History

Standing Stones

There are several standing stones in the district. The finest example is that at Owenea Bridge, almost hidden behind a disused farmhouse. It is twelve feet high (3.66m), is four sided, and has two small cupmarks.

Inniskeel Island

The Island of Inniskeel has a sacred interest in the present and the past with a long, if broken, history to commemorate its former greatness.
It is still the seat of a must-frequented pilgrimage in honour of St. Connell, one of the most remarkable of Ireland's early Saints. It contains his Church and his cell and in it repose his scared remains in the grave that had first closed over the body of his illustrious friend, St. Dallan.
There seems to be no ground for questioning the popular belief that St. Connell founded the buildings, which still remain. At the same time substantial parts were certainly rebuilt at a later period.
The ruins of two early Christian churches are to be found there. The old graveyard contains ornamental cross slabs dating from the 7th and 8th century.

Historic Railway Baile na Finne, Co. Dhún na nGall (Fintown, Co.Donegal)

ThisRailway is the only operational narrow gauge railway in Donegal.
On the 3rdJune, 1995, the re-opening of the first section of the Fintown/Glenties Railway Restoration Project commemorated the centenary of the original opening in 1895. An Mhuc Dhubh translates as the Black Pig.
This was how locals christened the arrival of the first steam engine 100 years ago. Re live that nostalgia in Fintown amidst Donegal's most spectacular mountainous scenery set in the heart of the Gaeltacht.
You can enjoya three-mile return trip that will take you along the beautiful waters of Lough Finn, through one of the most scenic valleys in Donegal

Lougadoon Fort

Lougadoon Fort is one of the most interesting stone forts, not only in the parish of Ardara, but in all Ireland.
Build on the lake island which it covers, it is overall in shape and encloses a grassy space about 150 feet (45.72 m) by 100 feet (30.48 m).
The enclosing wall is 15 feet (4.57 m) high by 12 feet (3.66 m) thick at the base, and contains a triangular creep passage at ground level, all the way around, in the middle of the wall.
The outside face is build with a "batter", resulting in a narrowing as the wall rises. On the inside of the wall it has a terrace, and is provided with a stone stairway which gives access to the terrace and to the platform at the top.
The structure is composed of the local slaty stone and is dry built.

Lough Derg(Station Island)

LoughDerg lies approx four miles north of Pettigo in Co.Donegal. This small lake-island is a special place of peace and has been receiving pilgrims for over 1000 years. The tradition of the historical three-day pilgrimage has been preserved but other services have been offered in recent years. The introduction of these new services, one day retreats, youth retreats and special group retreats allow people the opportunity to experience this sacred place when age or disability might otherwise prevent them participating in the traditional pilgrimage.
3 Day Pilgrimage The Lough Derg pilgrimage consists of the three day Pilgrimage Fast and Pilgrimage Exercises undertaken in bare feet at LoughDerg. Pilgrims arrive at Lough Derg between 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. on the first day, having fasted from midnight. The Pilgrimage Exercises are made up of a prayer sequence called a "Station". Nine Stations are completed on Lough Derg over the three day period.
Five are made in the open air on the "Penitential Beds" while pilgrims say the prayers of Four Stations together in the Basilica.The central penitential exercise of the Pilgrimage is the Vigil; each pilgrim stays completely and continuously awake for 24hours, starting at 10 p.m. on the first day. Morning and Evening Mass is celebrated in St. Patrick's Basilica each day as well other liturgies throughout the second day of pilgrimage when there is also time for personal reflection. Pilgrims have one "Lough Derg Meal" of dry toast or oatcake and black tea or coffee on each of the three days of the Pilgrimage

The Kilclooney Dolmen and the Dolmen Eco-Tourism Centre

The Kilclooney Dolmen is a prehistoric burial site located beside St. Conal`s Church,Kilclooney, Portnoo.
The first Eco-Tourism and Community Centre inIreland. It is a"Green" energy designed building.
It is called an Eco-Tourism centre because it aims to encourage tourism in an unspoilt rural area and to promote clean, efficient use of natural resources while being used for both tourism and community activities.
It has a year round integrated field studies centre and is wheelchair accessible.

Salthill Gardens Mountcharles

Description
Set overlooking Donegal Bay Salthill House is an intact early 18th century house complete with original yard and walled garden. Recognised for its ambitious planting of herbaceous flowers this contemporary garden whispers stories of walled gardens of the past, but today stands independently of trends and restorative themes.
Since 1985 the acre of kitchen garden has been transformed into a series of flowing mixed flower borders. Skillfully made "Lazy Beds" in the west of Ireland style are made for traditionally cultivated vegetables.
Contact:
Elizabeth Temple
Opening Times:
From May 1st to Sept 30th 2-6pm (Mon to Thur) also Saturdays in May and June
Admission:€5

Franciscan Friary

Rossnowlagh. Co Donegal, Ireland

The Franciscan Friary in Rossnowlagh is located among lovely gardens on the south side of Donegal Bay.
It is a place of retirement and peace.
Visitors are free to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the Friary grounds and gardens.
The Franciscan Friary, opened in the 1950's, is set in beautiful scenic grounds overlooking Donegal Bay and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Of particular interest here, is the Donegal Historical Museum, which opened in 1954. There are many beautiful places around the Friary where one may find peace and tranquility.
Walk the "Way of the Cross" a pathway through a plantation of some 12,000 trees and hundreds of rhododendron. At the top of the hill you will find a clearing with a spectacular view of Rossnowlagh Beach and most of the Donegal Bay area.

Donegal Town/Don na nGall- Friary Ruins

The site is in a graveyard just beyond the harbour.
Despite its fame, Donegal friary was a rather late foundation, by Nuala O'Connor and her son, the first Red Hugh O'Donnell, for the Observant friars in 1473-4. It was damaged by an accidential fire in 1536. Under Irish protection, it escapted suppression until raided by the English in 1588, who then occupied it as a fort. They were expelled by the Red Hugh O'Donnell, whose brother-in-law, Niall Garbh, later seized it for the English again. On the morning of the 20th September 1601, the building was almost destroyed when the gun-powder stored in it exploded. Efforts to re-build it for the friars ended after the Flight of the Earls. The friars went to live by the Individual friars worked in Donegal down to the middle of the last century, and the late Cardinal Logue, who was born in 1840, claimed that he had been baptised by a wandering friar in S. Donegal!

Newmills Corn and Flax Mills
Letterkenny

The oldest surviving building here is said to be 400 years old. Indeed, the whole complex is an interesting reminder of a stage in the industrial development of this country which has now given way to a more sophisticated, but usually far less fascinating technology. The visitor to Newmills can experience the pleasure of seeing one of the largest waterwheels in Ireland in action as it drives the machinery of the corn mill.
5km outside Letterkenny off Churchill Road.

Lough Eske Castle

The original castle was first built around 1474. The current Lough Eske Castle was reconstructed in the 1860`s by the Brooke family on the site of their medieval castle. The interior was largely destroyed by fire in 1939 except for some Georgian additions. It has now been restoredas an hotel.

Fort Dunree Military Museum, Buncrana

Located seven miles north of Bucrana on the Inishowen Peninsula, this site commands a majestic view of Lough Swilly and its shorelines. The museum houses a fascinating display of military memorabillia, artefacts and an array of 20th century guns.
Enjoy audio-visual displays, scenic walks and a wildlife exhibition.