For those looking for a base to explore all of Donegal's top spots, Nan's Place and Dune View make the perfect base and a stunning spot to return to after a day out and about. We could (and may) have a page for each of the sections below, there are so many options, but for now, heres a snippet.
Glenveigh National Park and Castle
We've already touched on this in our top things to do section, but it's worth another mention here.
Glenveagh National Park lies in the heart of County Donegal, among the wild and rugged landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains. Its pristine habitats and protected wildlife, and its trails taking in the stunning Victorian Castle and Gardens along Lough Veagh, make Glenveagh the ideal escape for lovers of the natural world.
Whether you want to go for a hike or take the bus from the visitors centre to the castle and eat cake, there are options for all.
Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) https://www.sliabhliag.com/ are 1972ft (601m) sea cliffs in the southwest of the county (approx. 45mins drive from Nan's Place and Dune View), ranking amongst the highest in Europe and three times taller than The Cliffs of Moher. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, they offer dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal Bay, and the Sligo Mountains.
A day trip to the cliffs, a walk up to the viewing point and a visit to the gift shop and cafe are a treat in themselves, but if you would like to go that bit further, you can go for a hike, book a tour guide or see them from the sea.
- Teresa's Tours of Slieve League: Offers guided walks focusing on history, folklore, and local stories, starting from the Teelin visitor centre.
- EggMan Tours (Peter McLaughlin): Provides guided hikes and walking tours of the cliffs and surrounding areas.
- John McGroary Tour Guide: Specialised, knowledgeable guides for hiking the cliffs.
Bundoran (approx 1hr drive) has always been the 'family fun' destination of Donegal, with families from all over Ireland heading there for their annual trip to the seaside.
Although it is now also a hot spot for watersports, it still has lots of arcades, a waterpark and funfair amusements. Plenty to do if what you are looking for is an old school trip to the seaside vibes.
Doagh Famine Village (2hr drive) is one of Ireland’s most unique and popular tourist attractions, visited by thousands of people from all over the world every year.
Guided tours will take you on a journey through life in Ireland in our local community, showing you how families learned to survive and adapt as society evolved from the Great Famine in the 1840s to the present day.
A combination of informative storytelling and life-sized exhibits provides a thought-provoking and, at times, humorous look at Irish life.
You can also taste traditional foraged coastal foods and sample some local PoitÃn!
https://doaghfaminevillage.com...
Animal adventures
As well as boat trips, bird and mammal spotting trips, Donegal is home to Wild Ireland (1hr 15mins) an award-winning wildlife sanctuary in Burnfoot, County Donegal, set within an ancient Celtic rainforest. It rescues and rehabilitates animals—including brown bears, European wolves, lynx, and wild boar—that were once native to Ireland or formerly exploited in captivity. It is a popular tourist attraction on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Boat trips and sea charters
With so much gorgeous coastline, it's no wonder there is lots to do on the water.
Two of the most popular day trips are wildlife excursions from Burtonport and mammal watching around Slieve League (Teelin Pier), where, on occasion (no promises), whales have been spotted.
All trips are weather-dependent. Here are two companies that operate in these areas. Please let us know if you use any others, so we can add them to the list, and don't forget to share any pictures and experiences you have.
Aranmore https://arranmorecharters.ie/
Slieve League https://sliabhleagueboattrips....
Spas
If you're looking for a pampering treat, there are several spas in Donegal, but the one we have tried and tested is the spa at Lough Eske Castle Hotel in Donegal Town. We particularly loved the afternoon spa package that included time in one of the outdoor hot tubs followed by a delicious afternoon tea at the castle.
https://www.lougheskecastlehot...
Other options that we haven't yet tried can be found on the go visit Donegal page: https://www.govisitdonegal.com...
We'll add others as we test them! It's a great excuse!
Beaches
In addition to our very own Dooey Beach, there are SO many beautiful beaches in Donegal that this will become a page on its own at some point, but for now, here are a few of our favourites.
Nairn and Portnoo - pictured and often regarded as one of Ireland's finest beaches: approx. 15 mins drive. The beach is very accessible, so it's a good choice for those less mobile.
Silver Strand - A stunning beach and a good one to visit if you are heading to Slieve Leage. There are a lot of steps down (and back up!), so not a great beach for those less mobile, but nice to look at from the car park at the top.
Cloughglass (near Burtonport) - an absolute gem. Accessed by a short path from the car park, it's a great place to kayak, swim and climb.
Assaranca Waterfall & Maghera Beach and Caves
Situated just outside Ardara, Assaranca is an easily accessible waterfall that is best visited after heavy rainfall.
It is 1km from Maghera Beach and Caves, meaning people often combine the two on a day out.
The Maghera Caves are located beneath Slievetooey mountain, and some are accessible at low tides from Maghera Strand, but please be careful of tides and strong currents, and check locally regarding times.
There are over 20 caves, 8 arches and 5 tunnels, which make it a great place for kayaking.
Distilleries & Tours - There are two distilleries within easy reach of Nan's Place and Dune View, Ardara Gin Distillery and Crolly Whisky Distillery. Both offer tours and make for a good visit.
Ardara Distillery https://www.ardaradistillery.c... - Rooted in the wild Atlantic soul of Donegal, Ardara Distillery was founded from a desire to revive a bold, smoky style of Irish whiskey long forgotten by time. Guided by childhood memories and a proud family legacy, James and Moira Doherty returned to Ardara to reawaken its distilling tradition, unapologetically rich, peated, and
Crolly Distillery - https://thecrollydistillery.co... Award-winning, small-batch premium Irish whiskey masterfully distilled by direct fire in the heart of Donegal’s Gaeltacht.
Both offer tasting and non-tasting tours.