Ballybofey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, clear blue waters, and green fields.
A coastal landscape with a beach, grassy hills, and a sheep.
A lake surrounded by mountains during sunset.
A coastal landscape with a grassy hill, a sandy beach, and a rocky cliff.

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 £92 per night from 29 Sept to 30 Sept
£92
29 Sept - 30 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor Arts ...
Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Main Street Ballybofey Donegal
The price is £84 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
£84
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Balor Arts Centre and Drumboe Woods are located ...
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Jackson's Hotel

Jackson's Hotel

2 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey F93 RD40 Ballybofey County Donegal
Stay at this hotel in Ballybofey. Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor Arts Centre are located nearby.
Jackson's 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.
Farmhouse in the Donegal Hills

Farmhouse in the Donegal Hills

Letterkenny Donegal
Stay at this holiday home in Termon. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Glebe House and Gallery and Glebe House ...
10/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"Loved our stay at the farmhouse. Great views and location, friendly hosts and had everything we needed. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2026

Farmhouse in the Donegal Hills
Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny

2 out of 5
Port Rd Letterkenny DL
Stay at this apartment in Letterkenny. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Letterkenny Regional Cultural Centre and Letterkenny ...
9/10 Wonderful! (58 reviews)
"Me and my 4 adult daughters stayed for 2 nights. It is a very good and clean apartment and very convenient to shopping centre and town. A couple of things we want to highlight no mirrors in either bedroom. TV in either bedroom didn't function. Not enough plug sockets in bedrooms for charging phones ..."

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2026

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
The perfect vacation home on the spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland

The perfect vacation home on the spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland

Ballintra Donegal
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Laghy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Donegal Golf Club and Rossnowlagh ...
10/10 Exceptional! (71 reviews)
"Perfect month on a peaceful Donegal farmAs a city girl, spending a month here in August was wonderful. We were four adults and two children (some nights we were six adults and two children) and had more than enough space - the house was comfortable and beautifully kept. Mornings and evenings we watched ..."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2026

The perfect vacation home on the spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland
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.

Stay near popular Ballybofey attractions