Attractions
Glebe House & Gallery (074 9137071)
Regency house containing a fascinating Art Collection, given to the nation by Derek Hill. Closed during winter months
Corn and Flax Mills, New Mills ( 074 9125115)
Restored mill, parts of which are 300-400 years old, powered by the River Swilly.
Closed during winter months
Colmcille Heritage Centre, Gartan, Churchill (074 9137306)
Interpretive exhibition featuring Saint Colmcille (Columba), Patriarch of Irish Monasticism and Scottish Church. Restaurant /Tea Rooms. Nature walks and Lake Front. Closed winter months.
Glenveagh National Park, Churchill (074 9137090)
Some 14,000 hectares of mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with large herd of red deer. A Scottish style castle, luxuriant gardens and Visitor Centre. Closed during winter months
Old Courthouse Seat of Power Visitor Centre Lifford (074 91 41228 or 0749141733)
Clans Room, audio visual, museum artefacts, re-enacted Court Trials, Spooky Cells. Gift Shop and coffee dock. Award Winning Heritage Centre.
Ionad Cois Locha, Dunlewey ( 075 9531699)
Enjoy the story telling in Manus Ferry’s the weavers reconstructed home. There is an adventure and indoor play area or enjoy a boat trip around the lake.
Grianan an Aileach Visitor Centre, Burt ( 07493 68512)
The centre tells the story of Grianan Ailigh. Restaurant serves both lunches and A la Carte. Group rates available
Flight of the Earls Heritage Centre Rathmullan (074 9158131)
An exhibition features an informative and lively display of the life and times of the Earls O’Donnell and O’Neil, two of Ireland’s most famous chieftains
Doe Castle, Creeslough
Believed to be built by Nachtan O’Donnell circa 1425, the first historical reference being in 1544. Built on a rock guarded by an inlet of Sheephaven it still has the main characteristics of a 16th Century fortress.
Millbridge Farm, Gobnascale Convoy (074 9147125)
A fun day out for all the family where the visitors can gain a first hand account of life on the farm. Picnic area, camping, riverside walks, boats, cart rides, farm museum, tea rooms and pets corner.
Beltany Stone Circle, Raphoe
Beltany Hill is the location of one of the most impressive sites in Ireland, The beltany stone circle consisting of 64 surviving stones enclosing a raised platform.
Fintown – Glenties Railway (074954628)
The locomotive on a restore stretch of the Fintown- Glenties line at Fintown is a popular visitor attraction during the Summer months.
Donegal County Museum-Letterkenny (0749124613)
The Museum houses both temporary and permanent exhibitions which chart the history of Donegal from stone age to the 20th Century.
Inishowen Maritime Musuem Greencastle (0749381363)
A recent addition to the Museum is a brand new state of the art Planetarium and other attractions include nautical exhibits, memorabilia, modern and ancient maritime equipment and Irish boats.
Fort Dunree Military Museum-Buncrana (0749361817)
Fort Dunree is a military museum which shows the unique history of the fort using the latest DVD and interactive technology.
Donegal Ancestry-Ramelton (0749151266)
A visit to Donegal Ancestry is a must for those trying to trace their exclusive ancestor.
The Gallery-Dunfanaghy (0749136224)
The Gallery was established in 1968 and is home to a large selection of original oil and watercolour paintings, antiques and a craft shop.
The Workhouse Dunfanaghy(0749136504)
Visit the Workhouse and see and hear “Wee Hannah” tell the true story of her up bringing on a farm in the 1930’s, a grave illness and her time in the workhouse.
Franciscan Friary-Rossnowlagh (0749851342)
Enjoy beautiful walks, the beach and the peaceful gardens or visit The Donegal Historical Museum located here.
Doagh Island Famine Village-Inishowen (074919378078)
The outdoor museum tells the story of life in this area in the 1970’s going back to the famine in the 1840’s. During the months of November and December the visitor centre becomes Santa’s Lapland.
Donegal Castle-Donegal Town (0749721148)
Donegal Castle was built by the O’Donnell chieftain in the 15th Century on the river Eske at the centre of Donegal Town. The Castle was rebuilt in Jacobean style in the 16th century after it’s former owner Hugh O’Donnell burnt it to the ground rather than see it fall into enemy hands. Information panels chronicle the history of the castle owners from the O’Donnell chieftains to the Brooke famil
Parks & Gardens
GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK
To this day, Glenveagh remains a remote valley, and in olden times was probably uninhabited. Overlooking Lough Veagh, Glenveagh Castle stands atop a slight promontory jutting into the lake. Few buildings in Ireland can boast a fine setting. Made from rough – hewn granite, the Castle, a castellated mansion, was built in the years 1870 – 1873 from designs by John Townsend Trench. The Castle may be visited only on guided tours, which take place regularly every day. A tea room in the castle is open every day from the start of February to the end of November and on weekends in December and January provides visitors with teas and delicious home baking. It’s beautiful gardens and wild setting around Lough Veagh host’s the largest red deer population in Europe and is home to Ireland’s only wild eagles. There are well sign-posted nature trails, walled gardens as well as a visitor centre, restaurant and tea room. For opening hours telephone 074 9137088.
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.
OAKFIELD 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. www.oakfieldpark.com
ROS BAN WILDLIFE GARDEN, RAPHOE
A Modern garden in which to take time out, that flavours wildlife, with native and medicinal plants – nature’s pharmacy, and educational posters. Visit by arrangement. Tel: Ann or Bob 07491-45336.
BALLYDAHEEN GARDENS, PORTSALON
A six acre garden with private access to the seven arches. The seven arches is a set of seven interconnecting caves, which are accessible by a cliff stairway. Within the six acres of garden the visitor will find a walled garden, rose and herbaceous plantings, streams and ponds. Ballydaheen Gardens, Portsalon, Co. Donegal. Tel: 07491-59091