Best of Letterkenny

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Letterkenny
The sizable town of Letterkenny makes a great base for exploring County Donegal, a region of wild coastline and a rugged, mountainous interior in Ireland’s northwest. A former market town from the 17th century and later an agricultural center, Letterkenny has a few standout sights including St Eunan’s Cathedral with its soaring 240-foot (73-m) spire, and the Donegal County Museum, which explores a wide range of topics, from the medieval ruling clans to the Irish famine. The best place to begin a visit to  Letterkenny is on its long, sloping Main Street, which is lined with shops, bars, restaurants and cafes.

Less than an hour’s drive north of Letterkenny, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Inishowen Peninsula, a sparsely populated region of rugged windswept beaches and ancient ruins hidden among the rolling countryside. Even closer to Letterkenny is Glenveagh National Park, a pristine wilderness reserve of lakes, waterfalls and peatland, where you might spot red deer, otters or golden eagles. The park is also home to Glenveagh Castle, a 19th-century crenelated mansion that you can see on guided tours. 
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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