Ballybofey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sheep grazing near Silver Strand, a sandy beach in a sheltered,
Aerial view of Lough EA between Ballybofey and Glenties in Donegal - Ireland
A Sheep on the cliffs at Malin Beg Beach

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 £101 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
£101
12 Apr - 13 Apr
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (448 reviews)
Another excellent weekend at Jackson's! Friendly staff who left a card and chocolates for my wife on her birthday... a lovely touch! The food as always was excellent! Breakfast was hot and everything was always available due to the diligence of the staff. The swimming pool and health suite didn't ...

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Main Street Ballybofey Donegal
The price is £83 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
£83
8 Apr - 9 Apr
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (145 reviews)
Lovely hotel, room comfortable and clean.

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Lough Eske Castle

Lough Eske Castle

5 out of 5
Lough Eske Donegal Donegal
The price is £302 per night from 30 Apr to 1 May
£302
30 Apr - 1 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (803 reviews)
Pros: Amazing staff service, massive room, beautiful property, lots of amenities included Cons: Carpeted floors

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2026

Lough Eske Castle
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.
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! (52 reviews)
everything was perfect!

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Comfortable Mobile Home in the Countryside

Comfortable Mobile Home in the Countryside

3 out of 5
Birra Birra County Donegal
Stay at this cabin in Birra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Franciscan Friary and Rossnowlagh Beach are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Clean place. No hassel at all.. town just a few minutes drive.. amazing view..

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2025

Comfortable Mobile Home in the Countryside
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 Franciscan Friary ...
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.

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