Donegal Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Jeff White
Photo by Dewayne Mathis
Photo by Jeff White
Photo by Patrick Mccallan
Photo by Gary Alcorn
Donegal sits onthe Atlantic-washed northwest coast of Ireland, straddling the Eske River inlush, green County Donegal.Nestled between the Barnesmore Mountains and the Eske as itflows into Donegal Bay,this charm-laden town serves up pastel-painted houses, a quaint harbourside andnarrow lanes edged with welcoming restaurants, shops, pubs and bars. Any walkaround Donegalwill bring you to The Diamond, the pedestrianised square at the heart of thetown, with its stone obelisk, and imposing Donegal Castle, dating from the 15thcentury.

Best of Donegal

Donegal is small enough to feel at home in right away, and there’s no shortage of things to do in this welcoming town. There’s something for history and culture buffs, keen walkers, foodies and night owls.

Explore the harbourside to enjoy the postcard-perfect views of the Eske and Donegal Bay admire enchanting St Patrick’s Church and view the Four Masters Obelisk at The Diamond, which honours the four monks who penned the ‘The Annuals of the Four Masters’, a historical account of Gaelic Ireland.

Take a guided tour of Donegal Castle, once home to the O’ Donnell family who ruled the area, to see its grandiose rooms and furnishings, and roam the atmospheric ruins of Donegal’s 15th century Franciscan Friary, set against beautiful bay views.

Other must-sees include the Railway Heritage Centre, a museum commemorating the long-gone local railways, and a cruise on the Donegal Bay Waterbus, a journey around the unspoilt islands, seal-inhabited crags and green hills that bound the bay, all backed by views of the Bluestack Mountains.

History of Donegal

The site of prehistoric forts, Donegal town was settled by the Vikings in the 9th century, becoming known as Dún na nGall, which translates as ‘Fort of the Foreigners’. After the Vikings were forced out by the Gaelic family of the O’Donnell clan, the town became the capital of the O’Donnells’ Tir Chonaill territories, before being seized by the English crown and developing into the town it is today between the 17th and 20th centuries.

Sights around Donegal

Donegal is an excellent gateway for the sandy beaches, craggy coastlines, mountains and untouched countryside. Head for the nearby lake of Lough Eske for scenic walks along its banks, go hiking in the Bluestack Mountains, relax on the Blue Flag beaches of Murvagh, Rossnowlagh and Bundoran, or hit the Wild Atlantic Way touring route to ogle Donegal’s magnificent coastline, including the Slieve League cliffs. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for angling, horse riding and golf, and Donegal town is a perfect base for those who love the outdoors.

Enjoying Donegal

Donegal bursts with shops, restaurants and pubs to keep you busy day and night. Stroll around Main Street and The Diamond to discover a great choice of traditional stores, including clothing, arts, crafts and book shops — all perfect for souvenir-hunting.

When you’re peckish, visit any of Donegal’s restaurants in the town centre or edging Donegal Bay. With everything from seafood, pasta and Chinese to fish and chips and fine dining on the menu, there’s something for everyone.

Later, sample the Irish craic at Donegal’s cosy pubs and inns. Along with a famously warm Irish welcome, traditional Irish music is a draw at most drinking spots, making Donegal great for nightlife.

The Abbey Hotel Donegal

The Abbey Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The price is £138 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
£138
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (646 reviews)
My get away
"We had a wonderful time"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

The Abbey Hotel Donegal
The Central Hotel Donegal

The Central Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The price is £123 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
£123
23 Jul - 24 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! (479 reviews)
"Very comfortable stay"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

The Central Hotel Donegal
Mill Park Hotel

Mill Park Hotel

4 out of 5
The Mullins, Donegal, Donegal
The price is £166 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
£166
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Donegal. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (940 reviews)
"Our stay was excellent. The hotel is beautiful, our room was large/king size bed. The food at restaurant was delicious and the breakfast buffet was excellent with lots of choices. the area where you eat breakfast is nice."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

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.
Eske Holiday Apartment

Eske Holiday Apartment

Donegal Town, Donegal
Stay at this apartment in Donegal. Enjoy dry cleaning or laundry services, laundry facilities and bathrobes. Popular attractions Killaghtee Old Church and Donegal ...
Eske apartment review
"Wonderful experience staying at the property. One suggestion for the owners is to provide instructions on the use of appliances particularly those appliances that are unique to Europe e.g. the combination washer- dryer, hot water heater in the shower etc. we figured it out eventually but a how to ..."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2022

Eske Holiday Apartment
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)
"This house is amazing! Fit our family well, and had most everything we needed!"

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

Fresh & Stylish | Ocean View | Donegal Town & Bay
A comfortable bungalow within easy walking distance of Donegal Town.

A comfortable bungalow within easy walking distance of Donegal Town.

Donegal Town, Co. Donegal
Stay at this holiday home in Donegal. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Donegal Railway Heritage Centre and O'Donnel's Castle ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"The home is a bit dated and tired but it had everything we needed (except laundry supplies), not something I usually carry in my luggage Good water pressure, hot water, clean towels and bedding, bird watching from kitchen table."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

A comfortable bungalow within easy walking distance of Donegal Town.
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 Donegal

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 72%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Dave

nice town and some good nightlife in bars

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fabulous coastline

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Don’t miss the ice cream shop across the square from hotel!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The food festival was great and the beach with lifeguards and giant waves was definitely the highlight for all the children and adults !!

5/5 - Excellent

Reg

Enjoy the Music and the food and the general friendly locals.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The people were so kind a generous the food music and crack was fantastic

Cities near Donegal