ATTRACTIONS
Slieve League
1,972-foot oceanfront mountain offering sweeping views of the surrounding cliffs & the sea.
The Folk Village Glencolm-cille
The Folk Village Museum was the initiative of a dynamic Donegal priest, Father James McDyer. It opened in 1967 with three cottages, built and furnished in just three months through local community effort.
At the time of Father McDyer’s arrival in 1951 the parish of Glencolmcille was suffering from a long-standing cycle of unemployment and emigration. Over the next three decades Father McDyer worked to help break this cycle, lobbying for amenities, organising community projects and supporting the development of local industries, many of which, like the Folk Village, are still successful today.
New cottages and exhibits have been added over the years, and the Folk Village Museum is still very much a community concern. Local people regularly donate time, expertise, artifacts, stories and photographs. On a human scale, tucked into a rocky hillside, the Folk Village offers visitors a warm Donegal welcome and an intimate experience of a past way of life.
The Folk Village Museum offers an excellent guided tour for the visitor. In the tour you will experience life as it was in the 1700’s, 1800’s and 1900’s. Our thatched cottage are exact replicas of those belonging to that era and are furnished accordingly. Take a look at how our ancestors lived, cooked, the beds they lay on, the tools they used, their means of lighting and heat. For those of you who can trace your ancestors to Ireland, this is an ideal opportunity to see rural life at first hand.
Belleek Pottery
Promoting over 160 years of craftsmanship, Belleek Pottery is located in the quaint village of Belleek in Co. Fermanagh on the banks of the River Erne. This Neo-Georgian building is home to Ireland’s oldest working fine china pottery. Established in 1857, Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in Ireland’s cultural and commercial heritage. Producing more than 100,000 pieces of pottery annually, passing through 16 pairs of hands, Belleek has opened its doors by giving you the chance to buy their special pieces online. The Belleek Group comprises world renowned gift and tableware brands of Belleek Classic, Belleek Living, Galway Irish Crystal and Aynsley China.
Donegal Craft Village
We are a creative collective of craft and art studios and shops all clustered around a beautiful courtyard. We are a small community of skilled independent handcrafters and we invite you into our workshops to view our glass, hand-woven textiles, painting, jewellery, printmaking and handmade felt art. Situated 2km outside Donegal Town on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Craft Village is also home to the award winning Aroma coffee shop and mini bakery famous for its divine cakes, homemade brown bread and mouthwatering lunches.
We do hope that you drop by and say hello to us in our workshops and treat yourself to some of our many handmade gifts, from our hands to yours. We look forward to meeting you.
Donegal Railway Heritage Centre
The County Donegal Railway and the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway, with a total of 225 miles of track, formed the largest narrow gauge railway system in north-west Europe.
Donegal Castle
Built by the O’Donnell chieftain in the 15th century, beside the River Eske, the Castle has extensive 17th century additions by Sir Basil Brooke. The Castle is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French tapestries. Information panels chronicle the history of the Castle owners from the O’Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family. Limited access for people with disabilities to the ground floor.
Glenveagh National Park
Some 16,540 hectares (40,873 acres) of mountains, lakes, glens and woods, with a herd of red deer. A Scottish style castle is surrounded by one of the finest gardens in Ireland, which contrast with the rugged surroundings. The Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and an audio-visual show.
The Visitor Centre is accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Shopping
Donegal Town has streets filled with independent shops, with something for everyone to make sure your shopping experience is one to remember.