We are planning a trip to Ireland in September. The more I read about County Donegal, the more it sounds awesome. It will be about 1/2 way through the holiday at that point and we thought we might splurge and stay at a castle. Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Posted by
Whitefish, MT, usa
37 posts
Hi Rob, Good choice!! I wanted to see the real Ireland - not the touristy sections full of visiting Americans and loved County Donegal. It was quiet and beautiful. Be sure to take a little cooler with you and stock up on some food because you will often find there are no restaraunts in these tiny communities. One place I loved was a beach with a grand old seaside hotel http://www.sandhouse-hotel.ie/ I was there in late May so there were only a few visitors there and not more than 20 people on the 3 mile stretch of beach. I had a Frommers with me and almost didn't call as they said it was about $200 a night. Maybe its because of the time of year but it was about $90 a night for a beautiful room with a view. Don't take a Garmin - getting lost is half the fun. And sorry - I don't know of any castles to stay in but since it seems impossible to find others who have been there, I wanted to encourage you to go!
Oh - and you must go to Nancys in Ardara - wonderful artistic community with this old pub where the locals are quite friendly. Good luck and have fun!
Posted by
wichita, kansas
484 posts
The Lough Eske Castle (www.solishotels.com/lougheske/ )a few miles outside Donegal Town is certainly a first class hotel located in a very scenic setting. If you are in that area be sure and see the Slieve League sea cliffs and take a drive over the Glengesh Pass. Both are located close to Ardara and Northwest of Killybegs. I was recently in Ardara for the Cup of Tae festival and I can recommend Nancy's Bar as well as several others that are only a few minutes walk apart.
I have spent a total of four weeks in Donegal and only met three other Americans in all that time.