal

Last updated on December 15th, 2025 at 07:03 am

I’ve just returned from nine days spent driving around County Donegal to celebrate my ten-year anniversary of my first solo trip to Ireland. As I’ve shared my previous annual trips to Ireland, the top comment I’ve received is that I need to experience all the things to do in Donegal. So I heeded that advice and spent nine days in this absolutely spectacular part of the country. I used to tell people that Galway was my favorite place in Ireland, but Donegal just stole that spot in my heart.

You may be thinking, wow nine days in one part of Ireland is a long time, and you are partly correct. If you only have a week to spend in Ireland, you’ll probably want to go to Dublin or Galway. Some people will try to drive the whole of the Wild Atlantic Way in one or two weeks. 

But, generally speaking, that’s not how I like to travel, especially when I’m in Ireland. I prefer to slow it down so I can dive a little deeper and try to get a real sense of a place. I also travel to Ireland at least once a year so I understand that I have the luxury to spend an entire trip in one area. 

All of that to say, that even after nine days in Donegal I STILL did not do, see, or eat everything I wanted to! There is simply not enough time to do everything. So in this blog post, I’ll share what I made time for as well as other items on my list that I’m saving for the next trip, because trust and believe that I will be back in Donegal asap! I’ll also share at the end my 9-day itinerary for Donegal, which you can use as a jumping off point for your own!

If you just want an overview of my itinerary, scroll all the way down!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a tiny bit of income if you decide to make a purchase or booking. For more, check out my disclosure. 

How to Get to Donegal

Donegal by Air

There is an airport in Donegal! If you’re flying to Ireland from the US, you’ll likely fly into Dublin. If you want, you can take a short flight over to Donegal to start your trip! It looks like one of the most beautiful places to land with the sea on either side of the runway!

If you’re traveling to Donegal from the UK, there are flights between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and other destinations. There are even flights between Donegal and the Isle of Man!

Donegal by Bus

While I’ve been able to travel pretty extensively around Ireland by public transport, I did notice that while you can get to some places in Donegal by bus, like Donegal town, Letterkenny, and Dunfanaghy, it is a bit harder to reach more remote villages.

If you’re just staying in one of these towns, there are direct buses on Bus Éirrean Expressway from a few other main tourist destinations in Ireland. So it’s possible to include portions of Donegal on a great Ireland itinerary that uses public transportation.

• Route 30 Dublin Airport to Donegal Town: There are no changes, and it takes approximately 4 hours.
• Route 32 Dublin Airport to Letterkenny: There are no changes, and it takes approximately 4 hours.
• Route 64 Galway to Derry: This bus route ultimately ends in Derry, but there are multiple stops throughout Donegal. To get to Donegal Town, it takes approximately 4 hours.
• Route 64 Sligo to Donegal: If you’re checking out the beauty of Sligo, it’s only an hour bus ride to Donegal when you’re done!
• Route 51 + Route 64 from Cork: There is no direct route from Cork, but you can take the direct route 51 from Cork to Galway, then change to route 64 to get from Galway to Donegal. This entire journey would take all day, so I’d recommend spending a night or two exploring the fun things to do in Galway and then continuing on to Donegal.

Bus ticket prices vary depending on the route, but will cost anywhere from €24-40.

If you’re in Northern Ireland and want to visit Donegal using public transport there are a few options with Translink Ireland.

• Route 261 + Route 30 Belfast to Donegal: There is no direct bus from Belfast to Donegal, you’ll change in Enniskillen to the Expressway route 30. It will take approximately 4 hours including the change.
• Route 64 Derry to Donegal: This is via the Bus Éirrean route 64 that ultimately ends in Galway, just in the reverse direction. It will take only 1.5 hours with no changes to reach Donegal.

Bus tickets for these routes range from £14.00-18.00.

Donegal by Train

There is no train station in Donegal.

Donegal by Car

As someone who has traveled to Ireland almost every year for 10 years, this trip to Donegal was the first time I’ve ever rented a car, and it was the best way to get to and around Donegal. 

