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
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Drumboe Castle and Balor ...
7.8/10 Good! (407 reviews)
Mum and Daughter Trip
"We had a lovely time we were close to many tourist attractions which allowed us to visit a few. The hotel itself was clean and comfortable. The food was well presented and very filling and tasty. The only downside was that the room had no fridge. A necessity to keep water bottles cold in the beautiful ..."

Reviewed on 11 Apr 2025

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Donegal
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £113 per night from 29 May to 30 May
£113
29 May - 30 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ballybofey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Balor Arts Centre and Drumboe Woods are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (100 reviews)
"Parking is an issue. Google maps needs to be updated to alternate route to ebter back of hotel parking!"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
The Central Hotel Donegal
The Central Hotel Donegal
3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The price is £117 per night from 19 May to 20 May
£117
19 May - 20 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (450 reviews)
"We enjoyed our brief stay in Donegal. The central hotel is on the Diamond and is truly central to everything happening in town."

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

The Central Hotel 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.
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 cable/satellite TV service, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions The Balor Theatre and ...
Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coast. Pet friendly town home.
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 Leisure Centre and Donegal County ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
"We've stayed here before and shall return. Lovely clean spacious apartment . The host was easy to communicate with . Close to all amenities. Reasonably priced"

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2025

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
The perfect holiday home on the spectacular Northwest Coast of Ireland
The perfect holiday 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 cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Donegal Golf Club and Franciscan ...
Another incredible visit!
"Bill and I spent another incredible two weeks at Hilltown. The family connection is so important to us! We enjoyed walking the strands with old and new friends, meeting up for lunch dates with Bill’s cousin, visiting other cousins and friends! Our friends, who traveled with us,thouroghly enjoyed ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2025

The perfect holiday 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Ballybofey

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

The townsfolk of Ballybofey are very friendly and welcoming