Donegal Posts

Donegal, with its rugged coastline, majestic mountains, and rich cultural heritage, offers visitors a plethora of experiences to cherish. From exploring ancient ruins to enjoying outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in this enchanting county. Here are the 30 best things to do in Donegal:

Explore Slieve League: Marvel at the awe-inspiring cliffs of Slieve League, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Website
Visit Glenveagh National Park: Discover the beauty of Glenveagh National Park, home to pristine lakes, lush forests, and the stunning Glenveagh Castle. Website
Stroll through Donegal Town: Wander through the historic streets of Donegal Town, visit Donegal Castle, and browse traditional craft shops. Website
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way: Embark on a scenic road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, winding through Donegal’s picturesque coastal landscapes. Website
Take a Boat Trip to Tory Island: Experience the unique culture and rugged beauty of Tory Island on a boat trip from Donegal’s coast. Website
Sample Donegal’s Seafood: Indulge in delicious fresh seafood at local restaurants and seaside eateries dotted along Donegal’s coast. Website
Enjoy Traditional Music: Immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of Donegal by attending traditional music sessions in pubs and cultural venues. Website
Discover Inishowen Peninsula: Explore the rugged beauty of Inishowen Peninsula, home to ancient ruins, sandy beaches, and scenic drives. Website
Surf at Rossnowlagh Beach: Catch some waves or relax on the golden sands of Rossnowlagh Beach, a popular spot for surfing enthusiasts. Website
Visit Dunfanaghy: Explore the picturesque village of Dunfanaghy, nestled along the coast and surrounded by stunning natural scenery. Website
Tour Donegal’s Heritage Sites: Step back in time and explore ancient stone forts, medieval castles, and archaeological sites scattered across Donegal. Website
Play Golf: Tee off at world-class golf courses such as Ballyliffin Golf Club and Narin & Portnoo Golf Club, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic. Website
Explore Slieve League Cultural Centre: Learn about the history and folklore of Slieve League at the cultural centre, featuring interactive exhibits and guided tours. Website
Go Fishing: Cast a line into Donegal’s rivers, lakes, and coastline, renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. Website
Hike the Bluestack Mountains: Lace up your boots and hike the scenic trails of the Bluestack Mountains, offering panoramic views of Donegal’s landscape. Website
Attend a Festival: Join in the festivities at one of Donegal’s many cultural events and festivals, celebrating music, arts, and heritage. Website
Drive through Glengesh Pass: Take a scenic drive through Glengesh Pass, winding through dramatic landscapes and offering breathtaking views. Website
Visit Doagh Famine Village: Gain insight into Ireland’s history at Doagh Famine Village, an outdoor museum depicting life during the Great Famine. Website
Explore Marble Arch Caves: Venture into the underground world of Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, featuring fascinating limestone formations and subterranean rivers. Website
Cycle Donegal Greenway: Pedal along the scenic Donegal Greenway, a cycling route tracing the old railway line through stunning countryside. Website
Enjoy a Pint of Guinness: Relax in a traditional Irish pub and enjoy a pint of Guinness, Ireland’s iconic stout, amidst friendly locals. Website
Take a Guided Walking Tour: Join a guided walking tour to uncover hidden gems and local stories in Donegal’s towns and countryside. Website
Visit Glencolmcille Folk Village: Step back in time at Glencolmcille Folk Village, showcasing traditional thatched cottages and rural life. Website
Go Horse Riding: Explore Donegal’s landscapes on horseback with guided horse riding tours available across the county. Website
Discover Lough Eske: Relax by the shores of Lough Eske, surrounded by scenic beauty and offering opportunities for fishing and water sports. Website
Learn to Surf: Take a surf lesson on Donegal’s beaches, perfect for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. Website
Visit Beltany Stone Circle: Explore Beltany Stone Circle, an ancient ceremonial site dating back thousands of years, shrouded in myth and legend. Website
Sample Donegal Whiskey: Visit local distilleries to sample Donegal’s finest whiskeys, crafted with passion and tradition. Website
Discover Glenveagh Butterfly Garden: Wander through the enchanting Glenveagh Butterfly Garden, home to a kaleidoscope of fluttering butterflies. Website
Go Birdwatching: Spot rare bird species and migratory birds at Donegal’s nature reserves, offering diverse habitats for birdwatching enthusiasts. Website

Donegal’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking

ON THIS DAY – 15th April 1912: RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic – A Donegal Link to the great tragedy…

April 15, 2022 Denis Carr

15th April 1912: RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton, UK, via Queenstown(Cobh), Ireland to New York City. Of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, more than 1,500 died…

Neal McNamee, the son of a farm labourer, was born in Ruskey, Convoy, Co. Donegal on 29th of August 1884. As a young man he acquired a job at Lipton’s tea company in Derry. He worked hard, showed great promise and managed to secure a promotion to a new post in Salisbury, in southern England, as branch manager in provisions. It was here he met and fell in love with the lovely Eileen O’Leary, a young woman from Plymouth, who had begun work at Lipton’s as soon as she left school.

Neal and Eileen were wed on 17th of January 1912. The enterprising Donegal man had secured yet another promotion within the company, this time in New York. Sir Thomas Lipton himself wrote a letter of introduction on his behalf. The happily married couple purchased a ticket as third class passengers on the RMS Titanic. Figures vary but it is estimated that they paid £7, the equivalent of £569 today.

A third class ticket usually meant incredibly poor conditions for passengers, who often wouldn’t even survive the journey. However, third class on the RMS Titanic was a different story. The conditions here were equal to second or even first on many other ships. The young couple must have been bursting with excitement and anticipation at he new life that lay ahead of them, rich with promise. The passengers on board the maiden voyage of the Titanic included hundreds of emigrants from throughout Europe seeking a new life and opportunities in America as well as some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the world.

The newly-weds, Neal aged 27 and Eileen aged 19, sadly never reached New York to begin their promising life together. They perished in the icy waters of the Atlantic along with the other 1,500 victims in what is the most famous ship-wreck of all time. Only 333 bodies were ever recovered and Eileen was among them. Neal was unfortunately never recovered.

A memorial to the couple and a planted tree stands in Winston Churchill Gardens, Salisbury.