Having a car in Donegal allows you to explore the county at your leisure, to linger at a beach, to pull off at a great viewpoint, and to get to the most northern part of contiguous Ireland without relying on another service!

Here are some approximate drive times between other popular destinations in Ireland and Donegal Town. This does not include drive times if you’re driving the Wild Atlantic Way to these destinations.

• From Dublin Airport: 3 hours
• From Shannon Airport: 3.5-4 hours
• From Galway: 2.5-3 hours
• From Cork: 4.5-5 hours
• From Limerick: 3-4 hours
• From Doolin: 3.5-4 hours
• From Belfast: 2-2.5 hours

Tips for Driving in Donegal

If you’re worried about driving on the opposite side of the road and car, don’t be. It’ll take about 30 minutes to an hour to get used to. And if you’re scared of the one-lane roads that allow for two cars, just know that people work with each other. Sometimes you can both inch a little to the left and pass without a problem. Other times someone will have to back up or wait in a small outlet for the other car to pass.

One thing to know is that it will take longer to arrive at your destination than Google Maps tells you because you’ll be soaking in the stunning scenery as you go.

Use the restroom whenever you can. I drink a lot of water and there are tons of little coffee trailers throughout Donegal, some with great views, that I just had to stop at. So I was always looking for the bathroom. Unfortunately, they’re few and far between when you’re out in the country. So if you are in a pub or a shop, make sure to use the facilities!

Take plenty of breaks. No matter what side of the road you’re used to driving on, driving for hours every day is exhausting. So plan your route to maximize what you see and minimize the time it takes to see it.

Google Maps may route you to take a ferry. This happened to me when I was trying to get from Fanad Peninsula to the Inishowen Peninsula. All of a sudden, the next direction was: take the ferry. When I say my jaw dropped, I mean it was on the floor. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to avoid this, but then I was back on track. So, double check the route before you start driving (unless you want to a take a ferry).

Keep a change of clothes in the car just in case you get caught in the rain!

I used NewWay as my rental car provider and it was a super easy, seamless process. All insurance was included up front, there were no issues checking in or returning the car. It was straightforward and transparent.

What to Pack for Donegal

What you pack for Donegal isn’t too much different than what you’ll pack for Ireland generally. I’ve put together an Ireland packing list for all seasons to reference, but here’s a quick overview.

Waterproof clothing: First, always pack for rain, no matter the season. Make sure you have waterproof outerwear, including pants, jackets, and shoes. In the winter months, it can snow, so you’ll need something heavier, and in the summer months, you can likely get away with a rain jacket shell that you can layer a sweater or something under.

Hiking boots or shoes: There are plenty of hiking trails throughout Donegal of varying difficulty. Some are leisurely strolls like the Lakeside walk in Glenveagh National Park, others are steep climbs to the top of Mount Errigal or the Slieve League cliffs. Make sure you have the proper footwear if you plan to hike them. I took my trusty Keen hiking boots that I’ve been using for years now. For less strenuous hikes, Blundstones are a good option.

Comfortable walking shoes: Pack your favorite pair of comfortable walking shoes for when you’re not out on the hiking trails!

Layers: The weather in Donegal can change suddenly. Every day I was there had sun and rain. It was often windy on the coast. Pack comfortable clothes you can layer as needed.

A pub outfit: A nice pair of jeans and a nice top should be just fine for Donegal and you can rewear the same outfit because you’ll be in different pubs throughout the trip!

Cozy clothes: Pack a cozy outfit, like wide-leg linen pants and a cozy sweater, for when you’re relaxing in your B&B. You can also wear this outfit while driving around, so you stay comfortable.

Swimsuit: How does a sauna and sea dip sound? I did this for the first time in Portnablagh and it was the most invigorating 45 minutes. I highly recommend it. Or you can book a spa day at the Shandon Hotel where swimwear is required to enjoy the thermal spa!

Electronics: Don’t forget all of your electronics and the appropriate charging cords and adapters. Get one of these universal travel adapters so you always have the right plug.

The Best Things to Do in Donegal

County Donegal is filled with fun things to do, from outdoor activities to visiting distilleries to shopping for the perfect wool sweater. I’m sharing everything that I was able to check off from my bucket list, as well as a few activities that I decided to skip (but will be back to do!! 

