Donegal Main Towns

 

Annagry
A beautifully situated village in the heart of the Irish speaking Rosses. Rannafast, west of the village, is a district renowned for summer schools in the Irish language. Just as you enter the village there is a nature walk, signposted right, which takes you to a viewpoint where you can better appreciate the bays, inlets, ocean and mountains all around you. West of the road between Anaghaire and Croithli (Crolly) is the district of Rannafast (RNA Feirste), one of the major centres in the country for summer courses in the Irish Language.

Ardara
Ardara lies on the Atlantic coast of County Donegal. It is a village of just two streets and it is widely known as Ireland’s capital in the manufacture of handwoven tweed and hand knitwear. Tweed and knitwear from Ardara is stocked by leading stores around the world. There are many craft and factory shops to visit.

Ardara
Ardara is one of the most attractive villages in Donegal and is set in a wide valley where the Owentocher River enters Loughros More Bay. It is an important centre for the manufacture of Donegal homespun tweeds, and many are engaged also in other crafts such as hand-knitting, hosiery and hand-embroidery. Visitors may see these articles being made. There are many brown trout lakes in the area. Discover the nearby caves of Maghera or walking the magnificent Glengesh Pass.

Arranmore Island
This island can be accessed from Burtonport, with hourly services operating during the summer months. The crossing takes about 20 minutes. Lovely walks include the spectacular cliff scenery on the island. There are regular traditional music sessions and the annual festival is held in August. Crafts available include Aran knitwear. There is a good rainbow trout lake on the island and, of course, shore angling is very rewarding in the prolific Donegal waters.

Ballintra
A peaceful village, now bypassed by the main Ballyshannon-Donegal road. Nearby is the impressive Murvagh championship 18 hole golf course and the Blue Flag beaches at Murvagh and Rossnowlagh.

Ballybofey
A twin town seperated from Stranorlar by the River Finn. The only inland 18-hole golf course in the county is an amenity shared by these two busy market towns. Ballybofey and Stranorlar Golf Club is set among pleasant valleys which are backed by mountains. Not to be outdone for water, three of its holes each feature a lake.

Ballyliffin
A lovely seaside resort with a splendid 18 hole links running along 3km stretch of Pollan Strand. Crockaughrim presents a rewarding climb and there are examples of primative rock art on the western slope, which dates from the Bronze Age.

Ballyshannon
A lively trading town originating in 1613 when it was created a borough. Two handcrafted pottery industries Celtic Weave and Donegal Parian China, are situated here. Belleek Pottery is crafted just across the border in Northern Ireland. Abbey Assaroe, near the town, has a restored mill complete with waterwheels. The Abbey Centre has conference facilities. An amenity area, including a waterbus, is located on Assaroe Lake. The Ballyshannon International Folk and Traditional Music Festival is celebrated each August.

Bruckless
A tiny hamlet near Killybegs and overlooking Donegal Bay. Dominated by the round tower of St Conal’s Church. Nearby archaelogical artefacts include early Christian cross slabs.

Bunbeg
The tiny village of Bunbeg, with its pretty harbour, is sheltered by cliffs at the mouth of the Clady River, 4 miles (6 km) west of Gweedore. There is good bathing in the open sea or at Magheraclogher Strand, an extensive sandy beach about a half-mile (1 km) from the village. Excursions can be made by boat to Gola, Innishinny and other islands, all of which have interesting rock and cliff scenery.

Buncrana
The main town of Inishowen is Buncrana, a popular seaside resort on the eastern shore of Lough Swilly with golf (9) and 4 miles (6 km) away at Fahan golf (18), tennis, cinema and dancing. A leisure centre open all year is equipped with swimming pool, jacuzzi and gymnasium. Recent multinational investment has seen the town blossom.

Bundoran
Bundoran is situated on the North West coast of Donegal. If looking for an active holiday break there is plenty to choose from. Bundoran is an angler’s paradise. The local lakes and rivers include the famous Logh Melvin and the Drowes river, where salmon and trout are plentiful. There is also a huge variety of fish to be caught in Donegal Bay. For the golfer, there is a championship golf course in Bundoran. Those interested in equestrian activities can find plenty to do. Beginners can avail of expert tuition, while the more experienced can ride along the coastline on horse riding trails. There are also plenty of cycling and walking trails to be explored around Bundoran. With world class reefs and beach, Bundoran is perfect for surfing.

