The best towns to visit in Donegal Ireland

Donegal captures hearts. From the warm, friendly welcoming people to the beautiful, pristine, rugged coastlines, Donegal offers a unique experience that is hard to beat.

So, what are the best towns to visit in Donegal, Ireland that show the true essence of the county?

Letterkenny is the largest and most populated town in the northern part of Donegal with a population of about 22,000 people. Originally a small fishing village, it has grown into a prosperous market town with a buzzing arts and culture scene.

Here are some things to see and experience in Letterkenny.

Historical attractions to visit in Letterkenny include – Donegal County Museum, Central Library, and St Eunan’s Cathedral.

The Donegal County Museum on High Street, Letterkenny, is a treasure trove of historical artefacts.

Everything you want to know about County Donegal is here at your fingertips.

Donegal County Museum

If you’re interested in exploring your Irish family connections, head to the top floor of the Central Library in downtown Letterkenny. The helpful librarians will dive deep into the records to help you find out about your family secrets.

Central Library Letterkenny

St Eunan’s is the centrepiece of Letterkenny. With its stunning Victorian neo-gothic style, it’s an attraction to add to your Letterkenny itinerary.

Letterkenny’s vibrant food scene is iconic. Head to any of its cafes, restaurants and bars to get a taste.

Many of the traditional Irish pubs in Letterkenny such as McGettigan’s, McGinley’s, McCafferty’s and Sonny McSwine’s Bar, are a favourite hangout for locals and tourists.

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Donegal Town is special as it’s the namesake of the county. It’s a significant town for tourism and showcases what’s best about the region.

Originally a plantation town where the River Eske meets Donegal Bay, it’s a smaller commercially important southern town in County Donegal.

So much to see and experience in Donegal Town. Here are some highlights.

Some historical attractions to see are – Donegal Castle, and Donegal Railway Museum.

Visiting the ruins of Donegal Castle is an interesting step back in time. Once the home of the O’Donnell clan in the 15th century, it’s in the very heart of the town and well worth a visit.

It’s unique as a castle, as it was primarily a home instead of a fortress. Also, the castle is considered the largest of all Irish castles.

Donegal Castle

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In the late 1800s to mid-1900s, the main transport for long distances in County Donegal was by rail.

You can learn all about Donegal’s railway history at the Donegal Railway Museum.

Donegal Railway Museum

Donegal Town is also the fashion centre of the tweed industry. Visit Magee of Donegal and Hanna Hats for traditional Irish fashion.

Magee of Donegal is a world-famous manufacturer of Donegal tweed. With origins dating back to 1866, Magees still maintains a small hand-weaving business but uses luxury fashion yarns such as cashmere, lambswool, alpaca, silk, linen and tweed.

As well as watching the weaving demonstration, you can buy items in the Magee of Donegal shop.

Magee of Donegal

Hanna Hats is another fashion icon in Donegal Town. Hanna’s is first class in creating timeless headwear pieces and accessories that are in hot demand worldwide. Maybe your favourite Hollywood star has been seen wearing a Hanna’s hat.

You can also watch the expert craftspeople at work on the factory floor or browse in the shop.

Hanna Hats

Like Letterkenny, Donegal Town has a thriving food scene. Check out these recommended restaurants.

Quay West Restaurant is Donegal’s premier seafood and steak restaurant. Winner of many awards, including – “Great Place to Eat”, “Best Seafood Restaurant in Ireland” and “Best in Ireland,” it’s the perfect location to have a delicious meal that is world class.

Quay West Restaurant

Simple Simons is a restaurant and wholefoods store that focuses on healthy food options and sustainability. If you’re looking for a quick, light meal or beverage, head there for the yummiest food and coffee this side of Donegal.

Simple Simons

Inishowen is the largest northern peninsula on the island of Ireland. It’s a wild place. Rocky cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. Immerse yourself in the rugged remote headlands for views that are simply impressive.

Many things to experience in Inishowen.

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The unique experiences in Inishowen include – Malin Head, the Wild Alpaca Way and Wild Ireland.

Malin Head is Ireland’s most northernmost point along the Wild Atlantic Way. The breath-taking views has earned its place in the Star Wars saga.

In the countryside of Malin Head overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Alpaca Walking Tour is one attraction not to be missed.

On the tour, you’re given an alpaca, and you get to walk with these furry, gentle creatures and see the world through their eyes. A once in a lifetime close encounter of the friendly kind.

Alpaca Walking Tour

Wild Ireland is an ancient wildlife sanctuary where you take a step back in time and encounter brown bears, wolves, lynx and wild boars.

The park rescues wild animals from devastating situations and provides a sanctuary for them to live in their natural habitat.

Wild Ireland

Some historical attractions to visit in Inishowen are – Doagh Famine Village and Fort Dunree.

Doagh Famine Village is a museum that gives an insight into the time of the Great Famine.

It’s one of Donegal’s most popular tourist attractions with exhibits, old buildings and re-enactments reminiscent of the era.

This attraction is open for the summer season (March to October) only, so make sure you check this before visiting.

Doagh Famine Village

Once a military fort, Fort Dunree is now a historical museum and nature park.

Fort Dunree

Ardara is one of Donegal’s unique heritage towns in the county’s southwest. It’s a popular location for many local festivals annually.

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So many things to see in Ardara, Donegal.

Ardara is renown for giving travellers a unique experience. The most popular attraction is Slieve League.

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Slieve League, also known as Sliabh Liag, is the highest sea cliffs in Europe. It’s a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. The spectacular views will leave you speechless.

The cliffs are about 601 metres high (1,972 feet) so you’ll feel like you’re walking among the clouds.

Slieve League

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Like Donegal Town, Ardara is a centre for the manufacturing of hand-woven tweed. Check out John Molloy for your fashion needs.

John Molloy is another internationally recognised maker of Donegal tweed and knitwear. The John Molloy factory shop has a range of tweed jackets, fashion accessories, scarves, hats and gloves for sale.

John Molloy

Sliabh Liag Distillers in Ardara is world famous for Irish whiskey. Their award-winning brands are sold world wide.

Sliabh Liag Distillers

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