See & Do
- Activities
- Family Fun
- Great Outdoors
- Scenic Drives
- Heritage
- Day Trips
- Must Do
Horse Riding
How better to enjoy the landscape of the Wild Atlantic Way than on horseback. This is the perfect way to unwind, relax and create an unforgettable memory. Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre are a fully A.I.R.E approved centre. Lots more on offer, Pony Camps, Riding lessons, English & Horse-riding Summer programs.
Wild Atlantic Adventure Centre
From heritage trails to coastal hiking, from surfing to horse riding & archery to scenic walks The Wild Atlantic Adventure Centre are sure to have an activity for you to enjoy! They can provide a complete package tailored to your needs, catering for various types of traveller and group size which can include accommodation if required.
Golf
Ballyliffin Golf Club is Ireland’s most northerly golf club and is home to two championship links courses- The Old Links and Glashedy Links. There are only 150 links courses in the world and Ireland has one third of them- Ballyliffin has two of the very best.
Consisting of two outstanding, contrasting links courses and 36 wonderful holes, Ballyliffin Golf Club is one of the finest golf resorts to be found anywhere in the world.
Surfing
Donegal is fast becoming one of Europe’s top surfing destinations with its powerful Atlantic breakers. Sturdy, well planned jetties, marinas and slipways give easy access for boating, windsurfing and waterskiing. Pollan Bay is renowned for it forceful surf and is one of the top 10 surfs to be experienced in Ireland.
Amazing Grace Yacht Charters
Enjoy a truly unique experience of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Whether you are travelling for the scenery, the action or just to relax, their bespoke packages will ensure you have an experience you will never forget.
Inishowen Boating
See Ireland’s most northernly coastline like never before with Inishowen Boating. The Inishowen Boating Experience gives you an opportunity to view the rugged Inishowen coastline by sea, showcasing some of the best views in all of Ireland.
Diving
Inishowen has been a mecca for divers for many years as it is surrounded by many wrecks including the famous La Trinidad Valencera of the Spanish Armada, which foundered in 1588. The Laurentic which lies in Lough Swilly and sunk carrying fountune of golf to repay British War Debts.
Rock Climbing & Hill Walking
Donegal Climbing is based in the National Geographic ‘Coolest Place on the Planet’ – Malin Head, Donegal, Ireland – which is one of the Star Wars film locations in Ireland for Episode VIII! Join them for an unforgettable Donegal experience at the Northern Headland area of the Wild Atlantic Way, and we will transform for you one of the unique Star Wars film locations in Ireland!
Wildlife
Inishowen is recognized internationally as a Wildlife Conservation Map especially Burt, Inch Island, Trawbreaga Bay, Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle. Thousands of species, including in illusive Corncrake can be observed and photographed in the region. Numerous wildlife groups visit regularly and organised tours can be arranged lead by qualified Wildlife Guides.
Doagh Island
A famine village and typical dwellings depicting that time in Ireland. Sod or turf houses are displayed and story telling about times gone by is part of this popular tourist attraction. Tea room available.
Donegal's Lapland
Putting smiles on faces since 1999! Christmas in Donegal can be a magical and fun-filled experience, especially if you visit Santa’s Island at Donegal’s very own Lapland. The longest running and most popular Christmas show in Donegal and you do really have to pass the North Pole to get here, we kid you not!
Glenevin Waterfall Park
A short, but exceptionally rewarding walk through a wooded stream valley. Along the way there are a number of picnic areas and vantage pionts with stunning views of the surrounding coast and countryside. The walk ends at Glenevin Waterfall which is one of Inishowen’s most spectacular natural attractions.
Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium
The Museum is located in the old Coastguard Station at Greencastle Harbour. Its exhibits include boats from 6ft. to 50ft, the Armada room, and items of memorabilia and photographs of the treasures at this attraction. There is also a new state of the art Planetarium, with explorations of the universe and a spectacular star show.
Wild Ireland
Wild Ireland is a unique wild animal sanctuary located on the Inishowen peninsula. Wild Ireland offers sanctuary too many animals which have been persecuted and hunted into extinction on this Island such as Brown Bears, Wolves, Lynx and Wild Boar.
Wild Alpaca Way
Explore the hills of Donegal with your very own Alpaca to guide you. Set on the stunningly beautiful Knockamanny Bens at Ireland’s most northerly point Malin Head. You can enjoy the spectacular views from Malin Head to Glashedy Rock to the Isle of Doagh and beyond.
Leisureland Redcastle
Leisureland is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading Indoor Fun Parks. Catering for children of all ages, they offer a safe and secure environment loaded with fun. They also welcome school trips, youth clubs, birthday parties or any event.
Lurgybrack Farm
Lurgybrack Open Farm is a special place where all the family can spend the day together seeing the animals and having fun. The centuries old farm building is home to a range of friendly farm animals that children can come face to face with. There is ample space to play safely, wander by the riverside, walk or just sit back and unwind with a tasty snack from their tea room or have your own family picnic.