Bundoran
One of Ireland’s main seaside resorts, Bundoran has a fine situation on the southern shore of Donegal Bay, with the Sligo-Leitrim mountains behind it to the south and the hills of Donegal across the bay to the north. Tthe strand, a fine sandy beach fronting the promenade, has at either end a range of cliffs carved by the waves into fantastic shapes. Waterworld, a new watersports centre on the beachfront features a spiderslide and a wavepool. Other recreations include tennis, horse-riding, sea and river fishing.

Burnfoot
A small village on the Inis Eoghain 100 drive. Access to the nature reserve on Inch Island from here.

Burtonport
Burtonport is an important fishing village where more salmon are landed than at any port in Ireland or Britain. It is a popular centre for boating trips to Arranmore Island, which is 3 miles (5 km) offshore and has striking cliff scenery and some interesting marine caves. It also has a lake (Lough Shure) which has rainbow trout.

Carndonagh
Carndonagh, the hub of Inishowen, is a compact thriving town 2 miles from the head of Trawbreaga Bay. It has always been an important ecclesiastical site; its importance dates from Patrician times (5th century) and it has probably a bishopric. The town is dominated by the Church of the Sacred Heart, built in 1945 with some fine statuary by Albert power, RHA, the famous sculptor. The Church of Ireland church stands a short distance away on the site of the church founded by St Patrick. The west entrance of this is a re-used 15th century door. Against the church wall may be seen a well carved lintel stone. In the churchyard there is also a cross-pillar known as the Marigold Stone because on the west side there is a seven rayed star inside a circle which has been regarded as a marigold. The church bell is believed to have come off the ‘Trinidad Valencera’, the Spanish armada ship wrecked in Kinagoe Bay in 1588. The chief glory of the town is the famous Donagh or St Patrick’s Cross. It has been dated to the 7th century which would make it one of the very early Christian crosses outside mainland Europe. The cross is 11 ft. 6 inches in height and is regarded as one of the finest examples in Ireland of low relief carving reianing from ancient times. A few feet from the cross are two pillar stones each carved on all sides. Just outside the town on the Ballyliffin road you may enjoy a forest walk and picnic in one of Ireland’s few remaining natural woods, with its oakwood, birch, rowan, hazel, willow and holly. This fine stand of old oakwood is classified as an area of regional importance.

Carrick
An ideal base from which to explore the impressive Slieve League marine cliffs and a centre for Donegal handcrafts and traditional music.

Carrigart
Situated on an inlet of Mulroy Bay, this is a well developed, peaceful holiday resort ideal for touring and exploring this lovely district. The shops in Carrigart cater for all needs of a visitor, in particular “Joys of Carrigart” has a large selection of giftware and Irish crafts as well as cosmetic accessories. The “North Star” is a good venue in the evenings for music. In the sandhills between Carrigart and Downings there are many prehistoric habitation sites or kitchen middens where numerous objects from the Bronze Age have been found.

Carrigart
Picturesque Victorian architecture gives this resort village great character. It is superbly set on an isthmus between Mulroy and Sheephaven bays close to the scenic Atlantc Drive.

Castlefinn
Lying south west of Lifford, this village is set among the gentle hills and fertile land of east Donegal.

Clonmany
Just ten miles north of Buncrana this village lies sheltered amongst gentle hills and beside the calm waters of the Swilly. It is the youngest village in Inishowen dating from the middle of the last century and yet perhaps because it is less known it has an old-world atmosphere and charm seldom found in the commercialised resorts of today. Spoil yourself with a swim in Binion Strand, a walk on the cliffs at Duna Head or a visit to the waterfall at Glenevin where the river tumbles 30 feet over a pitch black rock into a foaming pool. At Rockstown there is a fine example of a raisd beach. Two miles east of Clonmany on the slope of Magheramore Hill, there is a Bronze Age dolmen with a massive capstone traditionally called ‘Finn McCool’s Finger Stone.’ The legend says it was thrown by Fin from Sliabh Snacht at naother giant on Coolcross Hill.

Convoy
Set in the fertile foothills of east Donegal, this village is near Raphoe.

Creeslough
Six miles (`10 km) south of Dunfanaghy is Creeslough, standing on high ground overlooking an inlet that runs in off Sheephhaven. From Creeslough trips can be made to Glen Lough (4 miles/6 km), a lovely lake with a fine mountain background, to Barnesbeg Gap (4 1/2 miles/7 km) and to Lough Veagh.

Culdaff
Beautifully situated on the Inishowen Peninsula, this charming resort was where Charles Macklin, the celebrated 18th century actor, was born in 1690. He is the subject of the annual Charles Macklin Autumn School held in October in the village.

