Letterkenny

As Donegal’s largest town, Letterkenny is the ideal base or a holiday in Ireland’s beautiful North-West Region. Letterkenny took its name from the Gaelic Irish “Leitir Ceannain” meaning “Hillside of the O’Cannons”. It began life as a humble fishing village, on the banks of Lough Swilly, where the River Swilly drains into the lough. By the 17th century it had grown into a prosperous market town and regional capital. Today it is the largest and most densely populated town in all of Donegal, and is a vibrant youthful town, particularly at night when its many restaurants, pubs, and clubs, are in full party mode. But it is as the centre of a vast array of wonderful holiday destinations that Letterkenny really hits the mark. Whether you are touring Donegal’s wild wonderful West Coast, or enjoying the thousands of beautiful beaches, coves, and inlets of its North Coast, Letternenny is the ideal base for operations. On those days when you don’t wish to lose yourself in nature, Letterkenny can offer its new “Arena 7 Centre”, its Aura Leisure Complex, or a selection of activity centres specializing in karting, paintballing, and climbing. And for those who wish to take things a little easier, there’s always Letterkenny’s many restaurants, galleries, and historical tours.

Letterkenny is the hub of an array of fascinating attractions. They range from the beautiful Newmills Corn and Flax Mill on the outskirts of the town, to the superb County Museum. Other treasures of the area include the extraordinary “Grianan of Aileach” ancient fort site on the roadway to Derry, and the immense Glenveagh National Park which lies to the west somewhere between Letterkenny and Mount Errigal. And of course, Letterkenny is the key to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Ireland. Marble Hill, Portsalon, and Portnoo are just some of its finest gems.

The Letterkenny Folk Festival brings together many European folk-dance teams every August. The Donegal Motor Rally takes place each June with Letterkenny as its base.

How to get to Letterkenny

By bus or car. Bus Eireann provide regular services from Dublin to Letterkenny. Alternatively follow the M1 north from Dublin to the outskirts of Dundalk, and then the N54, N2, A5, and finally the N14 into Letterkenny.

Where to stay in Letterkenny

Letterkenny has a large choice of good places to stay including hotels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses and B&B's.

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Letterkenny is surrounded by beautiful coastal towns. Don't miss Fahan and Buncrana if you are travelling east, and Ramelton and Rathmullan if you are travelling west.

Things to do in Letterkenny

1. Challenge yourself at Letterkenny’s newest action activity, Paintball Games. So if you want something different, that’s fun, full of excitement and can really get the adrenalin going, then this is for you. The Old Foundry Paintball Games suits everyone from the real enthusiast to the mildly curious. There are three varied and excellent playing surfaces and three different games are on offer, namely: Jungle Fever, Speedball and Ambush.
2. Visit the running track and swimming pools at Aura. This facility offers everybody, no matter your age or fitness level, the opportunity to improve your health and fitness as well as have fun.