Introducing County Donegal – the coolest place on earth

Go on a visual journey with Vagabond Tours through Donegal and Northern Ireland

Rugged, dramatic Irish coastline and scenery – most people will immediately think of Cork, Kerry and Connemara to name a few. However, Donegal, while not as well known, is no less beautiful.  It is no wonder that National Geographic recent awarded Donegal ‘The Coolest Place on Earth’

From Europe’s highest sea cliffs to wild moorland and endless white beaches; From castles and forts to ancient sites bursting with history. Not to mention playing host to the latest Star Wars franchise. Donegal is truly an untouched and beautiful part of Ireland just waiting to be discovered.

Glenveagh National Park

Justifiably claiming to be Ireland’s most scenic National Park, Glenveagh is the second biggest national park in Ireland, after Wicklow. Rugged mountains and lakes serve as a backdrop to Glenveagh Castle, which sits proudly on the lake shore.

Cycle, walk or take the shuttle bus up the road path that hugs the lake up to the castle. Whilst at the castle, be sure to check out the beautiful walled gardens, then walk or cycle past and explore deep into the park. Afterwards you can pick up a tasty cake and coffee in the small café there and sit back to savor the scenery. And don’t forget to look up, because Golden Eagles have been recently introduced to the area.

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Cycling in Glenveagh National Park, Donegal.

Dunfanaghy

Situated on the shores of Sheephaven Bay, and in the foothills of the majestic Derryveagh Mountains, is the town of Dunfanaghy. The town has a friendly and vibrant feel to it. With traditional pubs and a cool outdoor pizzeria, it also happens to be a bit of a hub for watersports and horse-riding.

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Horseriding on Dunfanaghy

What better way to embrace the Wild Atlantic Way, than by horse-riding along one of its pristine shores. Dunfanaghy stables lets you explore this sandy and rocky shoreline by horseback.

Murder hole beach on Melmore Point

Described by the Irish Times as – Ireland’s Most Mysterious Beach. Don’t let its ominous name deter you, which is thought to come from Irish Legend. The story goes that the Irish warrior Fionn Mac Cool murdered Goll Mac Morna here, in revenge for killing his father.The beach is difficult to find, no road goes there and you may have to cross a field of friendly cows,  but it’s well worth the effort. Once there, you can take in the cliffs and sea caves that surround it. The perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

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Murder Hole Beach, Melomore Point, Donegal.

Malin Head

Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula, is famous as being Ireland’s most Northerly point. Also soon to be famous for another reason – scenes from Star Wars VIII were filmed in this location.

As you drive up from Buncrana, the views of Malin Head really open up. The coastline is dotted with rocky outcrops, rolling grassy hills and sandy beaches. If you can, make sure to catch a sunset there – pure magic.

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Malin Head - Photo by Chris Hill (Tourism Ireland)

Grianán of Aileach

Its hilltop location was built as a strategic defense against potential invaders. Nowadays from the top of the Neolithic Fort you can stand and view the three counties of Donegal, Derry and Tyrone, which makes for an amazing panoramic view.

The fort was built in 600AD but the site dates back to 1,700BC. It has been built and rebuilt over the years. This has helped to act as a timeline for the Celtic empire. There is even a local legend around it – if you tell a secret with the fort walls, everyone will find out!

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Grianán of Aileach, Donegal.

Start your Irish adventure on a Vagabond seven-day Magnetic North Adventure Tour.

Read more on Vagabond Tour’s blog here about some of the other highlights of the north and northwest of Ireland.

Read more: Go off the beaten track for an Irish adventure of a lifetime with Vagabond Tours