When you’re planning your Donegal itinerary, pick the activities that excite you the most and forget the rest. Leave time to enjoy the little moments, to linger over something you love, and you’ll have created the perfect itinerary for yourself.

Explore Donegal Town

I recommend staying in Donegal town for your first night to allow yourself a break from driving and to adjust to any time changes. Plus there are some cool things to do in the heart of Donegal.

The centre of Donegal Town is called the diamond and it’s where you’ll find lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs. There are also a few good hotels on the diamond if you want to stay in a truly central location.

You’ll likely arrive in the mid-afternoon, so park your car, check into your accommodation, then go out for a stroll.

You can head to Donegal Castle, which is a 15th-century castle on the banks of the River Eske. Inside there is a beautiful fireplace and wood ceiling. While a bit underwhelming to be honest, it costs only €5.00 and takes about 15 minutes to walk through.

Alternatively, you can book a ticket for the Donegal Bay Waterbus. I wish I did this instead of the castle! It’s a 75-minute boat ride that takes you to various points of interest like a seal colony and the old booking office for the White Star Line (yeah – Titanic’s company), all while enjoying the beautiful landscape.

There are multiple sailing times per day and tickets cost €25.

Whether you choose to do an activity or people watch at the Diamond with a coffee in hand for the afternoon, you’re likely hungry. There are plenty of good places to eat in Donegal.

I enjoyed lunch at The Olde Castle Seafood Bar. I had oysters and the seafood chowder and it was delicious! For dinner, I ate at La Bella Donna, which offers a wide range of Italian food. The portions are hearty and the staff was friendly. I really wanted to eat at the Harbour Bar, its food looks beautiful. Unfortunately they were booked up so make sure you make a reservation. 

End your night in Donegal with a drink at one of the many traditional Irish pubs in town. The Reel Inn is great for a local vibe. McCafferty’s has more of a party atmosphere, but the pub is massive! I recommend either of them for a drink and live music!

Take a Sliabh Liag Boat Tour

When I told the internet I was planning a trip to Donegal, one of the top recommendations was to do the Sliabh Liag boat tour with Paddy at Teelin Pier. So that’s what I did my first morning in Donegal!

I loved this boat tour because the boats are small, accommodating about 12 people each. Don’t worry, they have a fleet of four boats so you should be able to secure a seat. Two of the boats have swimming platforms, so if you want to swim, you can – just make sure you note it when you book.

The tour lasts an hour and forty-five minutes and sails below the dramatic Sliab Liag cliffs while the captain shares the history of the area and other fun stories. You may see dolphins or other wildlife while sailing too!

I loved this boat tour, but bring warm and waterproof clothes as the boats are uncovered!

There are multiple sailing times each day and tickets cost €25.

Hike the Cliffs of Sliabh Liag

When you’re done with your boat tour, head up to the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Sliabh Liag! Yep, these cliffs are three times higher than the more popular Cliffs of Moher! They rise about 2,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and offer stunning views of the bay and the surrounding villages (if you hike up high enough!).

To visit the Slieve League cliffs, you can park at the Visitor Center and take a shuttle bus to the viewing platform, cutting out almost all walking (unless you’re planning to hike beyond the platform). Alternatively, there is a smaller parking lot further up the road that costs a few euros to park. From there, it’s a 20-minute walk to the viewing area. 

I took the second option, and regretted it because I was too tired to complete the hike beyond the viewing platform. I did some of it, and what I accomplished was beautiful. But I’d like to finish the entire thing, so I’ll be back!

Visit Glenveagh National Park

When I was entering Ireland, the customs agent asked me where I was going. When I told him Donegal, he lit up and asked if I was going to go to Glenveagh National Park. I said I was and he told me it was a beautiful and spiritual place. 

He was not wrong. Glenveagh National Park is a spectacular part of Ireland! There is a castle, a lakeside walk amidst the moss, and a waterfall. What more could you want?!

How about free parking and a shuttle to take you to Glenveagh Castle? 

Yep – there’s that too!