Derrybeg
A Gaeltacht village in the lake-studded coastal landscape of West Donegal. Headquarters of Turasmara Teo – Donegal Coastal Cruises, who operate daily cruises to Tory Island.

Donegal
Donegal town is a thriving market town at the head of Donegal Bay. It is an excellent touring centre because of its position where the three main roads from Derry, West Donegal and Sligo converge. Recreations include swimming at several nearby venues, sea and river fishing, golf (18) on a championship course at Murvagh, boating, pony-trekking and tennis; indoor amusements include cinema and dancing.

Downings
Three miles from Carrigart is Downings, a pleasant resort that commands a superb view of the Ards Peninsula and has a good sandy beach. The handwoven tweed for which Donegal is famous may be inspected by visitors at the McNutts factory.

Dunfanaghy
A most scenic resort with Killyhoey Beach fringing the Atlantic. The beach features on many of the 18 holes at the scenic Dunfanaghy Golf Club. An ideal base for touring Horn Head and the northern peninsulas. “McSwiney’s Gun” is a natural blow hole which gives a loud report at certain conditions of the tide. A famine centre in the town remembers the terrible 19th century famine which ravaged Ireland. The only place in Ireland where the corncrake can be heard in its natural habitat, Dunfanaghy is also a major centre for brown trout anglers and special interest holidays.

Dunfanaghy
The town was laid out in the early 19th century and the integrity of much of the original architecture has been retained. Many of the houses have an entry to allow horses and perhaps cattle into the yard and outbuildings at the back. The Market House, built in 1845, also served as a courthouse and was constructed on reclaimed land on the harbour front. The Stewart family of Ards were important in the development of the town. Other buildings of note include the three attractive late 19th century churches, the Gallery which was built as a fever hospital and the hotels which have catered for the needs of the many visitors to the area. The magnificent Cliffs of Horn Head, home to thousands of birds, jut into the North Atlantic close to Dunfanaghy.

Dungloe
The Capital Town of the Rosses, famous for its International Festival Mary from Dungloe. The town is always a hive of activity with many shops, restaurants and bars to choose from. Dungloe is situated within the Donegal Gaeltacht, an ‘Clochan Liath’ the Gaelic name for Dungloe means Grey Stones. The real attraction for the sportsman in the Rosses though is fishing. With over 130 lakes in the area fishing is so cheap that an outlay of a few pounds buys sport of a quality which elsewhere could cost hundreds.

Dungloe
Dungloe is a lively and thriving town with a population of about 900. During the August Bank Holiday weekend each year the ‘Mary from Dungloe Festival’ is held in the town. It is the principal town in the Rosses, is an important game angling centre and colourful resort situated on an island-studded bay. It is an ideal base to explore the Gaelic speaking Rosses and Gweedore, where, for much of the drive, you will see shop signs in the Irish language. The signposting may be bilingual or just in Irish. Where the latter applies, you will find the English place name in parenthesis.

Dunkineely
Set on the northern shore of Donegal Bay, the village is close to the very scenic peninsula, rich in wildlife, which leads to St. John’s Point.

Dunlewy
Dominated by Errigal Mountain, this tiny village overlooks two lovely lakes which run the length of the valley. Many fine walks, including one to the summit of Errigal and another through Poisoned Glen are some of the feaures of this valley.

Fahan
There is a finely carved cross-slab to the east of the modern church which dates from the 7th-9th century. The only Greek inscription known from early christian Ireland is on one face and reads “Glory and honour to the Father Son and Holy Spirit”. Another cross-slab is set into the wall outside the cemetery. The crozier of St. Mura, the first abbot of the original 7th century monastery, and the shrine of St. Mura’s Bell, are in the National Museum in Dublin. Lough Swilly Yacht Club is situated here and a 350-berth marina has been developed.

Falcarragh
A lively town on the edge of the Gaelic speaking area of west Donegal. A good base from which to tackle the climb up Muckish Mountain. Ballyconnell Estate near the village is being developed as an activity centre.

Falcarragh
Falcarragh in all respects is a fun town with a great tradition of crafts. Its an Irish Speaking town and a good place from which to climb Muckish Mountain. Baile Conaill, a new upmarket hostel caters for groups of all kinds and can tailor a holiday to suit most peoples needs. The Shamrock Bar on main street is an excellent venue for music lovers and has an atmosphere all of its own, for those who don’t feel like going home there is a hostel on the premises. The Gweedore Bar and Restaurant serves excellent meals all day and is located in the middle of the town. Further informaiton on the town and its amenities as well as the entire Gaeltacht area can be obtained from Eagras Failte Thir Chonaill.

