Chicago to Donegal for two weeks - Need travel ideas

Hello

Donegal is beautiful, with a remoteness difficult to find in the British Isles other than perhaps in Scotland or parts of Wales.
I'm a Londoner, but my mother-in-law lived in Dungloe Co Donegal; I got married there, and have been travelling there for holidays for 25 years, so have explored most of the county - loads to do and see, provided that a) you're looking for a relaxed, mainly non-urban experience, and b) the weather stays fair for you.

Anyway, some considerations first, before places to see, things to do:
- You do indeed need a car. Public transport is almost non-existent in the county - no trains at all (with one tourist exception); an airport that only serves two locations directly - Dublin, and Glasgow; and buses and coaches that only run infrequently.
- By the standards of the British Isles, the county is large and the roads slow, so crossing the county in a car takes longer than you might expect. For instance, Ballyshannon (S) to Malin (N) is 82 miles and may take almost 3 hours; Lifford (E) to Dungloe (W) is about 52 miles but might take 90 minutes; Donegal Town (S) to Dunfanaghy (NW) is 52 miles and might take 90 minutes.
- Petrol (gas) stations are less frequent than they used to be, and opening hours can be erratic.
The City of Derry/Londonderry (a.k.a. 'Stroke City') is not in Donegal (or even in the Republic), but is the biggest, closest city if you need big stores. It also has a train to Belfast, and a (slightly) larger airport.

OK - so now the good news..
The scenery - stunning, almost everywhere. Beaches to die for; cliffs; bays; inlets; loughs; hills/mountains; peat bog/moorland; thousands of acres of nothing - not even cellphone signal! Bliss....Consider Slieve League, but also many (most) other places along the coast. Rossnowlagh beach is a famous surfing beach, but there are many other beautiful 'strands' - Portnoo and Narin; Cruit; Carrickfin (funnily enough, next to the airport! - but not an issue); Dunfanaghy; Portsalon; etc
Also consider driving the Donegal portion of the Wild Atlantic Way
Historical sights (my favourite): Dunree Fort; Donegal Castle; Doe Castle & the area around Creeslough; Fintown heritage railway; Donegal Town railway heritage museum (in a disused station); Flight of the Earls exhibition in Rathmullan; and others
Cultural Heritage: there's culture everywhere in Donegal, but some 'sites' might include Glencolumbkille; Daniel O'Donnell Visitor Centre; Newmills Corn and Flax Mill; Dunfanaghy workhouse; Dunlewey Centre (in the shadow of Mt Errigal the cone-shaped highest mountain in Donegal); Glenveagh National Park estate and castle; Doagh Famine Village (a bit kitsch, but still interesting - and in a beautiful spot). I could go on - and on.

I haven't mentioned the swimming, diving, walking, golfing either; or the music. If you have the time, visit the City of Derry, just over the border; and the various beautiful peninsulas - Fanad; Inishowen; Rosguill; etc

Plenty to see!

Just to be be certain you, your daughter and BF understand that Donegal is in Northern Ireland which is under realm of Queen Elizabeth. Ireland is a separate country. So if you plan your trip properly you'll be visiting and enjoying the hospitality and beauty of both. Beside visiting Derry I'd visit the Giants Causeway and Belfast in NI.
In Belfast see the Titanic Museum, St George's Market, the Botanical Gardens, the Crumlin Road Gaol http://www.crumlinroadgaol.com and take a black cab tour of The Troubles. Will give you a better understanding of the longstanding differences in NI. A visit to Mourne's next to Kelly Cellar Pub is a must for the seafood chowder. Stay a few nights in Belfast at the Premier Inn in the Titanic Quarter and on one of those days leave the car and train or bus to Dublin and spend a day in Dublin. Or drive into Ireland and find a B and B outside of Dublin proper so you don't have to deal with Dublin traffic, bus into the city and see the sights. Outside Dublin don't miss Newgrange or Glendalough. Rock of Cashel is interesting or drive along the coast. Cobh is a nice respite. or Kinsale. Personally I'd by pass the Ring of Kerry for Slea Head outside of Dingle but the choice is yours. I'd definitely visit the Muckross House in Killarney National Park spending time in the park as well. It's gorgeous. If adventurous walk, take a trap or drive through the Gap of Dunloe, a place I consider one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. On Slea Head stop at Coumeenoole Beach and climb up to the Celtic Cross for a stellar view of the Blasket Islands. Stay in Dingle, have a pint or two with the locals at Foxy John's. Both Ireland and N. Ireland have breath taking natural beauty. Take it slow, watch for sheep and enjoy the magnificent scenery. As you'll be in different countries remember to carry both Euros and British Pounds.

Just a little correction – Donegal is in the Republic of Ireland, not in Northern Ireland (i.e. not in the UK). It is in the far northwest corner of the island, and you can get there through northern Ireland, but it definitely is part of the Republic. And I echo the previous detailed comments – stunning scenery and wonderful outdoors activity.

My wife and I stayed at Harvey's Point on Lough Eske last year.
The resort is lovely, but not exactly the wilds of Donegal. The lake ,however, is pristine and well worth exploring.

I hope that helps.

Cheers,
Glenn K
(Fork on the Road)