Why Donegal?

Why choose Donegal?

Donegal has been voted “the coolest place on the planet to visit in 2017” by National Geographic. Donegal has beaten off stiff competition from other culture hot spots such as Greenland, Santiago, Sudan and even Seoul.

The county’s motto, “Up here it’s different”, captures its distinctiveness, and distance from a more cosmopolitan Dublin. Travelling through Donegal feels like a trip to the real Ireland. As well as being voted “the coolest place”, it also has the accolade of being named the “2016’s Best County in Ireland to live in”.  An unending amount of natural beauty and people who always welcome you with open arms makes Donegal a special place to visit.
But if that’s not enough to entice you maybe this will be…

Best Seats in the House

Donegal offers front row seats to the magical light spectacular known as Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights). This natural phenomenon creates an unforgettable experience and can be seen from coastal regions such as Malin Head, Culdaff, Shrove in Greencastle and Inishowen. A heavenly experience that will leave you appreciating how special the county really is.
 
The Start of your Journey around the Wild Atlantic Way

From Malin Head to Fanad Head to Slieve League, Donegal’s section of the Wild Atlantic Way route is the longest of any county and full of stunning surprises. It’s got three Signature Points, 36 discovery points and thousands of undiscovered gems just waiting to be uncovered. The wild Atlantic Sea has certainly left its mark on the coastline and this is visible through the marine sea-stacks, arches, and the dramatic Slieve League cliffs, which are some of the best and highest examples of marine cliffs in the world all lay in wait.

It’s Light Years Ahead of other Locations

Travellers have even come from galaxies far away to experience the wonder of the place. This is no more evident than when the cast of Star Wars set up filming on the cliffs of Malin Head in 2016. During filming Mark Hamill – who plays the iconic Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series was quoted as saying “I love it, it’s gorgeous,” “Everyone has made us feel like part of the family.”

Blue Flag Beaches Galore

A coastline of 1235 km /772 miles, the longest on the island, is blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches, thirteen of which are Blue Flag Beaches. Tourists are spoilt for choice, so why not come and experience beautiful clean and unspoilt beaches of the highest standard!

The Music
 
Donegal is renowned for having one of the richest traditions of Irish traditional music in the country and is home to some of the most talented musicians that this country has ever produced. There is a host of intimate theatre venues throughout the county that are second to none, but the real gems are the uncountable informal music sessions that can be found in many a pub on a daily basis. A word of warning though… when you do happen upon such a musical treat, it is advisable to forget about the time and immerse yourself in an atmosphere that will never be experienced in any other corner of the globe.

Outdoor Activities

From hill walking to rock climbing; golfing to surfing: horse riding to traditional Irish sports, Donegal has some of the finest outdoor activity opportunities in the country. A county of amazing natural landscapes can provide an amazing backdrop and suitable challenge for any level of a thrill-seeker and outdoor enthusiast. From the moment you arrive, it’s literally on your doorstep, just waiting to be explored.

Never a Dull Moment

With a host of world-renowned festivals and events, Donegal has got a lot going on! Larger events are complemented by the hundreds of smaller community festivals, gatherings and traditional events that take place and are not to be missed on a trip to Donegal.

Donegal, where heritage, history, tradition, and culture sit hand in hand with excitement, exhilaration, nightlife and craic; like star-crossed lovers in an idyllic corner of the world that knows its own strength and revels in its own confidence. Yes, folks, it’s true to say… Donegal; has it all!