Donegal has received another huge accolade from from travel experts Lonely Planet who included the Irish county in its Best in Travel 2024 listings.
Donegal was named in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024 'Regions' ranking alongside an eclectic mix of places that include Montana in the US, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and Saalfelden Leogang in Austria.
"With the longest coastline in Ireland and more than 100 beaches, you may find yourself the only person on a deserted strand in Donegal," Lonely Planet wrote.
"The northernmost Irish county is purely wild with a big heart. Here you'll find the highest sea cliffs in Europe and miles of unspoilt coastal hiking trails along the Wild Atlantic Way.
"Ancient forts, musical traditions, and rich heritage of the Irish language also make it perfect for the curious visitor."
Lonely Planet included the “jaw-droppingly beautiful” Sliabh Liag, the “beautiful” Silver Strand, and Ireland’s most northerly point Malin Head as its highlights in Co Donegal.
Malin Head, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Cllr Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, is delighted about the Lonely Planet ranking, saying: "Being ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the best regions in the world to visit is a significant milestone for Donegal.
"It's the second time in five years we've received recognition from Lonely Planet which named Donegal as the coolest place on the planet in 2017.
"This again speaks to the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality that our county offers."
John G. McLaughlin, Chair of Donegal Tourism CLG and Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, commented: “Lonely Planet is a huge platform for Donegal, and the listing will have a positive impact on Donegal for years to come.
"Donegal Tourism and Donegal County Council have been working with businesses and representatives in the tourism trade to deliver a very effective collaborative approach to promoting County Donegal over the last number of years; this strategy is proving to be very successful.”
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive Designate of Tourism Ireland, said the Lonely Planet distinction is "another well-deserved accolade which will help position us well for 2024 and set us apart from competitor destinations."
Tourism Ireland noted that the island of Ireland has been particularly successful in the prestigious Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel accolade over the years.
If the latest distinction for Co Donegal has you itching for a visit, Lonely Planet has named these places as its top choices in Co Donegal:
Must-see attractions in County Donegal, according to Lonely Planet
- Sliabh Liag
- Maghera Strand
- Glengesh Pass
- Banba's Crown
- Donegal Castle
- Horn Head
- Ballymastocker Beach
- Culdaff Beach
- Malinbeg Beach
- Glebe House & Gallery
- Iniskeel Island
- Doonalt Beach
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Dolphin Family, Banbas Crown, Malin Head, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Dolphin Family, Banbas Crown, Malin Head, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Must-see restaurants in County Donegal, according to Lonely Planet
- Kealy's Seafood Bar
- Rusty Oven
- Quay West
- Wild Strands Caife
- Danny Minnie's Restaurant
- Tank & Skinny's
- Bridge Bar
- Belle's Kitchen
- Lemon Tree
- Olde Castle Bar
- Olde Glen Bar & Restaurant
- Nancy's Bar
- Seafood Shack
Olde Castle Bar, Donegal Town, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Must-see entertainment in County Donegal, according to Lonely Planet
- Club Sóisialta Thórai
- An Grianán Theatre
- Regional Cultural Centre
Earagail Arts Festival, Na Casaidigh, An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Must-see nightlife in County Donegal, according to Lonely Planet
- Leo's Tavern
- Patsy Dan's
- Dicey Reillys Bar
- Reel Inn
- Cottage Bar
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Patsy Dan's Bar in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Patsy Dan's Bar in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Must-see shopping in County Donegal, according to Lonely Planet
- Donegal Craft Village
- Eddie Doherty
Donegal Craft Village, Lurganboy, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Must-see hotels in County Donegal, according to Lonely Planet
- Moville Boutique Hotel
- Castle Murray
- Rathmullan House
- Sandrock Holiday Hostel
- Carnaween House
- Errigal Hostel
- Glen House
- Frewin House
- Ritz
- Corcreggan Mill
- Lough Eske Castle
- McGrory's of Culdaff
- Woodhill House
Lough Eske Castle, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
When is the best time to visit Donegal?
Lonely Planet says: "Beautiful, wild and windswept Donegal boasts the longest coastline in Ireland and over 100 beaches – so even though summer attracts large crowds, finding a spot of solitude should be no problem.
"While you can never depend on the weather in Ireland, you’ll generally have a better chance of clear skies in July, making it an ideal time to hike Europe’s largest sea cliffs at Slieve Liag, or any of the Wild Atlantic Way’s coastal paths.
"Earagail Arts Festival takes place in July, offering the chance to connect with the Irish language and local traditions."
A seastack in Malinbeg, Co Donegal. (Ireland's Content Pool)
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