I went on a Sunday of a holiday weekend, arriving in the car park around 10:00 am. There was still plenty of parking available. The tickets for the shuttle were free, but typically they cost €3.00 for a return ticket. If you decide not to take the shuttle, you can walk from the visitor centre to the castle in about 45 minutes. But I’d recommend using the shuttle to conserve your energy!

It was just me and two others on the shuttle to Glenveagh Castle which was empty when we got there so I was able to get into the cafe easily for some hiking snacks and pop into the gift shops before the crowds descended (which they did eventually).

The hike along the lake begins below the castle and it was more of a pleasant walk than a strenuous hike. It’s mostly covered by trees and the purple heather was blooming in between the moss covered rocks. Blackberries were also abundant in August and many people were berry picking!

There is a waterfall towards the end of the hike and while you’re unable to get close to it, you can hear it flowing powerfully from a bench with a great view of it! The hike does continue beyond the waterfall and supposedly gets steep, but I decided to turn back to the castle at this point. 

When I returned, the castle was packed with a long line for the cafe. There were young Irish dancers performing for family and friends. While busy, it was a fun atmosphere!

Then I hopped back on the shuttle to return to my car and continue on to the next spot!

Hike Mount Errigal

At 751 meters (2400 ft) Mount Errigal is the tallest mountain in County Donegal. The climb to the top is tough, but incredibly rewarding!

If you wake up to a clear day, head to Errigal! There is a small car park at the base of the hike (load Errigal car park into your GPS). If that’s full, you can park on the shoulder, just make sure you’re completely off of the road.

The hike starts with a slight incline walk through bogs and heather. Don’t worry, there’s a boardwalk path in place so you don’t sink into the bog! The trail does then become very steep with stone “steps” carved into the mountainside. There is also a lot of loose scree so take your time and take lots of breaks. 

On the day I did it, it was insanely windy. So much so that I could feel it both pushing me forward and also as extra resistance. Sometimes I felt the wind push my foot somewhere different from where I intended it to go.

I almost turned back so many times, but other people were doing it and there were places at the top that sheltered the wind. Make sure you know your capabilities and if you think this hike is beyond it, it’s ok to turn back.

But if you do make it to the top, enjoy the panoramic views of the rugged mountains, lakes, and sea below.

Go for a Sauna and Sea Dip

The best way to recover from all of this hiking is to go for a sauna and sea dip! There are a few places you can do this, but I went to Cocoon Sauna at Portnablagh Pier as it was on my way back into town after hiking Errigal.

There are two saunas available with a window that looks out to the surrounding landscape. Once you’ve sat in the sauna for a bit, then walk down the steps for a “refreshing” sea swim.

I say on every trip that I’m going to swim in the sea, but I’ve always chickened out. This sea swim changed my mind. The first time going in was daunting, but I just had to go for it, the others in the sauna were cheering me on so that helped. The second and third time I went in during the 45-minute session had me frolicking like a dolphin! I LOVED it!

If you’re interested, it costs €15 for a 45-minute session. I paid when I got there, but you should probably book in advance, because I got a no-show spot!

Go Beach Hopping

No matter where you are in Donegal, you’re likely near a beautiful beach! There are so many along the Donegal coast, it’s hard to pick which ones to include here, so I’ll share the few that I had the opportunity to either visit or drive by!

Marble Hill Strand

Located in the beautiful Dunfanaghy, Marble Hill Strand is the perfect place to spend a few hours. You can go swimming in the calm waters, take surfing lessons, or just enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Across the street is a cafe, and a 5-minute walk away, there are public restrooms. 

Downings Beach

Downings is a cute village with a beautiful beach right in the center! You can go swimming in Sheephaven Bay, paddleboarding, or just enjoy the views. There are plenty of places nearby to grab a bite before or after!

Murder Hole Beach

Murder Hole Beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs that is only accessible by a 20-minute hike through farm land. But it’s well worth the quick walk! There are caves you can explore (at low tide – so pay attention!). 

This beach is not suitable for swimming, but it’s great for a nice walk and to enjoy the feeling of the wildness Donegal is known for.

