Some facts About Donegal-
North West Donegal is a place like no other on the island.its one of the most visit sites in the world without questions, yet in turn a land of unspoilt splendour where stark peaks and sweeping beaches bask in glorious sunshine, and little restaurants serve amazing food.
Uncrowded Donegal's rugged interior with its remote mountain passes and shimmering lakes is only marginally outdone by the long and labyrinthine coastline with its windswept peninsulas and isolated, characterful pubs. Proudly independent, one-third of the county is official Gaeltacht territory, where Irish is the lingua franca.
After its northern start in Derry, the Wild Atlantic Way really begins to strut its stuff in Donegal as the county's untamed craggy coastline truly puts the wild into the way.
Here is so much going on in Donegal that you'll be spoilt for choice. Explore the rock pools on one of our thirteen blue flag beaches, take a boat trip to Tory or visit the glorious Glenveagh National Park. its a county of peace and sprituality too with lots and lots of Adventures.
On a pair of walking boots, point yourself in any direction you like and feel the wilderness speak to you. The walking experience in County Donegal is second to none. From our Waymarked Ways, National Looped Walks, Coastal Paths and Island Loops, County Donegal is a walkers Himalayas.
Few places in Ireland are more savagely beautiful than northwestern Donegal. The rocky Gaeltacht area between Dungloe and Crolly is known as the Rosses (Na Rossa), and is scattered with shimmering lakes, grey-pink granite outcrops and golden-sand beaches pounded by Atlantic surf. Further north, between Bunbeg and Gortahork, the scenery is spoiled a little by the uncontrolled sprawl of holiday homes. Offshore, the islands of Arranmore and Tory are fascinating to those eager for a glimpse of a more traditional way of life.
Errigal Mountain-The pinkish-grey quartzite peak of Errigal Mountain (752m) dominates the landscape of northwestern Donegal, appearing conical from some angles, from others like a ragged shark's fin ripping through the heather bogs. Its name comes from the Gaelic earagail, meaning 'oratory', as its shape brings to mind a preacher's pulpit.
Its looming presence seems to dare walkers to attempt the strenuous but satisfying climb to its pyramid-shaped summit. If you're keen to take on the challenge, pay close attention to the weather: it can be a dangerous climb on windy or wet days, when the mountain is shrouded in cloud and visibility is minimal.
The easiest route to the summit, a steep and badly eroded path, begins at a parking area on the R251, about 2km east of Dunlewey hamlet (4.5km round trip; allow three hours).
TORY ISLAND Swept by sea winds and stung by salt spray, the remote crag of Tory Island (Oileán Thóraí) has taken its fair share of batterings. With nothing to shield it from savage Atlantic storms, it's a tribute to the hardiness of Tory Islanders that the island has been inhabited for more than 4500 years. Although it's only 11km north of the mainland, the rough sea has long consolidated the island's staunch independence.
So it's no surprise that Tory holds onto traditional Irish culture instead of simply paying lip service to it. The island has its own dialect of Irish and even has an elected 'king', who acts as community spokesman and welcomes visitors to the island. Over the decades its inhabitants earned a reputation for distilling and smuggling contraband poitín (a peaty whiskey). However, the island is perhaps best known for its 'naive' (or outsider) artists, many of whom have attracted the attention of international collectors.
In 1974, after an eight-week storm that battered the island, the government made plans to evacuate Tory permanently. Father Diarmuid Ó Peícín came to the rescue, spearheading an international campaign to raise funds, establish a proper ferry service, install an electrical supply and more. The demise of the fishing industry has brought its own share of problems, but the community perseveres.
The island has just one pebbly beach and two recognisable villages: West Town (An Baile Thiar), home to most of the island's facilities, and East Town (An Baile Thoir)
Ringed by dramatic cliffs, cavernous sea caves and clean sandy beaches, Arranmore (Árainn Mhór) lies just 5km from the mainland. Measuring 9km by 5km, the tiny island has been inhabited since the early Iron Age (800 BC), and a prehistoric promontory fort can be seen near the southeastern corner. The west and north are wild and rugged, with few houses to disturb the sense of isolation.
