To get the full benefit of any visit to Donegal Town, a trip on the Donegal Waterbus is a "must". During an 80 minute cruise that explores the history, environment and wildlife of the unique estuary of Donegal Bay, the boats skipper, Billy Bustard, gives a lively commentary on the sites of special interest, freely illustrated with his own humorous asides and anecdotes. If you're lucky, you will spot some dolphins swimming alongside the boat during the cruise.
Water Sports
Rathmullan Sailing & Watersports
Learn to sail on beautiful Lough Swilly. Rathmullan Sailing & Watersports School offers classes for children and adults on the beautiful waters of Lough Swilly.
Eco Atlantic Adventures
Based on Lough Swilly (Rathmullan & Portsalon), Mulroy Bay and SheepHaven Bay. Eco Atlantic Adventures offer the most Scenic Kayaking where the Atlantic ocean has spent its lifetime shaping this wonderful playground for you to enjoy.
National Parks
Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north-west of Co. Donegal. It is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains and pristine lakes. The Park, over 14,000 acres in extent consists of three areas. The largest of these is the former Glenveagh Estate, including most of the Derryveagh Mountains. To the west are the quartzite hills around Crocknafarragh and to the south, the peatlands of Lough Barra bog, Meenachullion and Crockastoller.
Glenveagh is the haunt of many rare and interesting plants and animals and is famous for it’s fine herd of red deer. The Park contains the peaks of the two highest mountains in Co. Donegal, Errigal (752m) and Slieve Snaght (683m). The steep sided valley of Glenveagh holds the 5.5km-long Lough Veagh.
Much of the land which comprises modern Glenveagh National Park was originally consolidated into a single holding in the 19th Century by John George Adair, a wealthy land speculator from Co. Laois. The holding was managed as a private deer forest until 1975, when it was sold to the state and placed in the care of the Commissioner of Public Works to become a national Park.
A fine Victorian castle surrounded by beautiful gardens is picturesquely located on the eastern shore of the lake and provides the focal point for visitors to the Park. The last private owner Henry P. McIlhenny donated the castle, including much of its contents in 1983. The Park and gardens were officially opened to the public in 1984 and the Castle in 1986.
Historical Attractions
Doagh Famine Village
Doagh Famine Village tells the story of Irish life from the Great Famine of the 1840s through until the present day. Tour guides will take you on a journey showing how families and communities have lived on the edge generation after generation, adapting and surviving as the environment and society around the local area changed over the years. A combination of informative storytelling and life size exhibits provides an informative, thought-provoking and at time humorous look at Irish life.
Fanad Lighthouse
An amazing journey of discovery awaits you on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way. Learn about the light and aids to navigation past and present. Step back in time and hear stories about light-keepers in days gone by and climb to the top of the tower for spectacular views of land and sea. Tours offer a fantastic insight into the rich and vibrant history of Fanad Lighthouse and the beautiful Fanad Peninsula.
Glebe House & Gallery
Regency House, 1828, set in woodland gardens, decorated with William Morris textiles, Islamic and Japanese art etc. The collection includes 300 works by leading 20th century artists; Picasso, Kokoshka as well as Irish and Italian artists. Exhibitions are shown in the adjoining gallery.
Equestrian
Donegal Equestrian Centre
Providers of high quality horse riding experiences for all ages and abilities. Visit us to experience some of the best beach riding Donegal has to offer. Horse riding lessons, beach/trail rides & pony camps available.
