Best Things to Do in Donegal: The Complete Guide

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Donegal is Ireland’s wild frontier — a county of towering sea cliffs, empty white-sand beaches, ancient stone forts, and some of the most dramatic landscapes anywhere on the island. Tucked into the far northwest corner, it feels a world apart from the well-trodden tourist trail, yet rewards every visitor with scenery, history, and warmth that are hard to forget. This is your complete guide to the best things to see and do in County Donegal.

Stunning Landscapes & Mountains

Donegal is home to some of Ireland’s most dramatic scenery — towering sea cliffs, ancient mountains, and wild Atlantic coastlines that take your breath away.

Slieve League

Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) in southwest Donegal are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, rising nearly 600 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. A signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way, these magnificent cliffs offer breathtaking views of the rugged Donegal coastline. The surrounding region is a must-visit on any Wild Atlantic Way adventure — experience the local culture, heritage and people of southwest Donegal against the backdrop of this spectacular and untamed coastline.

Errigal

Errigal is a 751-metre mountain near Gweedore in County Donegal — the tallest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains and the highest in the county. It is the most southern and steepest of the mountain chain known locally as the “Seven Sisters”, which includes Muckish, Aghla Beg, Aghla More, Mackoght and others. Errigal is known for the pinkish glow of its quartzite in the setting sun, and the ever-changing shape of the mountain depending on what direction you view it from.

National Parks & Forests

From the vast wilderness of Glenveagh to the coastal trails of Ards, Donegal’s parks offer world-class walking in unspoiled surroundings.

Glenveagh National Park

Glenveagh National Park is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. At the centre of the park on the edge of Lough Veagh sits Glenveagh Castle, a 19th-century castellated mansion built between 1867 and 1873 as a romantic highland hunting lodge. Designed by John Townsend Trench for landowner John George Adair, the castle imitates the style of earlier Irish tower houses, built from locally quarried granite. The park covers over 16,000 hectares and is home to Ireland’s largest herd of red deer.

Ards Forest Park

Ards Forest Park covers approximately 480 hectares and includes a stunning variety of habitats — sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, salt water lakes, rock faces, and coniferous and deciduous woodlands. The sea is one of the real treasures of this forest park, with several trails including the Binngorm Trail, Salt Marsh Trail and Sand Dune Trail offering hikers the chance to experience it in all its facets. By stitching together a number of trails, it is possible to hike for 5–6 hours on forest tracks, taking in the full circuit of the park. The park is also home to a wide selection of animals and birds, and the special hide at the end of the salt marsh trail allows visitors to watch winter visitors feed on the salt marsh.

Donegal’s Islands

Off the rugged Donegal coast lie some of Ireland’s most remote and fascinating island communities, each with their own character and history.

Arranmore Island

Arranmore Island (Árainn Mhór) lies off the coast of County Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way, where land meets sea. Wild and untamed, the island has been inhabited since prehistoric times and its Gaelic traditions are still thriving. Waymarked trails lead from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, with breathtaking views across the Atlantic to the mainland mountains from Glen Head to Tory Island. The island is home to the promontory fort at Uilinn, dating from around 800 BC, and the clear surrounding waters provide perfect conditions for diving, sea angling, sailing and kayaking. The Arranmore Ferry operates a car and passenger service from Burtonport, with a crossing time of just 20 minutes.

Tory Island

Words alone, no matter how finely woven, could never give a true impression of the rugged beauty of Tory, the indominatable spirit of its people or their rich cultural inheritance. Tory must be visited if one is even to begin to understand why this remote crag, two and a half miles long and three quarters of a mile wide, holds such an attraction for its inhabitants that they, like their forebears, endure the full fury of the North Atlantic winter for pleasure and the privilage of living here in summer. Tory’s spectacular cliff scenery is complemented by a rich and varied history which is related in the islanders distinctive Gaelic. Colm Cille figures prominently in the history of this sacred island which he chose as a place of retreat and meditation for his monks. Shipwrecks, poitín smuggling and tales of violent storms have also been drawn into its folklore.

History & Heritage

From pre-Christian hilltop forts to famine-era villages, Donegal’s heritage sites bring thousands of years of Irish history to life.

Grianan of Aileach

Grianan of Aileach, sometimes anglicised as Greenan Fort, is a hillfort atop the 244-metre-high Greenan Mountain at Inishowen in County Donegal. The main structure is a stone ringfort, thought to have been built by the Northern Uí Néill in the sixth or seventh century, although there is evidence the site had been in use long before. It has been identified as the seat of the Kingdom of Ailech and one of the royal sites of Gaelic Ireland. The wall is about 4.5 metres thick and 5 metres high, with three terraces inside linked by steps and two long passages within it.

Doagh Famine Village

Doagh Famine Village tells the story of Irish life from the Great Famine of the 1840s through to the present day. Tour guides take you on a journey showing how families and communities lived on the edge, generation after generation, adapting and surviving as the environment and society changed around them. A combination of informative storytelling and life-size exhibits provides a thought-provoking and at times humorous look at Irish life. Attractions include original thatched Irish cottages inhabited as recently as the 1980s, an Eviction Scene, Orange Hall, Republican Safe House and Irish Wake House.

The Old Church, Dunlewey

The Old Church of Dunlewey sits nestled at the foot of Errigal, overlooking the beautiful Poisoned Glen. Jane Smith Russell had the church built as a memorial to her husband James Russell, landlord of the Dunlewey Estate, who died on 2nd September 1848. Consecrated in 1853 as a Chapel of Ease to Tullaghabegley, the church is built from locally quarried white marble and blue quartzite — though the marble supply has now been depleted. The red brick in the window arches was also produced locally.

Towns & Villages

Donegal’s charming towns are the perfect base for exploring the county — full of traditional pubs, craft shops, and warm Irish hospitality.

Donegal Town

Donegal Town boasts a panoramic backdrop provided by the Blue Stack Mountains, a stately castle, and an array of hotels and restaurants fit for every traveller. It is an excellent base camp for exploration of the untamed coastal areas. Donegal Town was the home of the powerful O’Donnell Clan, who ruled the northwest for two centuries as great 15th, 16th and 17th-century chieftains. While it is the namesake of the county, Donegal Town is not the largest town (that distinction goes to Letterkenny) or the county town (which is Lifford). Located at the convergence of three main roads from Sligo, West Donegal and Derry, it is a natural centre of tourism with swimming, fishing, boating, golf, horseback riding and tennis among the many recreational offerings.

This guide covers 10 of Donegal’s best attractions, landscapes, islands, and heritage sites — updated for 2026.

Secure Your Dream Irish Experience Before It’s Gone!

Planning a trip to Ireland? Don’t let sold-out tours or packed attractions spoil your journey. Iconic experiences like visiting the Cliffs of Moher, exploring the Rock of Cashel, or enjoying a guided walk through Ireland’s ancient past often sell out quickly—especially during peak travel seasons.

Booking in advance guarantees your place and ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery without stress or disappointment. You’ll also free up time to explore Ireland’s hidden gems and savour those authentic moments that make your trip truly special.

Make the most of your journey—start planning today and secure those must-do experiences before they’re gone!

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