Tropical World
Astound and amaze family and friends alike in Donegal’s very own slice of the Amazon, an unmissable experience with hundreds of tropical butterflies of all shapes and sizes, all in free flight. Tropical World is 80% under cover and facilities include an indoor play area, full disabled access as well as an onsite café and picnic facilities, so a great day out for all is guaranteed.
Pollan Beach Walkway
A beautiful walk way has been created over the past number years to allow people to enjoy a scenic walk through the dunes at Pollan Beach. The walkway offers easy walking for all ages with unbeatable views of the Atlantic Ocean, the golf courses and Pollan Beach. Strongly recommended for all visitors to the area and perfect for a morning jog.
Urris Lakes Loop
A long steep incline to the Gap in the Urris Hills – take it in small stages, it is worth the climb. For the more adventurous walker there are paths in the Gap which lead to spectacular hill walks along the ridges of the Urris Hills.
Glenevin Waterfall Walk
Short but exceptionally rewarding walk through a wooded stream valley. The walk ends at Glenevin Waterfall which is one of Inishowen’s most spectacular attractions. The walk is virtually level and follows well prepared and maintained gravel paths. Picnic areas along the route
Inishowen Head Loop
This spectacular walk follows a route through some of Donegal’s most impressive coastal scenery. Within a relatively short distance from the trail head the walker is in remote country with wonderful views (including Scotland).
Dunree Fort
Three signposted walks around the former military fort complex at Fort Dunree Military museum. Ranging from an easy walk along the cliff tops to a more strenuous climb up steep steps to the summit of the hill. Information panels, picnic areas and timber shelters dotted along walks.
Inch Wildfowl Reserve
A purpose built walking trail through Inch Wildfowl Reserve This scenic pathway follows around the lake edge and offers panoramic views of the surrounding agricultural landscape and wetlands.
Inishowen 100
The Inishowen 100 Scenic Drive is a 100 mile (160 km) signposted scenic driving route around the stunning Inishowen Peninsula. The route passes most of the top tourist attractions and places of interest on the peninsula and there are great things to do at every turn from hiking to cycling, golf to fishing and from blue flag beaches to whale watching and basking shark trips.
Wild Atlantic Way
From the wind-whipped tip of Malin Head to the safe haven of Kinsale Harbour, wrap yourself in the wilderness of the west coast of Ireland on the world’s longest defined coastal touring route. The Wild Atlantic Way is a sensational journey of soaring cliffs and buzzing towns and cities, of hidden beaches and epic bays. So whether you drive it from end-to-end, or dip into it as the mood strikes, it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Dunree Fort
Fort Dunree, Dun Fhraoigh in Irish means, Fort of the Heather. Built on The fort is located on a rocky promontory , it was built as a defensive structure located above a steep cliff, originally built as part of a series of fortifications defending Lough Swilly during the Napoleonic wars. Dunree is surrounded with stunning natural beauty and hosts walking pathways with breath taking views, after which you can relax in the café.
Grianian of Aileach
Origins of this circular site are believed to date from around 1700BC. Steeped in legend it was home to the ancient Irish High Kings, and has important connections with ancient monasteries in Donegal. The fort or cashel was restored in the 1870’s and is the centrepiece of the site. It is thought that St Patrick visited the site in the 5th century and baptised the local chieftain, Eoghan from whom Inis Eoghan (Inishowen) gets its name.
Carrickabraghey Castle
Perched on a rocky outcrop at the furthest most reaches of the stunning “Isle of Doagh”, built c1540, on an older settlement site, the remaining square keep and round tower was part of a much larger castle complex. Carrickabraghy, known locally as “The Castles” was one of the last four remaining strongholds of the O’Dochartaigh Clan on the Inishowen Peninsula. It was from here that Sir Cahir “Rua” O’Doherty planned his ill-fated revolt at the beginning of the 17th century which inevitably led to the full Plantation of Ulster.
St. Columba's Church
This historical church lays claim to the Catholic, Protestant and Dissenters of the parish. The people of Clonmany hold the church in great affection. Clonmany or “Cluain Maine” which means “Meadow of the Monks”, takes its name from an early church established by St. Maine, a follower of St. Patrick. The vaulted cemetery contains many hundreds of graves piled on top of each other, both Catholic and Protestant, side-by-side, with the earliest from medieval times. The earliest of the marked headstones appear to be from medieval times.
Leenan Fort
Lough Swilly played a major strategic role in the British plans for the protection of Ireland from Napoleonic times up to 1938. Major advances in coastal defence weaponry brought about fortifications in Dunree Fort in the 1890s and the construction of Leenan Fort which hosted the largest guns of that era. Leenan Fort remained functional until the mid-1960s when it was abandoned. Army personnel were transferred to Dunree Fort which remained operational until the 1980s.
