Towns and Villages
...in the south, south-west and west of Co.Donegal
Donegal Town(Dún na nGall)
Donegal is a pleasant, popular town. Dùn na nGall, meaning the "fort of theforeigner", refers to the town`s 9th century Viking roots.
The county was once the main seat of the O`Donnell clan. Worth a visit are impressive, recently restored remains of Donegal Castle overlooking the River Eske. The castle was rebuilt in Jacobean style in the 16th century after its former owner, Red Hugh O`Donnell, burnt it to the ground rather than see it fall into the hands of the English.
Elsewere in town, the Diamond Obelisk commemorates the writers of the Annals
of the Four Masters who chronicled the history and mythology of Celtic Ireland up to 1618 and whose Fransciscan monastery once stood in the Town.
The Crafts Village is also a must. Highly recommended is the Waterbus Tour, witch offers spectacular coastal views of Donegal Bay and surrounding islands.
Donegal Railway Heritage Centre is located at The Old Station House, Tir Conaill Street, Donegal Town. There is a huge selection of railway pictures and a video viewing room. You will also see Drumboe the Donegal Engine and other working mode.
Killybegs(Na Cealla Beaga)
........
.is one of Ireland's premier fishing port. It is home to
some of the biggest and most modern fishing trawlers
in Europe. You can watch the fishing boats unload their catch of fresh fish at
the pier and see the fishermen mend their nets at the quayside in preparation for another trip to
sea. Sea angling is popular here, especially since the landing of the
largest Blue Fin Tuna caught on rod and line in European waters in 2001.. Local boats are
available for charter throughout the year.
Glencolmcille(Gleann Cholm Cille)
An Clachàn Folk Village is located in
Southwest Donegal. The Folk Museum was established in
1967 by Fr. James McDyer(1910-1987) who
moved to Glencolmcille in 1951. An Clachan is built in
the form of a village, where each house is an exact replica
of the dwellings used by the local people and is
equipped with the furniture artefacts and utensils of
its particular period. Take a leisurely stroll through
the changing lifestyles of this untouched community. Guided tours available. Visit the Heritage Centre,
Teahouse, School House and Craft shop.
For more information 074-9730017
Carrick/Teelin
Carrick Village is the gateway to the cliffs of Slieve League and the Parish of Glencolmcille.
Carrick is the largest village in the Parish of Glencolmcille. A single street, its growth owes much to an early nineteenth century landlord's desire to keep a 'highland' summer house in the area.
The village of Teelin (Teileann) nestles under the majestic Sliabh Liag / Slieve League sea cliffs..
Teelin is famous for its unspoiled beauty, fishing and tradition of Irish language and music.
It lies in the shadows of Sliabh Liag, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, standing almost 600 metres. It is a haven for anglers, be they river, lake or sea they will be treated to a real surprise while the nearby beach at Port a' Chabhlaigh offers safe waters for bathing and water sports. Enjoy fishing for mackerel off the pier or take a cruise and see Teelin and the magnificant sea cliffs of Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) from the sea. Walk the Bunglass area and enjoy the spectacular views.
Letterkenny(Leitir Ceanainn)
Originally a smal fishing village, Letterkenny is now the largest town in Donegal and the main street is the longest of its kind in Ireland.
The Couty Museum, previously the old workhouse, has displays on local archaeology from the Iron age to the early Chritian period, along with plenty of information on the local weaving industy.
The Colmcille Heritage Centre at nearby Gartan is devoted to the life and times of the saint and also has displays on local archaeology from the Iron Age to
the early Christian period, along with plenty of information on the local weaving industry
of illuminated manuscripts.
Outside Letterkenny is Newmills Corn and Flax Mills, a perfect place for experiencing a gentler period in Ireland`s indusrial history.
Bundoran(Bun Dobhráin)
Bundoran, or as it is known in Irish Bun Dobhráin (which means the foot of the little water), was up until over a century ago, two separate villages. Bundoran was the village west of the bridge over the River Bradog. This area is now known as the West End. East of the bridge, around 2 kilometres away, was the village of Single Street.
In between these two separate communities was the townland of Drumacrin. The area of Drumcacrin is now part of what is today's town centre. It was only after the opening of the railway station in 1866, which was called Bundoran, that the two distinct communities developed and merged to what we known today as Bundoran. Single Street was where the majority of the local population lived.
The first official mention of Bundoran was in 1777 when Viscount Enniskillen built Bundoran Lodge, his summer residence. This building still exists to this day and is now known as Homefield House, Bayview Avenue. The Viscount seems to have started a trend amongst his contemporaries as more and more of them discovered Bundoran and visited it to enjoy the seaside location and the associated health benefits.
