Wild coastlines, spectacular mountains, golden beaches and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland.
If ever a county could convince you that Ireland is one of the most beautiful places on earth, Donegal would give it a good go.
Up in the far north-west, it's a land of dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, rugged mountains and coast roads that make you stop for photos every five minutes. Just when you think you've seen the best of it, another view appears around the corner.
It has a strong identity, a living Irish language and plenty of stories. The biggest mistake you can make in Donegal is trying to rush it.
Among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, rising dramatically above the Atlantic, with views along the coast and over the mountains. You can enjoy them from designated viewpoints or tackle more demanding walking routes.
Why visit? Landscapes, photography and outdoor adventures.
The restored castle of the powerful O'Donnell clan stands in the middle of Donegal Town, a lively place with a central Diamond, independent shops and plenty of places to eat.
Why visit? History, culture and a good base for the south-west.
In the Gaeltacht village of Gleann Cholm Cille, a cluster of cottages recreates rural life across the 1700s, 1800s and 1900s, including the hardship of emigration and change.
Why visit? Irish history, folklore and traditional culture.
A horseshoe of pale sand tucked beneath steep green cliffs, one of Donegal's most photogenic beaches. You reach it by a long flight of steps from the car park.
Why visit? Photography and scenic beach visits.
One of Ireland's most important fishing ports, with harbour views, seafood and easy access to Slieve League.
Why visit? Maritime heritage and seafood.
A lively seaside town at Donegal's southern tip, popular for surfing, beaches, amusements and family holidays.
Why visit? Families, surfing and seaside fun.
Mountains, lakes, woodland and open bog, with Glenveagh Castle and its gardens on the shore of Lough Veagh.
Why visit? Nature, gardens, history and walking.
The northernmost point on the island of Ireland, on the Inishowen Peninsula. Wild, windy and dramatic, with Banba's Crown at the tip. It was a filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Why visit? Coastal scenery, photography and film fans.
A working lighthouse on a spectacular headland between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay, and one of the most photographed in Ireland. Guided tours cover its history and the lives of the keepers.
Why visit? Photography, history and coastal drives.
Woodland, beaches, salt marsh and trails of different lengths near Creeslough.
Why visit? Families, walking and outdoor relaxation.
Donegal's distinctive quartzite cone, glowing pink at sunset. Stunning from the road, and a real challenge to climb.
Why visit? Landscape photography and challenging hikes.
Coastline, beaches and history, with Malin Head, Five Finger Strand, Fort Dunree and Culdaff. The Inishowen 100 driving route shows off the lot.
Why visit? Road trips, coastal scenery and history.
Near Ballyliffin, guided storytelling and displays explore rural Donegal life, from the Famine to more recent times.
Why visit? History, families and cultural heritage.
Magnificent cliff scenery at Horn Head, with the welcoming village of Dunfanaghy, its cafés and beaches nearby.
Why visit? Scenery and relaxed village exploring.
We've had some brilliant days in Donegal. Tap a video to play it right here:
The ancient stone fort above Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle.
A tiny island with everything you need.
A calm countryside walk... until the alpacas took charge.
An ancient stone ringfort on a hilltop near Burt, with views over Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle. We filmed here, see our video above.
Reached by ferry from Burtonport, with quiet roads, walks, cosy pubs and big Atlantic views. We loved it, see our video above.
A remote, beautiful cove near Melmore Head.
Spectacular scenery near Ardara.
A roadside waterfall in striking scenery near Ardara.
A pretty woodland walk near Clonmany on Inishowen.
An island with its own king, a strong Irish-language culture and unique traditions. Ferries from Magheroarty depend on the weather.
A historic village on Lough Swilly, linked with the Flight of the Earls.
A remarkable sweep of sand on the Fanad Peninsula.
A dramatic valley near Errigal, wrapped in legend.
A historic stronghold overlooking Sheephaven Bay.
Beautiful beaches above Gweebarra Bay.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
Folklore links the Poisoned Glen with Balor of the Evil Eye, the fearsome Fomorian king whose gaze could destroy whatever it fell on. In some versions he is slain nearby, and the poison of his eye seeps into the valley.
Another explanation is simply a mistranslation: the Irish for 'heavenly' and 'poisonous' are very close.
The O'Donnells ruled Tír Chonaill, the territory that became much of Donegal, for centuries. Donegal Castle is the easiest place to start understanding their story.
From Rathmullan in September 1607, Hugh O'Neill and Rory O'Donnell sailed into exile with their followers. Their departure marked the end of the old Gaelic order and opened the way for the Plantation of Ulster.
St Colmcille (Columba) was born in Donegal around 521, at Gartan, before founding his famous monastery on Iona. Gleann Cholm Cille bears his name, and its pilgrimage route, the turas, is still walked today.
Donegal's coast is full of stories of shipwrecks, storms and seafaring communities. Fanad Head and Lough Swilly, where the RMS Laurentic sank in 1917 with a cargo of gold, are good places to start.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Grouped by region, because trying to cross Donegal in a day is a mistake.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
Please check opening hours before you travel, especially out of season.
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times, ferries and access change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: Go Visit Donegal, Discover Ireland, Glenveagh National Park, Fanad Lighthouse and Heritage Ireland.
Heading back down the Wild Atlantic Way?
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge