Northwest Donegal

Ringed by Errigal, Glenveagh National Park and the cliffs of Horn Head, Dunfanaghy and Gweedore sit on the wildest stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way – and in the heartland of Irish-language traditional music.

Northwest Donegal lies in the far northwest corner of the island of Ireland, in County Donegal, Ulster. It is the wildest and least developed stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, and one of Ireland's largest Irish-speaking areas (Gaeltacht). The region falls roughly into three parts. In the east, the village of Dunfanaghy is the natural base, with Horn Head's cliffs, Ards Forest, Marble Hill Beach and the Rosguill Atlantic Drive nearby; further east are the lighthouse on the Fanad Peninsula and Ballymastocker Bay. In the middle, Glenveagh National Park and Castle, Errigal and the Poisoned Glen make for great hiking and hillwalking. In the west is the Gweedore Gaeltacht, with Bloody Foreland, "Bád Eddie" (Eddie's Boat), Carrickfinn Beach and the ferry piers for Tory Island and Arranmore Island. The best time to visit is May–Sep, when days are long and ferries run normally; winters are windy and wet, island ferries are often cancelled and mountain weather is changeable. Getting around is mainly by car: Derry is about 1 hour away and Dublin about 4 hours, and Donegal Airport has flights to and from Dublin and Glasgow; buses are infrequent. Plan to stay 3–4 days. Country roads are narrow and sheep often wander onto them, so drive slowly. Traditional music and Irish-language songs in Gweedore's pubs at night are the most authentic experience here.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries