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.

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Main Street, Ballybofey, Donegal
The price is £110 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
£110
24 Jul - 25 Jul
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! (103 reviews)
"amazing service, and took care of my laundry needs on short service."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

Villa Rose Hotel & Spa
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! (412 reviews)
Freindly place
"Located in a nice area ith a hiking trail nearby. Staff was friendly and the roos were comfortable."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Jackson's Hotel & Leisure Club
The Central Hotel Donegal
The Central Hotel Donegal
3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The price is £138 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
£138
30 Jul - 31 Jul
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! (471 reviews)
"Friendly staff, good buffet style breakfast. Lovely dinner."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 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 laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffee maker. 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
"Convenient place to stay in Letterkenny. Close to every thing, easy parking near bus terminal shopping center Main Street for food, pub and theatre. Communication is excellent. Place is clean and spacious. Tea coffee water provided. Very happy to return."

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

Wild Atlantic Apartments Port House Letterkenny
Fresh & Stylish | Ocean View | Donegal Town & Bay
Fresh & Stylish | Ocean View | Donegal Town & Bay
Tullycullion, DL
Stay at this holiday home in Donegal. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Abbey of Donegal and Donegal Bay Waterbus are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Top to bottom- best experience! Hope to be back!"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Fresh & Stylish | Ocean View | Donegal Town & Bay
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

Things to do

Reviews of Ballybofey

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 60%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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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