Fanad
The Fanad Peninsula stretches north from Milford to Fanad Head and back down to Rathmelton. It has some of the most striking cliff scenery in Ireland, including remarkable examples of marine erosion. Knockalla coast road offers a spectacular drive overlooking Lough Swilly and Inishowen. The Fanad Peninsula Scenic Tour is a 45-mile (72 km) signposted circuit of the peninsula through wonderful scenery.

Fintown
A small village overlooking a lovely lake in the valley of the River Finn.

Glencolumbkille
Many houses dot the slopes of this glen, which runs back in between the hills from Glen Bay, in surroundings at once peaceful and strikingly picturesque. A popular holiday destination for families, Glencolumbkille lies in the heart of the Irish-speaking area of South Donegal. It is named for St Colmcille who had his retreat house here, and many relics remain from that time.

Glenties
Glenties in its original Irish form “Na Glenntai” means The Glens. The town is situated where two glens converge into one and just up stream from the meeting of two rivers. Both rivers are renowned for fishing. Glenties lies at the North West edge of the Blue Stack Mountains and a few kilometres from the sea. It is surrounded by mountains on three of its four sides. Only on its western side does the valley widen out as it gets closer to the Atlantic Ocean. All around the glens and mountains are scenic walks and drives which tempt the visitor into exploration by car, bicycle or foot. Along the rugged coast are bays, beaches and beautiful coastal scenery. The town has been described as an oasis by many people who visit. It is the trees and bushes that give the town its appearances as the visitor approaches the town, through or over the almost treeless mountains. It is the largest centre of population in the parish of Iniskeel. St. Connell is the patron saint of the parish. The eastern half of the parish is in the gaeltacht. It is reputed to be the largest parish in Ireland. The Church of Ireland church dates from 1825. The Roman Catholic Chuch is a modern building dedicated to St. Connell in 1974. It has a moat at the front and its setting among the trees and shrubs enhances its long sloping roof which imitates the nearby mountains. The designer; Liam McCormack won an European Award for its architecture in 1974. Its well worth a visit. At the other end of the town is the comprehensive school; one of the first of its kind in Ireland. It stands on the site of an old hospital and workhouse which was the last refuge for the poor and destitute during the Great Famine. A monument is to be erected to them soon in the old graveyard at the rear.

Glenties
Glenties on Na Glentan in its Irish form means ” the glens” ans it lies at the point of two glens as they converge into a wide valley. There are also two rivers which meet at this point. There are many trees surrounding the town and this enhances the towns image as an oasis. Situated on the Northwest edge of the Blue Stack Mountains the town is set against a backdrop of beautiful mountin scenery. Close by the west is a rich variety of coastal scenery and white sandy beaches. Portnoo which boasts one of Donegal’s blue flag beaches is just 7 miles away. Glenmties has retained much of its 19th. century character example include the late Georgian coiurthouse and the nearby market house.

Gortahork
A resort village in the Donegal Gaeltacht and close to Bloody Foreland.

Greencastle
Greencastle ( with an 18-hole golf course), which has an excellent bathing beach. On a rock overlooking the entrance to Lough Foyle are the ruins of the castle after which the place is named. Built in 1305 by the ‘Red Earl’ of Ulster, Richard de Burgh, it was captured eleven years later by the forces of Edward Bruce. Noted for its fishing industry is building a reputation as a sea-food mecca.

Gweedore
In the corner of Ireland, in north wast Donegal lies Europe’s most densely populated village, the world’s smallest harbour and the grave of the world’s most renowned piper. Gweedore is the home of Landlord Sir George Hill’s Gweedore Hotel, built in 1841, the Martello towers of the forgotten war, and offshore islands that were once lively communities, now uninhabited and attended only by the waves of a cruel and benign Atlantic. Come and listen to the sweet Gaelic voices of children in Ireland’s largest Gaelic speaking area, visit the century old church that has stood the test of fire and flood, stroll through our mountains or down by the sea and meet a man who will tell you “who lived here long ago?” Spend a day at Glenveagh National Park, visit the Castle and the Italian Garden on the estate that was the home of Lord Adair and Henry P. McIlhinney and is now the home of a thousand red deer. Gweedore – the home of Landlords and Bailiffs, the home of traditional song and gaelic drama, the home of enya and Clannad and we invite you to make it your home – this Summer – or Winter.