WW2 Plane Crash Site
On the afternoon of Good Friday, 11 April 1941, during World War II, a Vickers Wellington bomber crashed into the Urris Hills after getting lost in thick fog. Six young Englishmen based at the airfield in Limavady perished after mistaking Lough Swilly for Lough Foyle. The crash site was located by two soliders from Leenan Fort. The bodies were taken to Leenankeel, Urris and laid out in a local forge. They were transferred to Dunree Fort prior to transport to England for burial.
Fanad Lighthouse
Standing between idyllic Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay, Fanad Head Lighthouse has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. Its location within the Donegal Gaeltacht (an Irish speaking area), on the eastern shore of the Fanad Peninsula, it is truly breath taking. No wonder it’s a highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way! Take a guided tour and learn more about the history of this working lighthouse and the area around it. Or, really indulge yourself and enjoy a stay far away from the bustle of modern life in one of the three lightkeeper’s house’s available for rent.
Oakfield Park
Oakfield Park is one of Donegal’s best-loved attractions. Open every day of the summer, the award winning gardens and parklands, ponds, lakes, new hedge maze, heritage trees, sculptures and Buffers Garden Restaurant will enthral. Children can make a wish at Oakfield Park’s Fairy tree, while navigating their way through adventures on extensive walks and trails. The crowning glory is a 4.5km narrow gauge railway with a diesel and steam train operating passenger trips daily. Regular events are held in the grounds including the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Steam Sunday, Oakfest, Train of Terror at Halloween and the famous Santa Express in December.
Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh National Park and Castle built in 1869, is set amongst beautifully maintained gardens, and offers magnificent mountain views, raised bog-lands, and tremendous lakes and woodlands across the 16,000 acres of National Park. Tours of the castle, as well as guided tours of the Italianate Formal Gardens are available, or if preferred you can join a ranger-led walk along footpaths through the grounds. You may even be lucky enough to catch sight of soaring eagles or shy red deer.
Donegal Castle
Built by the O’Donnell Chieftain in the 15th century, beside the River Eske, the castle has extensive 17th century additions by Sir Basil Brooke. The castle is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French Tapestries. Information panels chronicle the history of the castle owners from the O’Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family. The Castle retains all of it medieval grandeur to this day. No trip to Ireland would be the same without a visit to one of our Historic and beautiful castles.
Derry City Walls
The only remaining walled City in Ireland, Derry is steeped in history and culture. The famous walls which date back to the early part of the seventeenth century have withstood several sieges, the most famous lasting 105 days. The walls encircle the old City and tours are available daily.
Bushmills Distillery
Dating back to 1608, this is one of the World’s oldest distilleries. Visit this beautiful building and experience the craft and skill of making Irish Single Malt Whiskey. Learn about the secret of special water from St. Columb’s Rill, the malted Irish barley, triple distillation in copper stills and aging for long years in oak casks.
Giants Causeway
This magnificent site is renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt a result of a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. It is the focal point of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted millions of visitors from all over the world.
Game of Thrones®
For ten years, HBO and Game of Thrones® made Northern Ireland their home. Today, wherever you travel across Northern Ireland, you’ll see exactly why it was chosen for Game of Thrones® – and how you can get as close as possible to the spirit and the action from the legendary series.
Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast is a world-leading visitor attraction and 'must see' on any trip to Belfast and Northern Ireland. The iconic, six-floor building is located in the heart of Belfast, at the historic site where Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912. Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to its maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.
Northern Lights
Pollan Beach, Ballyliffin and Carrickabraghy Castle, Isle of Doagh are among some of the best places in Ireland to view the Northern Lights. This is due to their northern latitude and their general lack of built infrastructure. They are also excellent locations because they have very little light pollution. The best times of the year to view the ‘lights’ are from October to late April. Other good coastal locations to view them in Inishowen are Malin Head, Dunaff Head, Isle of Doagh, and Mamore Gap.
Star Wars Film Location
In the most recent Star Wars movie, The Last Jedi, planet “Ahch-To” features many scenes from beautiful Malin Head, Donegal. Mark Hamill who plays Luke Skywalker has spoken many times about this wonderful place – he has been quoted as saying “I don’t know what it is but there’s something very magical there. I would encourage everyone to go there”. In a pre-recorded message played before the screening, Hamill said “I can’t wait to come back to a country that made me feel like a member of the family. So may the force be with you all and pour a pint of Guinness for me, will you.” You can take a unique and insightful walking tour to the landing zone of the Millennium Falcon. Learn about the movie history, the local heritage and culture of this amazing location on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
World Chowder Champion
"Growing up living by the sea and sharing a passion for food with my grandmother she taught me many things about fresh baking and seafood. She would always say how chowder was a poor man’s lunch. She was not to know then how the passion we shared for food would lead to her grandson to become the World Chowder Champion. I tried hundreds of chowder recipes and tried many things to get it just right. I finally came up with a recipe that drove my customers wild. Nancy’s Seafood Chowder with a Spanish Twist. The beauty of it all is that the chowder is gluten free and filled with delicious quality ingredients. The Secret to any good dish is keep it simple, wholesome and tasty all the way." Kieran Duey Nancy's Barn World Chowder Champion