The towns below are listed in a south to north order.

• Driving in Donegal

  Many of the towns listed below are connected by very narrow roads. And, maybe its just me, but it always seems like the roads on the maps of this area bear no resemblance to the actual roads. And, since it is a gaeltacht area, many of the signs are in Irish, which can be confusing.

  So take your time! Knowing where you’re going and knowing where you are isn’t really mandatory, or even desirable in these latitudes.

• Killybegs

  Good for ATMs!

  This is a big fishing port, and smells like it. Don’t know much about  it, but there certainly must be good fish restaurants here. It is useful to visit if you need a bank or an ATM, which are not so plentiful further afield.

  Anna recommends the Marina Cafe for really good seafood.

• Carrick

  sessions

  Nice wee village (Danny’s folks retired here), and on most nights they’ll be at the great trad or old-timey sessions at Evelyn’s pub (The Central Bar) on the main road.

• Teelin

  Nights at The Rusty

  Last town on the road to the sea cliffs at Slieve League, there’s a popular bar called The Rusty Mackerel, with frequent sessions, and where you can often hear the phrase “Fuck aye!” which translates as “Yes”.

  Anna recommends the ‘Pilgrim’s Path’ which is a great trail up Slieve League mountain.

• Slieve League

  sea cliffs!

  Amazing sea cliffs here, not to be missed in you are anywhere near them. you can view from the top, or from a boat. Here’s a link to more info: slieveleague.com

• Glencolumbcille

  gorgeous countryside

  Small village with epic views of the sea and the mountains. The narrow roads on the way there are stunning. There’s a folk village with good lunches, and a bar called Roarty’s that might have a session.

• Ardara

  fish & chips!

  The best fish and chips I’ve ever had, by far, are at Nancy’s Bar. on the main road. 

  And there is a crafts store called Campbell’s that is owned and operated by a hilarious maniac who you may find to be highly entertaining. 

  He is constantly betting on American football games on his phone, and he knows all about the Vikings, and the rest of the pro sports teams, so be sure to tell him where you’re from!

• Gweedore

  great music

  Amazing village at the foot of the iconic Donegal mountain, Mount Errigal.

  Gweedore is the home of Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, the founder, lead singer, and fiddle player in the band Altan. Ciaran Curran, another Altan  band member, lives there as well. (Although they aren’t there much… they’re always on tour .. ).

  There are great Irish trad sessions at Teach Hiudai Beag

  And there’s an airport with direct flight to Dublin.

  The nearby village of Meenaleck is the home of one of the all time great Irish Bands, Clannad, and also of the singer Enya. Their family owns Leo’s Tavern, another music bar.

  Things to do in Gweedore website