Ballymastocker Bay

Ballymastocker Bay is regularly voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! I only viewed it from the vantage point up the road and it is stunning! It’s a long stretch of white sandy beach surrounded by farmland and the rugged landscapes of this part of Wild Ireland. The water was turquoise blue, even on a rainy day!

It’s a must-stop on your Donegal itinerary, even just from the vantage point.

Pollan Bay

I stopped by Pollan Bay on my last night on the Inishowen Peninsula. It was the first night of the trip that there was a tiny sunset, but the crowds were so dramatic, it made for quite the scene, especially with Malin Head in the distance!

Culdaff Beach

A woman I met at Patsy Dan’s in Dunfanaghy told me to go to Culdaff beach and I was not disappointed. It was a rainy day, so I grabbed a coffee from the coffee trailer in the parking lot, threw on my rain jacket and went for a stroll.

Culdaff is one of the many blue flag beaches in Ireland. There is a main section of beach which is large and great for swimming. Around some rocks, there is a smaller beach that’s a bit quieter, but maybe not safe for swimming, like the other side! There were lifeguards on duty here as well!

If you want to go for a sauna and sea swim, there are saunas called Sea View available in the parking lot. 

Take Surfing Lessons

Donegal is known for its beautiful beaches, many of which you can surf at! If you want to do something unique, take a surfing lesson!

Narosa Surf School in Dunfanaghy offers surfing lessons at Marble Hill Strand, which is a beautiful beach to visit anyway! 

They also offer SUP tours if that’s more your speed. I wanted to do a SUP tour, but my body was incredibly sore after hiking Errigal so I decided not to. Adding this to the list for reasons to go back!

Visit Fanad Head Lighthouse

The Fanad Lighthouse has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, and I went to see why. Well, it’s perched amidst the rugged landscape of the Wild Atlantic Way at the entrance of Lough Swilly with rainbows over the Atlantic Ocean, so yea, I get why it’s won the vote!

To visit the Lighthouse it costs €12 for a tour to learn more about the lighthouse, the keepers who lived there, and to climb to the top, which has great views over to the Inishowen Peninsula. The climb to the top is a winding, narrow staircase, so if that’s a potential fear for you, you can opt out of that part. 

After the tour, wander around the surrounding landscape to take in the various views of the lighthouse! It’s really pretty!

If you want to extend your stay, you can book accommodation in one of the three cottages!

Visit Malin Head

Donegal is known for its wild, remote, unspoilt beauty. If you want to see the epitome of this, head to the most northern point of contiguous Ireland – Malin Head. 

On a calm, clear evening you can see the Northern Lights from Malin Head.

And for Star Wars fans, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was filmed here, and you’ll see paraphernalia from the film in Farren’s Bar (a must-visit). 

You can spend a few hours wandering around the trails of Malin Head. Just be careful as it’s right on the cliff’s edge and it can be very windy!

Just a short drive away is Ballyhillion Beach where you can find unique stones (just don’t take them)!

Walk Alpacas on Malin Head

This was on my bucket list, but I was not able to cross it off! But if you want to do something different, you can take an Alpaca for a walk with the Wild Alpaca Way! There are three walks per day, each lasting a hour. 

Your paired up with an Alpaca for a leisurely walk in Malin Head  where you’ll be able to witness the natural beauty of this area with a furry friend!

Where to Eat and Drink Throughout Donegal

Throughout County Donegal, there are fantastic local pubs to enjoy live traditional Irish music and a good meal. Here are a few to add to your itinerary!

Donegal Town Pubs

I already mentioned places to eat in Donegal Town, but if you’re looking for a place for a pint and live music after dinner, head to McCafferty’s or the Reel Inn. If you’re looking for a rowdy night, head to McCafferty’s, which is like 4-5 pubs in one. It’s massive. If you want to mingle with more local people, head to the Reel Inn. 

The Rusty Mackerel

The Rusty Mackerel is a must stop in Donegal. It’s near the Slieve League Cliffs so it’s the perfect spot to visit after a hike or boat trip. I only had the seafood chowder, which to be honey was my least favorite chowder of the trip. But their fish and chips looked good! 

