Hi all,
Debating a push into County Donegal, probably only as far as the town, from Louisburgh/Westport after a number of days working our way up the coast by car, starting at Kenmare. Might do a little hike/walk in Benbulben, then stay in Bundoran or Donegal. We will be headed back to Drogheda or somewhere close the next day so that we will be close to Dublin for an AM car dropoff, and we might stop at Newgrange/Knowth on the way for a tour (worth it?)
The alternative would be making our way around Achill Island and staying somewhere closer to there. I've heard/read that it's beautiful, but thought we could always save that for another trip.
FWIW, I do have lineage from Donegal, but there are a million Gallaghers, and it doesn't mean a whole lot to me.
Thoughts?
Posted by
Missoula, Montana
511 posts
If you're going only as far as Bundoran or Donegal town and not into the much more rewarding and scenic countryside, then I suggest sticking to County Mayo and Achill Island. Save the coast and its magnificent, wild Irish west for a future trip.
I was in Donegal town last summer (first time in fifteen years, plus many prior visits) and came away feeling sad for how much the town has changed for the worse. It, like other Irish communities, is bulging outward and without the road infrastructure to support the growing population and traffic. It's no longer the peaceful, walkable town of before. The two main downtown streets were clogged with cars and trucks, the sidewalks with pedestrians. Gone was the tranquil atmosphere we had always looked forward to.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Hi David,
Thanks for the feedback! That's exactly what I was thinking--come back another time and explore the county proper. Sorry to hear that the town itself is having growing pains, or has lost its charm to some degree.
I saw your signature--I've been through Missoula on a cross-country trip, and wish I could have enjoyed it a bit more. I did get a very good coffee;) It seems like a beautiful place to live. A poet friend taught at the university for a bit.
Best,
Emmett
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7158 posts
I absolutely loved Achill Island. We spent two days exploring the island and stayed at this hotel on the island (Óstán Oileán Acla). It was a lovely hotel and the island is indeed beautiful. We had fabulous weather one day when we were there and one overcast drizzly day. I enjoyed both days equally - the overcast day was so atmospheric and that was the day we visited an old cemetery and the remains of an abandoned 'famine village'. So much of the island is wild, uninhabited, and rugged coastline. Lots of sheep wandering everywhere. I just loved it.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks, Nancy! We’re going to do it.
I’m sure that living in Corvallis helps with appreciating dreamy overcast weather—I lived in Portland for 6 years so I have a fondness for that myself:)
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
On our September 2018 trip, we stayed at B&B’s on both Achill Island and just outside Donegal. Both locations were enjoyable, and worthwhile. If I had to absolutely pick just one, it’d be Achill, but that would be tough to be limited. I hope you’ll have that future to have savored both.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks, Cyn!