Ballyshannon(Béal Átha Seanaidh)
Ballyshannon(Béal Átha Seanaidh means "The Mouth of Seannach's Ford") created Borough by Royal Charter in 1613 and is the oldest town in Ireland. From its idyllic setting the town looks out over the Erne Estuary and has panoramic views of mountains, lakes and forests.
Translated the name means 'The Mouth of Seanach's Ford', after a fifth century warrior, Seannach, who was slain here. The town, with its steep streets, well-kept Georgian homes and backdrop of mountains, waterfall and river, is busy and bustling and full of character. Its beach is suitable for water sports. It is also an area of historical significance.
The locals are naturally hospitable and friendly. The Streets are full of interesting shops selling local goods and crafts.
Ballybofey(Bealach Féich)/
Stranolar(Srath an Urláir)
At the very heart of Donegal, a bridge over the River Finn divides the two towns of Ballybofey(Bealach Féich - Fiach's Road) and Stranorlar(Srath an Urláir, meaning the 'valley of the floor' or flat bottomed valley). Known as "the Twin Towns", the two towns have much to offer the visitor.
Twin Towns is also reputed to be the home of Irish Coffee!
Dungloe(An Clochán Liath)
D
ungloe (official name: An Clochán Liath, meaning the grey stepping stone) is a town in the Gaeltacht of County Donegal, Ireland, and is the main town in the Rosses. Dungloe developed as a town in the middle of the 18th Century, and now serves as the administrative and retail centre for the west of Donegal, and in particular the Rosses, with the only mainland secondary school for the area.
Lifford(Leifear)
Lifford (Leifear in Irish) is the county town of Donegal, Ireland. It is the administrative capital of the County and the seat of Donegal County Council, although the town of Letterkenny is often mistaken for fulfilling this role.
Lifford is located in the Finn Valley area of East Donegal where the River Finn meets the River Mourne to create the River Foyle. The town grew up around a castle established there by Manghus Ó Domhnaill, ruler of Tír Chonaill (modern County Donegal), in the 16th century, and later became a British army garrison until most of Ireland won independence in 1922.
It is situated across the River Foyle from Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and is connected to that town by Lifford Bridge. Lifford has achieved national recognition in the 2008 Tidy Towns Awards.
Falcarragh
Falcarragh in all respects is a fun town with a great tradition of crafts. Its an Irish Speaking town and a good place from which to climb Muckish Mountain. Further informaiton on the town and its amenities as well as the entire Gaeltacht area can be obtained from Eagras Failte Thir Chonaill. Falcarragh is also the main shopping town in the North West Gaeltacht.
Gweedore/Bunbeg/Derrybeg
Located in the Parish of Gweedore (Gaoth Dobhair ) on the coast road is the village of Bun beag with its attractive harbour (once called the smallest habour in ireland) it has improved and grown over the years.
The three towns of Gweedore, Derrybeg and Bunbeg are so close they could be mistaken for one.
Its from here that the morning ferries depart to Toraigh and Gabhla islands. Bunbeg(Bun Beag), is a tiny fishing village with a picturesque harbour is sheltered by cliffs to the north of the Cladaigh river. They offer the visitor an ideal base from which to explore both the islands of Toraigh (Tory), Gabhla (Gola), Inis Meáin or Inis bó finne or play a relaxed game of golf on the scenic course at Gaoth Dobhair. There is a quaint tiny Church Near the crossraods on the road to An Bun Beag Harbour it has miniature Gothic windows and a porch and is beautifully sited. In Bun Beag itself, the Signal Tower looks as if it were designed as a folly. The Irish Language has survived along with much of the traditional Irish Culture that has now been lost to many other areas of the County.
Burtonport(Ailt an Chorráin)
Burtonport is a small fishing village nestled on the extreme northwest coast of Ireland in the county of Donegal,with a population of about 1100 people.
The village derived its name from a wealthy English landowner of the time, Lord Burton Conynham. He established a jetty and a few other amenities at the location and called it "Burtons Port", hence the name "Burtonport".
There are a large number of islands off the northwest coast. Rutland,Arranmore,Innishfree to name but a few. Arranmore being the larger of these islands with a population of about 800 people and has a daily ferry service to and from the island from Burtonport.
Dunlewey
Dunlewy is a smal village at the foot of Mt.Errigal and within walking distance of the Poisoned Glen.
In Dunlewy itself, there`s a reconstruction of the home of Manus Ferry, the last of the local wavers.
Elsewhere, the Dunlewy Lakesite Centre offers boat rides on the lough, complete with storytelling guides, a farm, café and weaving demotrations.