I posted a earlier question on bases in the West and received several helpful answers but nothing really on the County Donegal portion. I'm hoping someone can help me with this part! We are a party of 4 adults, on our 3rd trip to Ireland, planning to spend about a month in the West, using 3-4 bases. Since we've barely touched on County Donegal on our previous trips, we'd like to spend about 6 days there......is that too long? We aren't adventure travelers, but do enjoy a nice walk. Our thought is to base ourselves for the 6 nights in one of the towns/villages and do day trips. We do like to spend evenings in the pubs with the trad music sessions so would like our base to be in or very near (walking distance??) a town that has a few pubs. We were thinking to book a cottage , but the ones I've seen are quite a ways from any town/village. So I'm trying to determine which town would suit our purposes most satisfactorily and do need some help, please!! Ardara, Donegal town, Letterkenny, Killybegs?? We don't want to spend long days in the car, so were hoping to find a central town with a few good pubs (with music), some shops, and easy access to the wonders of County Donegal!! Thanks for any input!!
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2825 posts
On our last trip we spent a week in a cottage near Dunfanaghy, which we chose because of its proximity to Glenveagh National Park, the Ards Forest Park, and Derry in NI. The town itself is quaint and has a few pubs, and there are some amazing scenic drives out to remote beaches and headlands in the area. It's a 2 hour drive down to Slieve League - one of the most spectacular sights in Ireland.
The walks in both Glenveagh and Ards are quite pretty, and there's an old Friary at Ards that is a beautiful place for a stroll too.
Donegal is Ireland's "Wild West" - there's a lot of great scenery to explore but not a lot of "destinations"...if you know what I mean. It's charms are subtle and worth at least 4 or 5 days in my opinion.
Posted by
OP
Reno, Nevada, USA
195 posts
Thank you, Robert! Yes, I do understand the lack of 'destinations" comment! I'm finding that out! I think we've decided to locate in Killybegs for its rather central, on the water, location. Slieve League is one of the reasons we are going to County Donegal, and I've heard of a boat trip around the cliffs that we are planning (weather permitting, of course). My husband and I like the "remote cottage" idea, but our friends prefer being in town so I gave up on the cottage idea for this location. I will return with more questions as the itinerary sorts out. Again, thank you for all your help!!
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2825 posts
Good choice re Killybegs...pretty little place.
If you have the time (and interest) I do recommend stopping by Glenveagh to see the castle and surrounding area. Aside from being a beautiful place to spend a few hours it's also a chance to see how the English aristocracy lived back in the old days. And as I recall the story, the Lord who once lived there instigated one of the last of the great evictions back in the 1860's...for which he was much hated, to the extent that (supposedly) a curse was placed upon both his family and the place itself.
From the castle there's a very pretty lakeside pathway up to the head of the Glen.
Posted by
Chicago
504 posts
Think about Letterkenny. I stayed there one night. It's centrally located. For Donegal, Letterkenny is relatively big. Another responder mentioned Glenveagh. I recommend it, too. Glenveagh is perfect for walks.
Posted by
OP
Reno, Nevada, USA
195 posts
Thank you all so much. We have decided on Killybegs for our base in County Donegal with a day visit to Letterkenny, hopefully on a day that has the Artisan Market!! All the suggestions re things to see and do have been noted and added to the list!! Most helpful input!! Kinvara will be our 2nd base, and Glenbeigh for our 3rd base. We are still choosing between Kinsale, Skibbereen, and Clonakilty for the next stop.