Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in County Donegal?

Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in County Donegal?

Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in County Donegal during their visit. The breathtaking county offers amazing highlights such as the beaches, the hiking, the gorgeous scenery, and the cuisine.

County Donegal is in the northwest part of Ireland and it has a rugged coastline and impressive natural beauty. There are many beautiful walks and hikes that take you along the coast or through the mountains. Within the county you'll find Glenveagh National Park.

Do you have one or two weeks to visit County Donegal? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is one week enough time in County Donegal?

With one week at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that County Donegal has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use County Donegal as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can swim at the beach, get out into nature, take in the beautiful scenery, and sample the delicious cuisine at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

How to spend a week in County Donegal

The beautiful beaches await you in County Donegal, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are sandy beaches and beautiful stretches of coastline to explore. Some of the top beaches in the county include Ballymastocker Bay, Portnoo Beach, and Fintra Bay.

County Donegal is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The rugged landscape, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful beaches make this a beautiful region to explore.

Known for it's hiking, County Donegal sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The dramatic coastline, beautiful seaside cliffs, and beautiful mountains all offer a beautiful backdrop for hiking. Some of the best hikes in the county include the Inishowen Head Loop, Tory Island Loop, and the Garden Trail in Glenveagh National Park.

You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. This is the land of fish and chips, but you'll also find plenty of other seafood restaurants serving locally caught fish. There are also many pubs around where you can grab a fish dinner with a pint. Land lovers will also find plenty of meat dishes like roast beef or pork chops.

Perhaps the most famous spot in County Donegal is the Sliabh Liag Cliffs, so make sure you set aside some time to check it out. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.

After you've explored most of County Donegal, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around County Donegal, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.

With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around County Donegal. Plenty of amazing options are available.

Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.

Is 2 weeks enough time in County Donegal?

Two weeks is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to County Donegal, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Swim at the beach, get out into nature, take in the beautiful scenery, and sample the delicious cuisine on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use County Donegal as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.

Donegal Coast Donegal Coast

How to spend 2 weeks in County Donegal

With 2 weeks in County Donegal, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the county has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this county looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about County Donegal, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

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