Donegal is a cool, self-contained little town with roots in the Gaelic Kingdom of Tír Chonaill, of which it was the capital. Turned upwards, these roots are visible everywhere; a 1937 obelisk, commemorative of The Annals of the Four Masters, can be found at the Diamond in the centre of town; Donegal Castle rests nearby at the curve of the river; the ruins of a Franciscan Friary, founded in 1474, can also be found in the town. At night, the sounds of traditional song and the voices of Irish revellers pour from Donegal’s lively pubs.

A number of wonderful beaches line the coast to the west at Donegal Bay, the largest bay in Ireland, and Rossnowlagh and Bundoran a few miles south of the town are famous for the excellent surf. Against the backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains, each of these discrete settings is nothing short of definitive. Heritage may be integral to everywhere in Ireland. But mostly, Donegal is just beautiful.

Unmissable Attractions Donegal Town

1. Donegal Castle (Opening Times: Monday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. in summer / Thursday to Monday from 9.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. in winter) Prices: Adult €4.00 / Senior Citizens and Groups €3.00 / Children and Students €2.00 / Family €10.00

2. A 1937 Diamond Obelisk, commemorative of the Celtic book The Annals of the Four Masters, can be found opposite Donegal Castle and is accessible to the general public all year round.