There is nothing wrong with grabbing a good book (we have lots) and snuggling in one of our lovely holiday homes, but for those who like a bit of adventure on their holidays here are some of our top picks of activities to work up an appetite.
Surfing and Paddleboarding on your doorstep!
Whether you are a solo traveller, a family or a group, whatever your age or experience, there is a Surfing or SUP experience to suit you.
Seasonally operating from Dooey Beach, as well as Nairn and Portnoo, you can book a private lesson, join a group or book the kids onto a camp. Wetsuits are provided.
SUP (Paddleboarding) is also available, so why not go home with a sense of achievement and a story to tell!
Book online: https://surfsup.ie/dooey-beach...
Golf - With its lush green landscape, it's no wonder there are so many amazing golf courses in Donegal. Here's just a few...
- Nairn and Portnoo Links course: 15min https://narinandportnoolinks.c...
- Cruit Island Golf Club: 36mins https://www.cruitislandgolfclu...
- Gweedore: Golf club: 37mins https://gweedoregolfclub.com/
- Donegal Golf Club: 54mins https://www.donegalgolfclub.ie...
- Cloughaneely Golf Club: 49mins https://www.cloughaneelygolfcl...
- Dunfanaghy Golf Club: 59mins https://www.dunfanaghygolfclub...
- Ballybofey & Stranorlar Golf Club: 51 mins https://bsgc.ie/
- *Rosepenna Golf Resort: 60mins https://www.rosapenna.ie/
For further info on Golf in Donegal: https://www.govisitdonegal.com...
...and for those who are not quite so experienced, there is also a pitch and putt in Ardara https://www.sandfieldpitchandp...
Fishing - Donegal is a popular spot for fishing, with opportunities for the more experienced anglers or those wishing to try it for the first time
For permits, tackle and advice, call into Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop, The Bridge, Dungloe, Co. Donegal. Tel: (074) 9521163
Game fishing: The Rosses fishery features dozens of lakes near Dungloe (15mins from Leiter). https://fishinginireland.info/...
Sea Angling & Shore Fishing: Best Time: May to September is prime, particularly for wrasse and summer mackerel. (Species: Pollack, Coalie, Cod, Ling, Wrasse, Gurnards, Ray, and Dogfish) - Lots of places in Killybegs https://killybegsangling.com/ https://www.govisitdonegal.com...
An evening fishing trip from Teelin pier is also a great option. Contact Paddy at https://sliabhleagueboattrips.... to book.
Useful links: https://fishinginireland.info/... https://www.govisitdonegal.com...
Cycling: Whether you want to cycle for a fun day out to enjoy the stunning views or take it a bit more seriously, Leiter is a great, safe place to cycle. Local bike hire (electric, hybrid and pedal) available from Gallagher in Leiter (see 'local area' page)
- Gweebarra Cycleway (25 km): A high-quality route running alongside the N56 between Glenties and Dungloe, ideal for a mix of coastal and inland scenery.
- Slà an Dumhaigh Loop: Connects to the Gweebarra Cycleway for a scenic, extended ride.
- Lettermacaward to Portnoo: A scenic, coastal, and hilly route, often frequented by local cycling clubs.
- Gweebarra Bay Loop: A tour of the area that highlights the "hills of Donegal" rolling down to the ocean.
- Gweedore to Lettermacaward (75 km): A longer, challenging ride starting from Gweedore that covers 75.5 km with ~484m of elevation.
https://www.govisitdonegal.com...
For further advice: Tir connel cycling club
Walking and Hiking
There are several walking trails in and around Leiter...how far and difficult you wish to go is up to you! One of the best-known walks starts in Leiter at the Gweebara Bridge, which is the Gay Burn memorial trail(s). A map of these trails is situated on the green outside McCafferty's pub in Leiter.
Glenveigh National Park - has walking options for all levels: Here are a few:
- The Lakeside Walk (easy, not a loop and takes 3.5km/40 mins)
- Derrylahan Nature Trail (moderate, 2km/45 mins looped trail)
- The Garden Trail (easy, 1km/1 hour looped trail)
- The Viewpoint Trail (tough, 1km/35 min looped trail
- Lough Inshagh Walk (tough, 7km/1.5 hour liner trail)
- Glen / Bridle Path Walk (moderate, liner 8km/2 hour trail)
https://www.nationalparks.ie/g...
Mount Erigal - for those up for a challenge, this is the place to head for. Be mindful of the weather as it's best to do so when you can be rewarded with the spectacular views from the top, rather than a blanket of cloud!
Horse Riding - with miles of golden beaches, it's no surprise that horse riding is a popular activity in Donegal.
Close to home: Castleview Equestrian, Ardara
https://www.facebook.com/castl...
A bit further away: Donegal Equestrain centre, Bundoran
Coastal Adventures: Kayaking, Rockclimbing, kids and Teens holiday camps
Kayaking: With its many islands and large resident seal population, explore Dungloe Bay from the water. Or why not come along and join us on one of our relaxed sunset sessions out on the water, watching the sunset from your kayak, then paddling back in the calm and quiet of the twilight is an amazing experience.
For the more experienced kayaking they offer tours.
Rock Climbing: West Donegal has some world-class rock climbing in a variety of locations. These sessions are ideal for anyone wishing to try rock climbing for the first time. You will learn the basics and get to try your hand at abseiling as well as climbing.
Outdoor Activity Kids and Teen camps: Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained, off their devices and making memories, the outdoor camps are a great way to try to things...and maybe find an activity that they will take home to enjoy.
