Best of Donegal

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Donegal
As the most northerly county of Ireland, Donegal, or Dún na nGall (“Fort of the Foreigners”), is a destination that holds the charm of a historic province of Ulster. The county, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, offers a rugged coastline, major inlets, and mountain ranges that are a testament to its extensive glaciation. Beyond the beautiful landscapes, Donegal boasts a temperate climate, warm summers, and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. From the small village of Lifford to the main towns of Donegal, Buncrana, Ballyshannon, and Letterkenny, this county offers a rich cultural experience steeped in history and tradition.

A first visit to Donegal offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Ireland's northernmost county. Start your journey by exploring the rugged coastline, punctuated by the major inlets of Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle. Venture into the heart of Donegal to discover the Blue Stack and Derryveagh mountain ranges, offering panoramic views of the county. For an authentic Irish experience, visit the Gaelic-speaking region of west Donegal, where traditional woolen garments are still handcrafted. With kimkim, you can also explore the county's agricultural side, visiting the Foyle and Finn basins, known for their extensive cultivation, or the fishing port of Killybegs.
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Ireland's highest sea cliffs, located in southwest Donegal
Map of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Adventure - 12 Days
Ireland's Wild Atlantic Adventure - 12 Days

Ireland's emerald landscapes and rugged cliffs have always held a magical allure. Traveling off-the-beaten-path, this guided tour covers some of Ireland's quietest and least-visited sites in the west and northwest. Over 12 days, you'll hike, boat, kayak, learn history, see live music, and hop over to a tiny Gaelic-speaking island—and it all starts in Dublin, one of western Europe's most charming cities.

Winding roads through Connemara National Park.
Map of North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal & Galway - 8 Days
North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal & Galway - 8 Days

Discover the scenic highlights of Ireland's north on this varied 8-day self-drive trip. Starting in the ancient streets of Dublin, you'll set off by car to tour wild coastlines and charming towns at your own pace. Explore Belfast and tick the Giant's Causeway off your bucket list in Northern Ireland before crossing into Ireland to hike in the majestic Connemara National Park, discover the atmospheric music town of Westport, and end your adventure in the vibrant cultural capital of Galway. 

The Giant's Causeway
Map of Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip - 8 Days
Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip - 8 Days

Independent travelers will experience the magic of Northern Ireland on their own terms with this self-guided road trip itinerary. Start with an informal walking tour of Dublin, then pick up your rental car and begin your adventure. You'll experience the vibrant culture of Galway, go hiking in Connemara and Glenveagh National Parks, tick the Giant's Causeway off your bucket list, explore Belfast, and see more charming corners of the Emerald Isle.

Hiking at Slieve League in Donegal
Map of Northern Ireland Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days
Northern Ireland Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days

Looking for a trip to Ireland that mixes culture and history with outdoor adventure? This ten-day road trip has it all. Kick off the trip in Dublin, where you'll sightsee and taste locally brewed beer, then move onto colorful Galway before visiting one of the Aran Islands. You'll hike in Connemara National Park and visit 19th-century Glenveagh Castle, finishing up the trip with a trip to Giants Causeway and a final day and night in bustling Belfast.

Wander Northern Ireland's Belfast and hop aboard the Belfast Eye
Map of North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal, Westport & Galway - 10 Days
North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal, Westport & Galway - 10 Days

This relaxed 10-day trip takes you on a scenic self-drive tour of Ireland's north. Pick up your car in Dublin and head to Northern Ireland to spend two days exploring Belfast and the Giant's Causeway. Cross into Ireland to journey through the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, and Galway, where you'll stand atop the majestic Slieve League cliffs, hike up Connemara National Park's rugged mountains, and drive sections of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. Spend your evenings in charming and atmospheric towns like the music hub of Westport, the picturesque harbor of Portstewart, and the bustling bayside of Donegal.

Hike through the wilds of Glenveagh National Park
Map of Northern & East Ireland Road Trip & Hike - 11 Days
Northern & East Ireland Road Trip & Hike - 11 Days

Adventure, history, and nature await on this 11-day itinerary covering Ireland's eastern coast into Northern Ireland. Start your journey with a road trip from Dublin to Londonderry / Derry, stopping at places like Cooley Peninsula and Belfast. The second part of the trip is all about hiking, so lace up your walking shoes and immerse yourself in the verdant and breathtaking natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains.

The unusual geology at Giant's Causeway
Map of Northern Ireland by Bike: Donegal, Glenveagh National Park & Giant's Causeway -14 Days
Northern Ireland by Bike: Donegal, Glenveagh National Park & Giant's Causeway -14 Days

Explore the northernmost point of Ireland on this self-guided cycling tour full of country roads, sea breezes, and rich Irish culture. Begin in lively Donegal to explore the town's music-filled pubs and castle ruins, then make your way down the Atlantic coast. You'll see Assarancagh Waterfall, Doon Lough Fort, and Glenveagh National Park on your way, stopping in welcoming towns like Letterkenny to break the journey. Wrap it all up with a tour of one of the world's oldest whiskey distilleries and a walk around Giant's Causeway.

