What to do
Golf:
The closest golf courses to Ardara are
Narin and Portnoo Golf Club, is situated in a beautiful seaside resort in southwest Donegal. It is considered one of the finest natural and scenic 18-hole links courses in Ireland, with sweeping views of Gweebarra Bay.
Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh, Co Donegal is an outstanding links golf course. It is continually featured in Golf World's Top 100 courses in Ireland and Great Britain
Pitch and Putt:
Sandfield Pitch and Putt is a wonderfully challenging 18 hole Pitch and Putt course with spectacular views of Loughros Bay and the hills of Donegal between the heritage town of Ardara and the seaside resort of Portnoo.
Take to the Bike
Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the special atmosphere of the towns, villages and vantage points, with many winding roads and a minimum of traffic. Numerous way-marked cycle-cross the countryside.
Bicycle Hire:at Don Byrne, West End, Ardara.
Ponytrekking:
There can be a few better ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery to be found in the Donegal countryside than by trekking on horseback. Meandering along quiet by ways and tracks, encountering the odd sheep or two along the way, it is a perfect way to unwind, relax and forget the hectic lifestyle that many of us endure these days. at Castleview Farm, Kilcashel, Loughros Point.
Surfing: at Portnoo
Sailing & Water Skiing: at Portnoo
Scenic touring route:
Donegal Bay Drive:
Ardara- Glengesh Pass-Glencolmcille- Malinmore- Malinbeg- Teelin- Carrick- Kilcar-Killybegs- Bruckless- Dunkineely- Inver- Mountcharles- Donegal Town- Lough Derg & Pettigo- Murvagh- Rossnowlagh- Creevy Pier- Ballyshannon- Bundoran and return
Ardara to the Bluestacks:
Ardara- Rosbeg-Portnoo/Narin-Kilclooney- Glenties- Ballybofey/Stranorlar- Barnesmore Gap-Lough Eske- Frosses- Ardara
The Rosses&Gweedore:
Ardara- Dungloe- Burtonport- Cruit Island- Kincasslagh- Carrickfinn- Annagry/Crolly- Bunbeg/Derrybeg/Gweedore- Bloody Foreland- Meenlaragh- Gortahork- Dunlewey- Glenveagh- Churchill- return to Dungloe and Ardara
Fanad Peninsula to Sheephaven
(Ardara)-Letterkenny-Ramelton-Rathmullan-Portsalon-Fanad Head-Kindrum-Kerrykeel-Milford-Cranford- Carrigart-Rosapenna-Downings-Atlantic Drive-Rosguill Peninsula-Doe Castle-Creeslough- Ards Forest Park-Marble Hill-Portnablagh-Dunfanghy-Horn Head-Falcarragh-Glenveagh-Kilmacrennan- and return Letterkenny-(Ardara)
Inis Eoghain 100
(Ardara)- Buncrana- Ned`s Point/Dunree- Clonmany- Ballyliffin- Carndonagh- Malin- Malin Head (Ireland`s most northerly point)- Culdaff- Kinnagoe Bay- Stroove- Grenncastle- Moville- Redcastle- Muff- Fahan- (Ardara)
Some of the most beautiful beaches in South-west Donegal
Boat Trip
Arranmoreferry
And in the summer months from May onwards you will have the chance to see the Dolphins. In the last number of years around May onwards we have had the privelige of seeing Dolphins up close as the swim along side the boat. Due to the shelter provided by the islands the Ferry is able to run in all but extreme weather conditions.
The ferry can cater for all sizes of vehicles and for up to 128 foot passengers. The crossing takes just 15 minutes. Bád Farrantoireacht Arainn Mhór prides itself on providing a professional, high quality service with strict attention to safety.
All staff are highly qualified and the ferry company complies with all Irish Marine Insurance and Legal requirements.
We can also arrange fishing trips and diving trips for groups. And a after hour service for anyone on the road late.
Our friends at Inishfree Charters can cater for fishing and diving trips.
Donegal Town Waterbus
People will enter the new waterbus mid-ship, which is also fully wheelchair accessible. The bow of the boat is like a jumbo tour bus, fully air-conditioned and centrally heated. Full-Bar facilities are provided
Tory Island Ferry (from Bunbeg)
Turasmara will take you from the picturesque harbours of Bunbeg and Magheroarty to Tory Island on board Tormór, a modern coastal cruiser built in 1992.
Travel with Turasmara in safety and comfort and see the beautiful North West Donegal coastline - Magheroarty Bay, Gweedore Bay, Bloody Foreland, Horn Head, Inisbofin, Gola Island, Inismeáin, Inis Oithear and the magical isle of Tory - Toraigh na dTonn.
Relax a while on this cradle of Gaelic Irish culture. Talk to the native Irish speakers and visit the famous ‘Tormór’, Colmcille’s Round Tower, Balors Grave and Camusmore. Sample the hospitality of the island people. Listen to the sweet tones of the beautiful Irish language - Gaelic in everyday use.
Killybegs Boattrips
Teelin
Teelin is famous for it's unspoilt beauty and lies in the shadows of Sliabh Liag, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, standing almost 600 metres.
Sightseeing trips to Sliabh Liag / Bunglas cliffs last from one and a half to two hours and take in the beautiful Atlantic coast. Trips depart from teelin pier 10, 12, 2, 4, and 6 . (booking advisable) Dolphin and Whale Sightings: Sometimes Passengers can try a spot of fishing at no extra cost and perhaps catch their supper!
In the warmer summer months you may wish to swim in the crystal clear water and explore the many coves and beaches that are inaccessible from land. Full day trips are also provided to the ancient monastic Island of Inismurray off the Sligo coast. Visit beautiful Malinbeg and Malinmore by sea, view Rathlin O'Beirne Island, scene of beauty, tragedy and mystery. Dolphins and whales visit our shores regulary and can often be observed from the boat.
Dunlewy