You can also stay at The Rusty Mackerel if you’d like!

Nancy’s Bar

Nancy’s Bar in Ardara has been in the same family for seven generations. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a delicious meal, a good drink, and a fun evening. Their menu highlights the best of local seafood and beef as well as vegetarian options. I had the mussels which was a huge portion of food! 

It will likely be busy, but grab a drink from the bar while you wait for your table!

Patsy Dan’s

Patsy Dan’s in Dunfanaghy is everything you want in a traditional Irish pub. Live music is played almost nightly, there is a cozy fire for cold nights, and friendly people to have a chat with. 

You can get pizza next door at the Rusty Oven. The pizza was delicious and they’ll bring it to you at the bar. Or you can reserve a table in the covered garden seating area! It will likely be busy and they will stop serving pizza earlier if they need to (it happened when I visited, I was the last order!) So if you see it’s busy, put your order in earlier than later!

The Olde Glen Bar

I stopped by the Olde Glen Bar for lunch after a beautiful morning in Glenveagh National Park. The beautiful and cozy pub is 250 years old and has a great selection of gin and whiskey. They offer a 4-course dinner menu, but for lunch, there is a Bia Box in the garden out back. 

They have a nice menu of toasties that you can enjoy at a picnic table in the garden on a nice day or take into the pub on a wet one!

Harbour Bar

I only stopped into the Harbour Bar in Downings to use the restroom, but I could tell the vibes would be good here. The bartender was super friendly, pointing me in the right direction for the restroom. But what would be amazing is a sunny day in this bar because the views from it are spectacular. It’s perched above Downings overlooking the water, beach, and town. 

They also serve food!

Singing Pub

The Singing Pub is just a short drive from the town of Downings and Murder Hole Beach. I stopped in for an early dinner after visiting Murder Hole Beach and it was filled with families who were camping nearby! It has everything you’d expect from an Irish pub and had lots of fishing themed decor. 

I ordered a fried goat cheese toastie which was delicious and came with so many sides that it was a full meal!

Farren’s Bar

If you’re going to Malin Head (which you should) then stop by Farren’s Bar which is Ireland’s most northern pub! Their seafood chowder was the best I had the entire trip! The people working in the pub and the locals enjoying an afternoon drink were super friendly. There was also some Star Wars paraphernalia if you’re a Star Wars fan!

Where to Stay in Donegal

I did a lot of research for places to stay during my trip throughout Donegal, so I’m going to share with you where I stayed and why I liked it. Since the rental car was expensive, I decided to save on accommodation, without staying in hostels. So I focused on B&Bs in beautiful areas, on the outskirts of towns. 

The only time I stayed in town was in Dunfanaghy at an Airbnb and it was my least favorite stay, I’ll share why below.

Donegal Town

Donegal Town has a wider variety of accommodation than other parts of Donegal. Many people recommended the Abbey Hotel and Lough Eske Castle Hotel. Both of which are great options.

I chose to stay at Haywoods B&B and am so glad I did. The hosts were incredibly welcoming and shared so much about the area with me over a delicious Irish breakfast. I got the smallest room available to stay within a budget, but it was perfect for one night.

Check rates and availability here.

Ardara

The next night, I stayed in Ardara in a beautiful B&B that is directly on a lake, the sitting room had stunning views!. The Lookout Budget Accommodation was like a combination of a hostel and a B&B. There was a full kitchen that you could use to make your own meals. Fridge and storage for any food. There was a mini fridge with beer and wine that you could purchase. 

The hosts are a very nice German couple who have clearly put thought into making the rooms as comfortable as possible. My bedroom had a large bed with a heated mattress pad (I didn’t need to use it). Towels, a hot water bottle, and a little bag of gummy bears were provided as well. The bathroom was shared with one other room on the first floor.

The provided breakfast was simple with a variety of cheeses, jam, and freshly baked bread! It was the perfect breakfast before heading to Glenveagh National Park, and I took a piece of bread to go!

Check rates and availability here.

Dunfanaghy

In Dunfanaghy I stayed at an Airbnb that is associated with a surf school. It is in the heart of town, just steps away from the best pubs, which is what I wanted. I wanted to be able to enjoy the pubs without worrying about driving back to my accommodation.

