Ballybofey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ifyou’re looking for a remote getaway, then the town of Ballybofeyin Donegal is a great place to visit. Located onthe west coast of Ireland, Donegal is one of Ireland'smost remote counties. Its deep lakes and untouched mountain ranges make it apopular destination with hikers and lovers of the outdoors.

Situatedon the River Finn – roaring upstream, and slower downstream – Ballybofeyis in the prime location for keen anglers. Combine its fishing with a fantasticrange of natural attractions, shopping, culture and great places to stay, and Ballybofeymakes an idyllic getaway for those wanting to explore everything on offer in CountyDonegal.

Historyin Ballybofey

Ballybofeyhas its origins as a market town and was once a part of the 18thcentury Glenmore Estate. During the 19th and 20thcenturies, the town experienced a fast rate of growth. While the nearbyGlenmore Estate manor house was demolished in the 1990s, the town continued toprosper, and today it is a popular riverside retreat. It is unusual for anIrish town in that it has neither a church nor a school.

Ballybofey’sDrumboe Woods

It’snot often you’ll find woodland so untouched by city life, but Ballybofey’sDrumboe Woods remain unscathed. Though not large, this riversidewoodland area is a prime example of how stunning Ireland can be. Home to manyspecies of wildflower, as well as rabbits, badgers, hedgehogs and threeprotected species of bat, you’ll discover that a trip to the DrumboeWoods feels a little like stepping into Wind in the Willows.

Balleybofey’s River Finn

As a prime fishing and beauty spot, the River Finnattracts anglers from all over Europe. Here you can enjoy the rippling watersof the river, bounded by the lush foliage of the Finn Valley. It boasts excellentsalmon and trout populations, and has areas of fishing perfect for both novicesand anglers. Since the river operates a ‘catch and release’ policy, a trip herewill do no harm to the environment.

Golf in Ballybofey

Iffishing isn’t your thing, the nearby Ballybofey&StranorlarGolf Club is the perfect place to enjoy theIrish countryside whilst practicing your swing. You can enjoy the warmestwelcome in its top-notch clubhouse, built in keeping with the rolls of thenearby hills and the Finn Valley. Set in a mature parkland area, the fairwaysoffer stunning views over the nearby LoughAllen and BluestackMountain range.

Culture in Ballybofey

You could also check out the local arts scene atthe Balor Arts Centre, overlooking the River Finn in central Ballybofey.Rural though the town may be, this arts centre and theatre is modern both in itsevents and its architectural splendour. Promising a year round programme ofcomedy, drama, music, exhibitions and more, you’re certain to find a memorableshow.

Visit Ballybofey

The perfect central place to stay if you’revisiting County Donegal, book your break in Ballybofeywith Expedia today.

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
The price is £81 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
£81
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor Arts Centre ...
7.6/10 Good! (373 reviews)
"It was an okay stay"

Reviewed on 9 Apr 2024

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Donegal
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Balor Arts Centre and Drumboe Woods are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (77 reviews)
"The hotel was perfect and very comfortable, restaurant served lovely food all in all a perfect stay"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2023

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Mill Park Hotel
Mill Park Hotel
4 out of 5
The Mullins, Donegal, Donegal
The price is £134 per night from 9 May to 10 May
£134
per night
9 May - 10 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free WiFi, a children's pool and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (629 reviews)
Well worth a visit
"Great place to stay for relaxing break"

Reviewed on 19 Apr 2024

Mill Park Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coast. Pet friendly town home.
Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coast. Pet friendly town home.
Ballybofey, County Donegal
Stay at this cottage in Ballybofey. Enjoy on-site parking, a TV and cable/satellite TV. Popular attractions The Balor Theatre and Drumboe Castle are located ...
Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coast. Pet friendly town home.
Lough Mardal Lodge
Lough Mardal Lodge
2 out of 5
Bradlieve, Ballintra, Ballintra, County Donegal
Stay at this campsite in Ballintra. Enjoy free parking, breakfast and in-room massages. Popular attractions Five Oaks Ranch and Donegal Golf Club are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"We stayed in the shepherd's hut, it was really lovely, private and tranquil. The wood burner is a great addition and ensured we stayed very cosy evrn though it was freezingoutside. The surrounding area is beautiful, lots of walks, a beautiful lake and lots of wildlife. The lodge was comfortable and ..."

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2024

Lough Mardal Lodge
The Hidden Cottage, Ardara, Donegal.
The Hidden Cottage, Ardara, Donegal.
Ardara, Donegal
Stay at this cottage in Glenties. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a garden. Popular attractions Ardara Fort and Ardara Heritage Centre are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
The peace of Donegal
"We arrived after spending a week in Belfast - brilliant place butpacked and full of the bustle of the city. Donegal was the polar opposite. The house is in the most beautiful spot imaginable- you couldn’t tire of that view in a hundred lifetimes and I even saw the sun come up a couple of mornings. ..."

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2023

The Hidden Cottage, Ardara, Donegal.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Ballybofey

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
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4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
25 Aug 2019

The Bars within the Hotel were excellent some of the local bars where dirty and we refused to drink in some of them.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Jul 2019

The townsfolk of Ballybofey are very friendly and welcoming