The Giant's Causeway
Map of Exploring Dublin and the Northern Coastline - 10 Days
Exploring Dublin and the Northern Coastline - 10 Days

On this unique exploration of the northern coastline, you will learn the history of conflict in Northern Ireland, visit castles and historical sites, spend the night on an island with a bird sanctuary, and walk some of the most pristine landscapes, wild coastlines, and beautiful beaches in the world. You'll also spend some time sightseeing in Dublin on a private walking tour of the city.

Walk up to a waterfall in Northern Ireland at Glenariff Forest Park
Map of Best of Northern & Western Ireland - 13 Days
Best of Northern & Western Ireland - 13 Days

This exciting self-guided road trip creates a major loop through the upper half of the Emerald Isle, hitting an impressive number of key attractions along the way. Start your adventure in Dublin and Belfast before heading counterclockwise along the northern coast, west to County Donegal, and south on the Wild Atlantic Way. Active types will appreciate the many opportunities to hike among Ireland's awe-inspiring scenery—and your feet will be rewarded with a luxury castle stay at the end of the trip.

the sea cliffs at Downpatrick Head on the coastline of County Mayo, Ireland
Wild Atlantic Way Self Drive Adventure - 14 Days

Get ready for mile after mile of unforgettable memories. On this road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way— the longest defined coastal route in the world—you'll enjoy rugged scenery, gorgeous coastline, and off-the-beaten-path adventures from County Donegal’s remote Northern Headlands down to the picturesque southern peninsulas.

Brightly painted houses in the seaside town of Cobh
Map of Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Galway & Belfast - 14 Days
Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Galway & Belfast - 14 Days

Get ready to immerse yourself in Irish culture, history, and landscapes with this two-week, self-drive adventure. Starting in Dublin, you'll head south to explore highlights like the Rock of Cashel, the Ring of Kerry, and Killarney National Park. Continue up the wild west coast to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and make a quick detour to the windswept Aran Islands. Revel in the culture and traditional music of Doolin, Westport, and Galway before crossing into Northern Ireland, where you'll discover the otherworldly geology of the Giant's Causeway and end your journey in the bustling streets of Belfast.

Stay two nights in the charming town of Westport while exploring County Mayo
Map of Ireland's Ultimate Self-Drive Adventure - 15 Days
Ireland's Ultimate Self-Drive Adventure - 15 Days

Take 15 days to loop around the island of Ireland at a relaxed pace. Starting in Dublin, head clockwise to check off several beautiful counties in the south and west, like Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, and Donegal while staying in charming towns along the way. Spend the last few days of the trip exploring Northern Ireland's transformed capital and its coastal gems to complete this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way
Map of Road Trip Adventure on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way - 15 Days
Road Trip Adventure on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way - 15 Days

Explore Ireland's famous Wild Atlantic Way on this adventurous 15-day road trip. Start in Dublin, where you'll walk the River Liffey and visit historic Trinity College. Then, it's off to Cork and Kenmare for a drive of the scenic Sheep's Head Loop and the ancient stone circles of Bonane Heritage Park. Travel via cable car over the ocean to Dursey Island, drive the rugged coastlines of the Ring of Kerry, and hike to the top of the majestic Sliabh Liag before returning to Dublin for museum visits and whiskey tastings.

See Northern Ireland's natural wonder, the Giant's Causeway
Map of Emerald Isle Self-Drive Adventure - 15 Days
Emerald Isle Self-Drive Adventure - 15 Days

This epic 15-day road trip covers the best of Ireland, from the cities to the countryside. It begins with walking tours of Dublin, then you'll hop in a car and drive south to the castles and colorful towns of gorgeous County Cork. Among the other highlights of this unforgettable trip, you'll drive the Wild Atlantic Way, visit the Cliffs of Moher, tour whiskey distilleries, and cross over to Northern Ireland to discover vibrant Belfast and explore the scenic Antrim Coast.

Visit historic castles and landmarks, like the Rock of Cashel
Map of Discover Scotland & Ireland: Castles & Cuisine - 13 Days
Discover Scotland & Ireland: Castles & Cuisine - 13 Days

On this 13-day jaunt through Scotland and Ireland, you'll visit iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in local culture. In Scotland, visit Edinburgh Castle while enjoying food and distillery tours. Then fly to Northern Ireland and experience Belfast before heading south to iconic Irish highlights like the Cliffs of Moher and Kilkenny Castle—eventually winding down in raucous Dublin with tasty visits to the Jameson and Guinness factories.

Other popular travel destinations in Ireland
Dublin · County Kerry · Killarney · Galway · Dingle Peninsula · Doolin · Dingle Town · Northern Ireland · Belfast · Killarney National Park · Cork · Kenmare · Kinsale · County Cork · Westport · Birr · Tralee · Ballycastle · Letterkenny · Laragh · Clifden · Sligo · Limerick · Aran Islands · Kilkenny · Waterford · Donegal town · Portmagee