The Airbnb had a lofted sleeping space, a nice kitchen, and a washing machine. I was able to do a load of laundry and cook my own breakfast to save a little bit of money.

But it wasn’t a very comfortable space. The couch was incredibly uncomfortable to sit on, the bathroom was incredibly small (which is expected in many places), but the shower also leaked all over the floor.

It was also located right next to wear young kids get fitted for their wetsuits before their surfing lessons, so it wasn’t very private or quiet in the mornings, which is something I wanted.

But if you want an aesthetically pleasing place to stay in the center of town, it’s worth considering. 

Check out other places to stay in Dunfanaghy here.

Inishowen Peninsula

The next place I stayed was on the Inishowen Peninsula at a beautiful B&B called Madra Rua. The hosts are a lovely couple from Spain who will ensure you have a pleasant stay. They upgraded my room because there was some sort of issue with the water so for the inconvenience they put me in a bigger room with a better view! Granted they were able to do so, because it was just me and another couple staying, but still, the thought was there!

For breakfast I had the Spanish omelet one morning, since the hosts are from Spain, I figured it would be good and it was! The next morning I had an Irish breakfast as it would be my last one of the trip!

The B&B was a short drive from other restaurants, beautiful beaches, and other fun things to do in Inishowen.

But there are lots of other places to stay in the area, check them out here!

Steal my Donegal Itinerary!

If you’ve made it this far, then I’m going to share with you my exact 8-day Donegal itinerary. This itinerary requires 9 actual days; you’ll fly out on the 9th day.

Day 1: Arrive in Dublin

• Pick up a rental car
• Drive to Donegal: stops at Hill of Tara and Enniskillen for breaks
• Explore Donegal Town
  • Donegal Castle
  • Waterbus Tour
  • Pub hop
• Stay at Haywoods B&B

Day 2: Donegal to Ardara

• Breakfast at B&B
• Drive to Slieve League boat tour
• Lunch at The Rusty Mackarel
• Hike Slieve League Cliffs
• Drive to Assaranca Waterfall
• Dinner at Nancy’s Bar
• Stay at The Lookout Budget Accommodation

Day 3: Ardara to Dunfanaghy

• Breakfast at B&B
• Drive to Glenveagh National Park
  • Walk the lakeside trail, check out the castle gardens
• Dinner at Bia Box at the Olde Glen Bar
• Drive to Dunfanaghy
• Dinner, drinks, and live music at the Rusty Oven and Patsy Dan’s
• Stay at the Captain’s House Airbnb, or alternate accommodation

Day 4: Hike Errigal and Swim in the Sea

• Breakfast at B&B
• Hike Mount Errigal: pack snacks and a sandwich for lunch
• Sauna and sea swim at Cocoon Spa
• Dinner in Dunfanaghy at Lizzie’s

Day 5: Beach Hop

• Breakfast at B&B
• Marble Hill Strand
• Downings Beach: check out McNutt for souvenirs and Fiffi’s for coffee and lunch
• Murder Hole Beach
• Singing Pub for an early dinner
• Back to Dunfanaghy for drinks and live music 

Day 6: Dunfanaghy to Inishowen

• Spa morning at Shandon Hotel & Spa
• Lunch at Shandon Hotel restaurant
• Drive to Fanad Head: Tour the lighthouse
• Pizza for early dinner at Lighthouse Tavern
• Drive to Inishowen Peninsula
• Stay at Madra Rua

Day 7: Malin Head

• Breakfast at B&B
• Drive to Malin Head
• Lunch at Farren’s Bar
• Glenevin Waterfall
• Dinner at Rusty Nail

Day 8: Inishowen to Dublin

• Breakfast at B&B
• Drive to Dublin – stop in Letterkenny or Derry for a break!

Day 9: Fly home 🙁

You are in for an unforgettable experience in Donegal. The people are some of the best in Ireland, the scenery is stunning, and there are so many interesting places to visit. I didn’t even get a chance to visit the surrounding islands, like Tory Island. Just another reason to go back, right!?

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