Inishowen
The peninsula, extending between Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle and tapering towards Malin Head (the most northerly point of Ireland), is mainly a mountainous region. Its most conspicuous summit is Slieve Snacht (2,019 feet) in the centre of the peninsula. A 100-mile (161 km) circular, scenic drive known as the ‘Inis Eoghain 100’ is signposted round the wild and beautiful landscape of the Inishowen Peninsula. The whole area is an ideal holiday region, and several resorts offer good recreational facilities. The main town of Inishowen is Buncrana, a popular seaside resort on the eastern shore of Lough Swilly with golf (9) and 4 miles (6 km) away at Fahan golf (18), tennis, cinema and dancing. A leisure centre open all year is equipped with swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gymnasium.

Inver
A noted game angling centre with a fine beach. Situated on Inver Bay which lies within magnificent Donegal Bay.

Kilcar
The picturesque village of Kilcar, 8 miles (13 km) west of Killybegs, is a centre of the Donegal handwoven tweed industry. Hand-embroidery, knitting and other cottage industries also flourish in this district. The Kilcar Way Walk, is in fact, a trinity of equally beautiful walks, starting in the village. One loops around the western foothills of Mulnanaff, the second runs east and north-east to Kilcar Forest and the third skirts Tawny.

Killybegs
Killybegs is one of Ireland’s most important fishing ports but it has also much to offer as a tourist centre. It is situated on a fine natural harbour and is gaining a reputation as a water sports centre. There is sea and river fishing, sub-aqua diving, tennis and dancing. The Killybegs International Sea Angling Festival is held in August.

Killybegs
Killybegs is one of Ireland’s major fishing harbours. It is a bustling town where local and foreign ships tower over the quayside. A borough as long ago as 1616, the harbour was recorded a century earlier than that. Saint Catherines Church dates back to the 1840’s. Attached to the eall is a 16th century tomb slab, probably one of the MacSweeney family. Drumanoo head 5km away is an excellent viewpoint with plenty of opportunity for walks. The newly refurbished Bayview Hotel offers first class accommodation and faire, while the Cope House offers the best of guesthouse accommodation. An excellent place to base yourself while touring the south-west of Donegal.

Kilmacrennan
The religious inauguration of the O’Donnell chieftains took place in the Abbey here, which is now in ruin. The secular ceremony was on Doon Rock, which is a few km from the village. Lugyvale thatched Cottage, on the outskirts of the village, is a 150-year-old restored thatched cottage where the lifestyle of early 19th century Ireland is recalled.

Kincasslagh
A tiny Gaeltacht village in the heart of The Rosses and birthplace of popular Irish singer Daniel O’ Donnell.

Letterkenny
Letterkenny, the chief town and ecclesiastical capital of County Donegal, overlooks Lough Swilly where the River Swilly drains into the lough. The Letterkenny Folk Festival brings together many European folk-dance teams every August. The Donegal Motor Rally takes place each June with Letterkenny as its base. The town’s main street is one of the longest in Ireland. Recreational facilities at Letterkenny include golf (18), pitch and putt, tennis, squash, cinema and dancing. Salmon and trout fishing is available on nearby rivers and lakes. A leisure centre has a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steam pool with plunge pool. A map of the area is available: Click here

Letterkenny
Letterkenny, built on the River Swilly, is the main town of Donegal county. It took over the role as the regions main business centre from Londonderry after 1921 (Partition). The town is an excellent base for touring the northern part of the county, and is ideally located near to Lough Swilly for angling. Letterkenny has one of the longest main streets in Ireland. The street is dominated by Saint Eunans Cathedral – a late 19th century neo gothic church, containing Celtic like stonework, morble alter and wonderful stained glass windows. Each August, the town plays host to a four day international Folk Festival, attraction traditional and folk musicians from all over.

Lifford
Lifford, the administrative centre of County Donegal, is on the eastern border, south of Letterkenny. It is seperated by the River Finn from its larger neighbour, Strabane, in County Tyrone. The river is a good salmon river for spring fish. Lifford has the only greyhound racing track in Donegal.

Malin
Four miles north of Carndonagh is the village of Malin, winner of the 1991 Tidy Towns Competition, and 8 miles (13 km) further on is Malin Head, the most northerly point of Ireland and a conspicuous landmark to sea-travellers on the North Atlantic. Though of no great height, the head has superb views of the neighbouring coast. Striking rock formations in this neighbourhood include Hell’s Hole, a remarkable chasm into which the tide rushes with great force.

