Things to Do - Clanree Hotel Letterkenny
Things to See Around Donegal
Glenveagh National Park
For the most spectacular scenery in Ireland visit Glenveagh National Park. From the Derryveagh Mountains, across peat lands of Lough Barra bog and Meenachullion and Crockastoller relish in the unspoilt beauty of the jagged mountains and crystal clear lakes. The park is home hundreds of species of plants, animals and birds - you may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Golden Eagle. The visitors centre at Churchill is open throughout the summer months and the rangers organise guided walks throughout the year. Glenveagh National Park is one of the many things to do while staying at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny.
Slieve League
Donegal’s coastline is the one of the Atlantics most dramatic. The Slieve Leauge cliffs are the highest in Europe with a vertical drop of 300 meters into the wild waves below. From the top experience the breath-taking (and slightly petrifying) view. There are numerous cliff top trails to explore with tremendous views out across the ocean, down to the Sligo Mountains and over Donegal Bay.
Atlantic Drive
One of the most scenic routes in Ireland, Atlantic Drive enraptures and enchants. The 12km route around the Rosguill Peninsula at the tip of Donegal is best walked or cycled with spectacular views across Fanad Head, Mulroy Bay and a myriad of inlets and islands.
Ionad Cois Iocha
Learn about traditional life in the Donegal Gaeltacht. The Ionad Cois Locha Visitor Centre is in the village of Dunlewey at the foot of Mount Errigal, about 30 minutes drive from the Clanree Hotel. The centre includes a restored farmhouse and museum; weaver’s cottage with tours and demonstrations; or take a boat trip on the Lough for incredible views of Errigal and glimpse the glimmering granite Poison Glen. The farmyard is home to many animals who love to be fed or let the kids enjoy the adventure playground. During July and August you can enjoy traditional Irish music sessions between 2:30pm and 4pm.
Donegal County Museum
Uncover the fascinating history of Donegal and its people at the Donegal County Museum. Located on Letterkenny towns’ High Road, it charts life in the region from the Stone Age to modern times. The museum has two main exhibition areas and hosts a wonderful selection of visiting temporary collections throughout the year.
This new open farm is conveniently located on the outskirts of Letterkenny on the main Ballybofey road. Family friendly, your kids will love seeing the great variety of animals. In the pet corner you can cuddle a rabbit, stroke a goat or even help feed the ducks and lambs! Lurgybrack also features a large outdoor adventure playground with treehouse and sandpit area, a barrel train run and stunning riverside and woodland walks.
Fanad Head
Cionn Fhánada on the Fanad Peninsula lies between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay on the north coast of County Donegal. The Fanad Head lighthouse sits on the western shore of the Peninsula.
It can be accessed on road via the Knockalla Coast Road with its panoramic views across the estuary looking towards the Inishowen Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean. As the road ascends you are greeted at the top by one of the most splendid views in Ireland. Looking down on Portsalon and Ballymastocker Bay it is no surprise that this beach has been voted 2nd most beautiful beach in the world. A haven for water sport enthusiast, golfers and walkers alike, it offers it all.
Fanad Head lighthouse sits on the western shore of the Peninsula and was voted the world's 2nd most beautiful lighthouse after Lindau Lighthouse in Germany by Metal Floss in 2013. The Lighthouse is the second most Northerly lighthouse in the Republic of Ireland and locals say that Fanad Head lighthouse is slightly higher than the Eiffel Tower, however, I think it depends on the wind!
From the lighthouse carpark you can stroll along the headland in awe of the high waves and the Wild Atlantic Way's most rugged stretch of coastline. With the backdrop of the lighthouse its an ideal photo opportunity for the holiday album.
Cionn Fhánada and lighthouse can also be viewed from the sea with Rathmullan Charters who operate sightseeing and historical tours as well as bird, sea watching and relaxing evening cruises along Lough Swilly from their base in Rathmullan.
Donegal Bay is touched by many different features and routes. The wild scenery and the central highlands are a feature of this spectacular drive. Every turn provides a spectacular view. This fascinating drive includes Slieve League, which are the highest marine cliffs in Europe rising over 606m above the ocean, bustling market towns, wild, primitive and historic glens. Also included is a detour to the ancient pilgrimage centre on Lough Derg. It is journey, which can easily occupy a full day.
Click here to view the brochure
Ards Forest Park
Ards Forest Park is probably the most beautiful and certainly the most varied of Ireland’s Forest Parks. 480 hectares in extent it contains a large diversity of plant and wildlife forms. Sand beaches, rivers, viewing points, nature walks, picnic and play areas. Creeslough Tel: 0749121139. Opening Times: Apr to Sept 10.00am to 9.00pm, Oct to Mar 10.00am to 4.30pm.
Oakfiled Park, Raphoe
100 acres of parkland and woodlands, lake and streams. Walled garden and kitchen garden and narrow gauge railway. The Gardens are open throughout May, June and July. For opening hours telephone 07491-45557.
Mangan Tours have introduced an extensive range of day tours around Donegal. Their regular timetable means that a day trip of Donegal is always accessible, both for locals who fancy a day away from home or visitors who would like to see more of our beautiful county covering major attractions around Donegal such as Sliabh Liag,Glenveagh National Park, Ardara, Gleann Cholm Cille and Inishowen. All tours are leaving from Letterkenny, pickup can be arranged from Clanree Hotel Reception.
Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of Life...
