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Scenic Donegal... | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wild and beautiful, Co. Donegal is one of Ireland's scenic gems. Rugged cliffs, heather-covered mountains, crashing waves and peaceful bogland combine to make Donegal a magical place where age-old traditions still live and nature remains unspoiled. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The county is sprinkled with sleepy villages where the visitor can take a step back into the past, while its bustling towns with their modern, sophisticated shops offer the latest in fashion and gifts together with the subtly-coloured tweeds and handknits for which Donegal is justly famous. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sparkling lakes and crystal-clear rivers abound in Donegal, and fishing here is a pleasure which anglers from all over the world enjoy. Cycling along peaceful roads with breathtaking scenery on every side is a favourite pastime with visitors and in many areas, horse-riding and pony-trekking are also offered. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The waters of the Atlantic, spilling onto Donegal's long and lovely coastline, are ideal for swimming, surfing, windsurfing and sailing. The golfer will be torn for choice between the excellent golf courses and links, many of them set in locations of unsurpassed beauty, and those who enjoy walking will find country lanes for rambling, beaches for strolling and wildflower-covered hillsides to suit every taste. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steeped in culture, Donegal has many buildings and monuments of historic interest, from castles and ancient churches to ring forts, traditional cottages and old mills. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Glengesh Pass | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. Glenveagh National Park: A national park set in wild and spectacular scenery, Glenveagh incorporates a castle, visitor centre, and magnificent gardens planted with many exotic and ornamental species. |
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10. Doe Castle: Surrounded on three sides by the sea, Doe Castle is an attractive ruin which was once the home of the MacSuibhne clan. |
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11. Tullyarvan Mill: Centuries of production in the Buncrana area are commemorated in Tullyarvan Mill, which also has a craft shop. |
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2. Glebe Gallery: The former home of artist Derek Hill houses an awe-inspiring collection of Japanese and Islamic art, papers and textiles by William Morris and Donegal Folk art. An audio-visual presentation in the nearby Colcmille Heritage Centre depicts the life of St. Colmcille. |
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12. Grianan Ailigh: An impressive ring fort with a commanding view of the valleys below and Loughs Foyle and Swilly. |
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3. Donegal Castle: The 15th century O'Donnell Castle, in Donegal Town, was home of the last great O'Donnell chieftain, Hugh O'Donnell. |
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13. Fort Dunree Military Museum: A military museum in a coastal setting, this visitor attraction displays many interesting military artefacts and also offers an audio-visual display. |
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4. Slieve League: The view from the highest sea cliffs in Europe, at Slieve League, stretches down the coast for many miles on a clear day. |
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14. The Vintage Car Museum: Vintage cars, bicycles, model cars and a railway collection are among items in the Vintage Car and Carriage Museum in Buncrana. |
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5. Glengesh Pass: Near Ardara, Glengesh Pass is a steep and winding route into the mountains. From the top of the pass, the view down into the valley is impressive. |
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15. Arranmore Island and Tory Island: Regular ferry trips take visitors to Arranmore and Tory Islands. Arranmore, the larger of the two, has a population of around 900 people while Tory is renownedfor its wild birds and its native art. |
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6. Glencolmcille Folk Village: Real Ireland comes to life in Glencolmcille, where a cluster of thatched cottages in the Folk Village recreate life in the past in rural Donegal. |
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16. Cavanacor House: Cavanacor Historic House, ancestral home of James Knox Polk, President of the USA 1845 to 1849, has a pottery shop, art gallery, museum and tearoom. |
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7. Ionad Cois Locha: This lakeside centre is the reconstructed farm home of a Donegal weaver. The centre also offers boat trips, an audio-visual exhibition, crafts and teas. |
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17. Donegal Historical Society Museum: Located in the franciscan Friary in Rossnowlagh, the museum houses many archaelogical and historical exhibits. |
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8. Donegal County Museum: Donegal County Museum, Letterkenny, is open all year. It houses a collection of artefacts depicting the county's geology, archaeology and folk life. |
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9. Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre: The departure from Ireland of its two last great chieftains, is commemorated at the Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre in Rathmullan. |
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Touring Map | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Click here to return to Derek's Home Page |