Off the southwestern tip is Green Island, a bird sanctuary for corncrakes, snipes and a variety of seabirds; you can see it from Arranmore (but not visit). Irish is the main language spoken on Arranmore Island, although most inhabitants are bilingual.
NATURE Anyone looking to stretch their legs will love this forested park, criss-crossed by marked nature trails varying in length from 2km to 13km. Some of the best walks lead to its clean beaches with views across Clonmass Bay. It covers 480 hectares along the northern shore of the Ards Peninsula and is 5km southeast of Dunfanaghy.
The woodlands are home to several native species, including ash, birch and sessile oak, and you may encounter foxes, hedgehogs and otters. In 1930 the southern part of the peninsula was taken over by Capuchin monks; the grounds of their friary are open to the public.
HORN HEADThe towering headland of Horn Head has some of the Wild Atlantic Way's most spectacular scenery, with dramatic quartzite cliffs, topped with bog and heather, rearing over 180m high. The narrow road from Dunfanaghy (4km) ends at a small parking area where you can walk 150m to a WWII lookout point or 1.5km to Horn Head proper.
On a fine day you'll encounter tremendous views of Tory, Inishbofin, Inishdooey and tiny Inishbeg islands to the west; Sheep Haven Bay and the Rosguill Peninsula to the east; Malin Head to the northeast; and the coast of Scotland beyond.
Dunfanaghy & Around
Comely Dunfanaghy is clustered along the southern shore of a sandy inlet and lies ideally at the centre of one of the most varied and attractive parts of Donegal. Moors and meadows, sea cliffs and sandy beaches, forest and lake lie scattered below the humpbacked hill of Muckish, all waiting to be explored on foot or by bike.
The tourism hub of northwest Donegal, Dunfanaghy and the neighbouring villages of Port-na-Blagh and Marblehill have a wide range of accommodation and excellent dining options.
The Gaeltacht district of Gweedore (Gaoth Dobhair) is a loose agglomeration of small townships scattered between the N56 road and the coast. It's the most densely populated rural area in Europe, and the largest Gaelic-speaking parish in Ireland, a heartland of traditional Irish music and culture, and birthplace of Celtic bands and musicians such as Altan, Enya and Clannad.
Although the scenery is wild and windswept, large parts of the coastal area have been overrun by holiday homes. Consequently, the 'villages' of Derrybeg (Doirí Beaga) and Bunbeg (Bun Beag) virtually blend into each other along the R257, and the sprawl continues north to the spectacular headland of Bloody Foreland (named for the crimson colour of the rocks at sunset).
It's a place best explored by bike, following narrow dead-end roads down to secluded coves and beaches. Away from the coast, dozens of small fishing lakes break up the bleak but beautiful landscape. If you're driving, the N56 heading east out of Gweedore is particularly scenic.
Dunlewey (Dún Lúiche)-Blink and chances are you'll miss the tiny hamlet of Dunlewey (Dún Lúiche). You won't miss the spectacular scenery, however, or quartzite cone of Errigal Mountain, whose craggy peak towers over the surrounding area. Plan enough time to get out of your car and do some walking here, as it's a magical spot. Its close to the N56 and the coastal villages.
Bloody Foreland
Named for the crimson colour of the rocks at sunset, Bloody Foreland (Cnoc Fola) is a spectacular stretch of coast…or at least it was until holiday homes mushroomed across the horizon. Still, the coast road north and south of here remains wonderfully remote and ideal for cycling. Experienced surfers will find plenty of challenging waves, but you'll need to bring your own gear.
There is many places to visit in Donegal and many advanture and culture tours happen all season.
Donegal is famous for Surfing, Rock climbing, Hill Walking, Camping, kayking, Gulfing, Mountain Biking, Music, Treditionols pubs etc.
If you have groups to Visits northwest donegal and you need to organise your trip feel free to contact us -0873635898
