Discover how to plan a 3-day trip in Donegal. From the dramatic cliffs of Slieve League and historic Donegal Town to a spectacular round of golf at Murvagh, we’ve mapped out the perfect 72-hour adventure.
Day 1
Donegal Town
This lively centre serves as an excellent anchor for the trip. You can easily spend the morning walking around the historic centre or taking a waterbus tour out on Donegal Bay to learn about the region's storied history and spot local seal colonies.
- Find a beautiful harbour perfect for a morning stroll.
- Home to Donegal Castle and a hub for local tweed shops including Hannah Hats, Magee of Donegal and Triona Design.
- Amazing food experiences suited for everyone. From families with young kids, couples looking for a romantic meal or groups who want traditional dishes! Read more about the best food spots in Donegal Town here
Evening Traditional Music
Donegal Town offers an authentic live music scene with traditional sessions and folk performances. The action centres around Bridge Street and The Diamon where local pubs host traditional Irish musicians and dancers seven nights a week, particularly during the summer and autumn months.
For example, The Reel Inn in County Donegal, is a traditional Irish music pub offering live Irish music and dance seven nights a week. It is located right in the heart of Donegal Town and along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 2
Sliabh Liag (Slieve League)
Dedicate your second day to taking in some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Europe, perfect for hiking or exploring via sustainable biking routes along the coastline.
These towering sea cliffs offer an awe-inspiring view of the Atlantic ocean and the Sligo Mountains. They are less crowded than other famous cliffs in Ireland, giving you a serene experience of the south-west coastline of Donegal.
- Some of the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe.
- Excellent trails for experienced walkers, such as the Pilgrim's Path.
- A fantastic focal point for regional cycling routes and outdoor tourism.
Glencolmcille Village, Folk Museum & Silver Strand Beach
Explore Glencolmcille village and experience Gaeltacht culture frozen in time at the Folk Village.
Follow with a 15 minute drive to the stunning Malin Beg (Silver Strand) beach!
Day 3
Explore Killybegs Harbour with Seafood experiences and harbour walks. There is loads to do for everyone, ranging from boat tours, nearby waterfalls or viewpoints to a relaxing day at Fintra Beach.
Killybegs Fishing Port
Drive west to Ireland’s premier fishing port. The working harbour is a fantastic sight, lined with massive trawlers and smaller local boats. It offers an authentic look into the local maritime economy and lifestyle.
- Deep-water port with fantastic views of the fishing fleets.
- Beautiful coastal walks leading out of the town limits.
Killybegs seafood shack
For lunch, stop at this highly rated spot. Reviewers rave about their incredibly fresh fish and chips, which you can enjoy while watching the boats dock.
- Famous for locally sourced scampi and fresh haddock.
- Casual, outdoor dining right by the water.
Fintra Beach
Explore the breath-taking views of Fintra Beach in Killybegs!
Photo Credits
- Donegal Castle https://unsplash.com/photos/old-stone-castle-stands-proud-under-the-sky-06wCR_IuMaU
- Donegal Castle https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/donegal-castle/
- Folk village https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1007742-d260051-Reviews-Glencolmcille_Folk_Village-Glencolmcille_County_Donegal.html
- Malin beag https://www.thewildatlanticway.com/sight/malin-beg/
- Killybegs port https://inlandandcoastal.com/project/killybegs/
- Killybegs Seafood shack https://www.tripadvisor.ie/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g315867-d12701004-i470670941-Killybegs_Seafood_Shack-Killybegs_County_Donegal.html
- Fintra beach https://www.discoverireland.ie/donegal/fintra-beach