Manorcunningham
A small village east of Letterkenny on the main Derry road.

Milford
Blessed with a lovely hinterland which includes Mulroy Bay, this busy town is a popular angling centre.

Mountcharles
There is a fully equipped sea angling boat at Mountcharles which lies on the route around scenic Donegal Bay. The sea angling facility, complete with fully equipped boat, which is situated just before the village. The attractive water pump in the village is dedicated to Seamus Mcmanus, a local author and storyteller.

Moville
On the western shore of Lough Foyle is Moville, a popular Inishowen resort. A recreational centre, with the attractive square a legacy of its 18th century origins. There is a lovely developed walk along the sea shore. West of the town is Cooley Cross, a tall, slender cross with a holed head. One of the ruins in the nearby graveyard is called “The Skull House” and is probably a tomb shrine.

Muff
Muff is a small village on the border of Donegal and Derry. The Church of Ireland parish church built by the Harts of Kilderry House dates from 1737. The house itself, part Palladian in design, dates from the 18th century.

Newtowncunningham
A quiet village near the Inishowen Peninsula, now bypassed by the main Derry road.

Pettigoe
Pettigoe, on the edge of Donegal, is a unique Irish border-village. Strategically situated at a “cross roads”, between Lough Erne and Lough Derg, between North and South, Pettigoe has always had a name for hospitality. In Celtic times it was the “Place of the Blacksmith” and for medieval Europe it was the gateway to the Purgatory of St. Patrick. The 17th and 18th centuries saw Pettigoe become a famous market-place and in more recent times its frontier location made it a “smugglers paradise”. Pettigoe provides the visitor with an excellent base for touring Counties Donegal, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Sligo, Tyrone and Derry. Within a half-hour’s drive there are two 18 hole golf-courses, blue flag beaches, an aquatic centre and all water-sport and swimming facilities. Beside, the Marble Arch Caves, Yeat’s Country, the Ulster American Folk Park and the Giant’s Causeway are approximately one hour distant.

Portnablagh
A lovely resort on Sheephaven Bay, this superbly sited village commands marvellous views of Sheephaven Bay and Horn Head. Portnablgh is an embarkation point for Tory Island.

Portnoo
Portnoo is twinned with Narin its near neighbour. The village has a fine golf course and there are high quality beaches in the area. Portnoo looks out into Gweebarra Bay filled by the mass of the Atlantic ocean. Nearby Dawros Head provides some spectacular views.

Portsalon
A very popular recreational area surrounds this lovely village. EC Blue Flag beach.

Ramelton
Ramelton is a very picturesque Heritage Town at the mouth of the River Lennon where it enters a bay on Lough Swilly. Lovely riverside walks, an ancient stone bridge and handsome houses will encourage you to stop. It is a planned village of 17th century origins. Reverend Francis Makemie, the founder of the first Presbyterian church in Virginia U.S.A., preached in the old Meeting House in the village. Now restored, it contains a library and a genealogical centre.

Raphoe
The Church of Ireland Cathedral is on the site of A Columban monastery which was elevated to a Dicesan seat in the 12th century. Carved fragments of a 12th century church lintel can be seen here as well as later fragments (15th – 17th century), which are built into the walls of the church. On a hill, south of Raphoe, is Beltany stoney Circle.

Redcastle
Leisureland, a children’s wonderland offering a wide variety of entertainment, is situated here. The 9-hole golf course provides a pleasant challenge for the holiday golfer in scenic surroundings.

Rosbeg
A few miles west of Portnoo is the fishing and holiday hamlet of Rosbeg, situated on one of Ireland’s most entrancing headlands. There are many safe beaches in this area of rugged beauty, one is Traighmore, a haven for surfing enthusiasts. At Traighmore, there is an extensive caravan and camping site. Hotel and Guesthouse accommodation are also available.

Rossnowlagh
This little seaside resort is situated on the beautiful coast north of Ballyshannon. Its magnificent beach fronts a wide expanse of level sward hemmed around by gentle hills. A church, and some relatively recent buildings (1950) to your left, constitute the Franciscan Friary. Visitors are welcome to walk in the beautifully laid out grounds, reflect in the delightful garden, or relax with a cup of tea in the tearoom. A viewpoint at the western end of the grounds overlooks the broad expanse of Rossnowlagh beach. The Donegal History of Society’s Museum is housed here and is open to the public all year.

Stranorlar
A twin town with Ballybofey, where the 18 hole golf course is the only inland course in Co. Donegal.