Should You Visit County Donegal?

Is County Donegal worth visiting?

County Donegal is worth visiting for three to seven days so that you can explore everything that the county has to offer. 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.

Donegal Coast

Reasons to Visit County Donegal

Beaches
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.

Hiking
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.

Food
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.

Things to Consider Before Visiting County Donegal

Museums: County Donegal isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. You visit the county for its stunning natural beauty, but if there's one museum you're going to see, it should be the Doagh Famine Village, which educates visitors on the Great Famine of 1840.

Nightlife: Most people don't associate County Donegal with a lively nightlife scene. The county is on the quieter side and not known for its nightlife. Letterkenny is where you'll find the best nightlife in the region, but many towns also host festivals that can be fun.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, County Donegal might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for County Donegal here or see if County Donegal is expensive here.

Related

What is County Donegal most famous for?

County Donegal is most famous for its natural landscape with rugged mountains and scenic coastlines. People visit this impressive county for its great beaches and hiking. It's also known for food. It is often described as serene, rugged, scenic, natural, and breathtaking.

What is the most famous sight in County Donegal?

The most popular sight in County Donegal is The Sliabh Liag Cliffs. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in County Donegal on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Sliabh Liag Cliffs and other attractions here.

How touristy is County Donegal? Is it a popular county to visit?

County Donegal is a popular county for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

How long should I spend in County Donegal?

The ideal length of time for a trip to County Donegal is at least three or as many as seven days. Since County Donegal has activities such as beaches and hiking, many visit for up to seven days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in County Donegal?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in County Donegal?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in County Donegal?.